Military Wives
If the sight of Kristin Scott Thomas in evening gown, pearls, and military boots, running across a London street toward the Royal Albert Hall can’t make you smile, you’re too far gone for the simple, sentimental pleasures of Military Wives. Inspired by a British reality TV series that traced the making of a choir — which in turn led to a hit single on the U.K. charts — the film follows a familiar template: A group of ordinary British folks (see: title) take on a creative project for which they have no apparent affinity and triumph in the end (see: Royal Albert Hall).
It’s the same premise that powered previous English hits The Full Monty and Calendar Girls, to name just two, and for good measure it’s even directed by Monty’s Peter Cattaneo. In addition to Scott Thomas, it’s got Sharon Horgan (of Amazon’s Catastrophe), the duo portraying two officers’ wives who, of course, can’t stand each other. Tasked with keeping military wives occupied during their spouses’ deployment to Afghanistan, the two women start a “singing club.” An assortment of likable character actresses portray an assortment of likable women: the one with the great voice, the new bride, the lesbian, the great mom, and so on.
The script is by a couple relative newbies, Rosanne Flynn and Rachel Tunnard, and you may have to grit your teeth through the clunky introductory scenes and the stock plot elements (a deceased child, a rebellious daughter, stage fright, etc.). But once the women start bonding and singing — “Don’t You Want Me” and “True Colors” are early favorites — the emotional wave builds and you can either roll your eyes and get out of the way or jump aboard and enjoy the ride.
There’s nothing original about Military Wives — save, perhaps, the real women who inspired it (who get the usual cameo over the final credits). But its predictability is part of its charm. You don’t watch this movie to be challenged, but to be reduced to a puddle of tears by the end. So put your judginess on pause for a couple of hours and, as the song goes, “don't be afraid to let them show / Your true colors.”
And if you doubt the sincerity and accuracy of the serio-hokey musical selections, call up songs by the group “Military Wives” on the streaming service of your choice.
Grade: B. Rated PG-13 (but suitable for family viewing if you don’t mind the occasional profanity). Available May 22 via the Virtual Cinema program on the Fine Arts Theatre’s website.
(Photo courtesy of TIFF)
