Take That is not as global as some icons in the British music industry, not when compared to the likes of Queen and Elton John. So when a film such as this comes along you have to wonder what route they will go down. Will it be a biopic based on the band? How about a slavish and stylish account of the rise and fall of the band? The answer is no to both questions and instead, we get the film Greatest Days which takes a more Mamma Mia approach by interweaving the biggest hits of Take That into an original story about friendship and love. So the last remaining question is does the film work? Yes, and no.
The main character of the film is Rachel, played by Aisling Bea, who balances the comedy aspects very well with the dramatic aspects. Rachel loved the mysterious “Band” throughout her teen years along with a close-knit group of friends, but in the present day, her love for the Band has fizzled out. A radio competition could change that and could reunite her with her childhood friends in a story of nostalgia and friendship, all while her boyfriend keeps proposing to her for her hand in marriage which he continually turns down. The 90s set pieces surrounding the young girls and their love for the band are the highlight of the film. The younger actors really do have great chemistry and they provide a youthfulness that the film needs. It is in the present-day moments that take on a more dramatic approach as the characters look back in hindsight with a lot of regrets.
This is a film based around Take That songs, so you can expect some of their greatest songs to appear in the film, and each song, from a heartwarming rendition of Rule the World to an extravagant Greek set-piece for Greatest Day, feels fun and flavourful. The dancing, choreography and set designs all stand out and make this film feel more energetic, but then the sombre moments come where each character has a regret and show how life doesn’t always go as planned, which is great in terms of storytelling as it presents a realistic view of growing up but it detracts from the magical moments of when they’re young and full of opportunity. Lara McDonnell is a stand-out as the young Rachel, as she copes with growing up and her infatuation with boy bands - almost in a way that reminds me of the film The World’s End with Simon Pegg and his reluctance to grow up. Sadly, the film feels very unevenly balanced and the story goes down a different route than what you’re expecting.
There is a great drama film within the story, and a great musical film too but sadly they don’t go together as well. There are a lot of nods to Take That’s back catalogue, including a cameo appearance from the trio, so fans of the band will enjoy the film. The film also feels very theatrical which makes sense considering this is adapted from a stage play and by the end of the film you will have their music stuck in your head, and a little bit of a spring in your step. It may feel like a sombre film by the end but it also reminds us to live our lives to the fullest and it captures the essence of the music really well.
★★★☆☆
3/5
Final Verdict:
The music of Take That flows through this film with care and tender, and fits within the story organically and melodically. The story does take a few left turns and surprises you with its heartfelt messages. I just wish we saw more of the younger cast who displayed more charisma and more fun than the older cast, where the themes become more heavy and mature. Could it be magic? Maybe not, but this film is fun and fans of the band will enjoy the sing-a-long nature of the story.
Thanks for reading today’s blog!
Alex Murray, the Head of Eyesight Productions
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