St Trinian’s
Directors: Oliver Parker, Barnaby Thompson
Starring: Rupert Everett, Colin Firth, Russell Brand, Mischa Barton, Celia Imrie
Runtime: 100 mins
Rating: * * *
St Trinian’s was perhaps one of the most hyped movies of 2007, with an all-star cast reviving the tales of the girls’ school and the pupils’ anarchic adventures. The film opens with the arrival of innocent new girl Annabelle (Talulah Riley), shocked at her new school’s lack of discipline causing her to deem it “Hogwarts for pikeys”. She is, of course, a prime target for a good dose of school tricks, reaching its climax when her clothes are stolen while she’s in the shower and she ends up running naked down the corridor. Eventually, Annabelle is accepted into the St Trinian’s clan, only for the girls to discover that the school will be closed down by the Education Minister (Colin Firth) if its £500,000 debt isn’t paid off. The girls’ plan to steal ‘The Girl with the Pearl Earring’ painting to save their school forms the rest of the narrative.
While most of the acting performances are accomplished, particularly those of head girl Kelly (Gemma Arterton) and Russell Brand’s Flash Harry, the film’s jokes are far too run-of-the-mill and clichéd. Stealing clothes from showers and Colin Firth’s little escapade into the swimming pool have all been seen before, meaning that St Trinian’s comic potential is perhaps limited. There is, however, one comic gem: Rupert Everett’s cross-dressing performance as headmistress Camilla Fritton. Combining alcoholic tendencies with a Camilla Parker Bowles appearance, Everett’s portrayal of the headmistress reaches its comic height when she appears in a pink velour tracksuit complete with huge sunglasses and a headscarf fit for any discerning female member of the Royal Family.
This revival of the St Trinian’s franchise features a couple of memorable moments and is amusing throughout; however, it just doesn’t do justice to the British ability to make a comedy film. With a few tweaks here and there – particularly during the quiz show the girls try to win to save their school from bankruptcy – it could have been a thoroughly hilarious experience.
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