Keeping Mum

Not to be confused with another film about a British mother, “Keeping Mum” is a delightful film about a family trying to reconnect.

There is a lot of cheeky British humor involved in this little romp. Without giving too much away, let me just say that murder can be funny.

Also, the patriarch of the family is Rowan Atkinson, playing a Reverend in a small town. I think you know you’re not normally in for serious dramatic work when Mr. Bean plays a Vicar.

Kristin Scott Thomas plays his wife, who has become unhappy with her marriage and is leaning towards running away with her golf instructor, Patrick Swayze.

That’s right, Patrick Swayze!

His cheesy charm is glorious to watch as he has been away from the spotlight for too long.

The children of the family are done well enough, though more notably by the older sister, the very attractive and slightly too young for California penal law (I think) Tamsin Egerton.

Should I mention now that Britain doesn’t have the same laws about needing to be 18 for consensual sex or issues about being topless in a film?

Anywho, the film’s main plot push comes with the arrival of a new housekeeper, venerable actress Maggie Smith. While hired just to clean and cook, she also tries to bring the family dynamic back into its appropriate balance.

Smith plays this with elegance and wit, seeming to be having so much fun with her role that the audience can’t help but be caught up in it.

Now, that’s not to say “Keeping Mum” is perfect.

This film is predictable. This film doesn’t break any new ground. This film probably won’t win any awards.

But I liked it and had a very pleasant time sitting in that dark room with a bunch of noisy strangers.

This is a film sure to provide some comfort and enjoyment on a rainy day or if you just need a break from the rest of what’s out there.

I’m giving “Keeping Mum” a 3 out of 5. Maybe not a must see but you can do a lot worse.