Andre Raymond The first twenty minutes have great promise as the dying Albert asks his two wartime buddies for a huge favor. Darkly humorous. Once the show goes on the road however the movie starts to lose its charm and the character of Vicki makes no sense at all. I cannot write more without spoiling the twist such as it is. The ending is too obvious and overstated. I was perhaps hoping for too much from the great David Warner.

Fat Freddy's Cat Very clearly modelled on 'Last Orders', it embodies the same formula of old men carrying out the deathbed wishes of a wartime comrade, who entrusts them to dispose of his mortal remains according to his particular direction. This sends them on a "heroes' journey" during which long held suspicions and antagonisms get ultimately laid to rest, enabling them to emerge more healthy in mind. It similarly casts some of the finest British actors of their generation, substituting Davids Jason and Warner for Bob Hoskins, Tom Courtenay and David Hemmings as the 'undertakers' of the mission, and Michael Jayston for Michael Caine as the deceased party. It even makes an oblique reference to Margate in clear homage to 'Last Orders'.However, it delves even deeper into the human psyche with an even blacker memory that they have all been suppressing for 55 years, all about just trying to do their jobs as soldiers at a time when death was all around, and innocent non-combatants were far from exempt. The story deliberately follows a path of increasing improbability as it develops an ever more pointed trail of clues about their mystery hitchhiker, who becomes so crucial to them completing their mission.'Last of the Summer Wine' set the stage for what is hopefully now a succession of comedic drama productions, such as 'Last Orders' and 'Albert's Memorial', in which old men find that their age suddenly allows them to open up and discard their inhibitions about feelings which their upbringing in a distant era had told them a man should never reveal. As a man in my 60s I view this as a strong parallel to all the messages we are getting these days about "men's health", as our mental health is of equal importance. In the modern buzzword, it's "empowering" to receive a message that things which need to be talked about should no longer be suppressed.Like the other contributors here, I saw it on Australian ABC TV last night, and I'm still thinking about it. Thoroughly recommended, and fuller details (including the casting of Michael Jayston) would be welcome on IMDb.

Alec Lamberton This was just shown on ABC in Australia, and it was an unexpected pleasure.David Warner and David Jason mesh well as two tired, old men, trying to fulfill a deceased friend's dying wish. On the way they meet a lovely, if mysterious, girl called Vicki, and they have adventures as they journey across Europe at their friend's behest.Warner and Jason mesh well, both at their best, Warner as a complete curmudgeon, Jason as slightly bewildered. Both still at the top of their game and pulling off some very good comedy timing.It's that comedy that makes the movie, overlaying the sombre tone of two men coping with losing a good friend.I certainly recommend giving it a shot, you may be surprised. 7/10

purplexs2-607-122895 Albert (deceased) is one of 3 British WWII vets, whose 2 remaining friends honour his wish to be buried at the site of their shared wartime experience, in Germany.It's classification as a comedy is inadequate. It's gently mocking tone evokes smiles rather than laughter, and it's sentimentality gradually builds to show troubling memories shared by the 2 aged vets, which their bemused hitchhiker tries to soothe.The use of artifice is restrained, cinematography and soundtrack are plain but effective, and the downbeat dialogue and acting suits the story.The languid pace of this film may deter some, but it richly rewards those viewers who watch it in full: this is a film of rare beauty and power.