Lisa Marshall Not what I expected - and so much better. I have always loved British humor and here is a shining example of why. It's just funny. A little bit corny but there is some element to it all that truly hits my funny bone.Well done. Good plot. Great irony.

mark.waltz When British vicar Rowan Atkinson and his beautiful but troubled wife Kristen Scott Thomas hire a new housekeeper, they are unaware of what they are getting themselves involved in. Giving one of her most subtle performances with a twist, Maggie Smith takes great pleasure in sticking it to the notion that little old ladies can be deadly...and funny. Having killed a cheating husband and mistress years before, she's out on the street and suddenly finds herself working for Atkinson and Thomas, having a past involving Thomas, and doing everything she can (and I mean everything and anything!) To protect them.In a hysterical small part, Patrick Swayze plays a lecherous tennis pro who is lusting over Thomas's daughter while reducing her. Besides Swayze, there's also a neighbor with a non-stop barking dog and a pesky old lady (the amusing Liz Smith) who keeps bugging Atkinson about church flowers. The young son gets aide from Smith in dealing with school bullies, and Atkinson gets help with sermon issues and ideas for a month major conference he's expected to speak at. Googling God for giggles adds on more laughs, and it's all subtle and deliciously dark. Call this "Serial Mom Senior Style" with a British style rarely seen since the Ealing comedies, and you get the picture.

Rory Gauld I was most satisfied after my first watch of this film. Whether that was because of my almost creepy love for Maggie Smith and Rowan Atkinson, I don't know. This film is similar style to that of Calendar Girls etc. Classic British cast in a delightful location making you feel a number of emotions. All I can say is that if you want a film that will make you laugh, weep, and most importantly feel content after watching, give this a go.I won't give away the plot as it's what makes me enjoy this film, but I can say that Smith was perfect for this roll, and that Atkinson never hesitated to make you smile with his obliviousness to what was happening around him.If it's a rainy day and you want something to warm your heart, watch this. Not really one for the young kids though as adult themes, strong language, and nudity are in this.7/10

blanche-2 As a young woman, Grace Hopkins was sent to prison for an indeterminate period of time after killing her husband and his lover and stuffing them in a trunk. Unfortunately, on a train trip, blood started leaking out of the trunk, and Grace was caught. Years later, Grace (now Maggie Smith) becomes the housekeeper for a minister's family. The minister, Walter (Rowan Atkinson) is a forgetful person, preoccupied with his work -- so preoccupied that he's stopped having sex with his wife Gloria (Kristen Scott Thomas) who is contemplating an affair with her golf pro Lance (Patrick Swayze). Walter's and Gloria's beautiful older daughter (Tamsin Egerton) is a nympho and knows her mom isn't getting any, and their son (Toby Parkes) is the object of bullying at school.Grace sets about making things right for the family, but sometimes her methods are a bit questionable."Keeping Mum" is a wonderful English comedy, and the performances are superb. Maggie Smith as a sweet-seeming but ruthless old woman is a riot. Kristen Scott Thomas does a fantastic job as Gloria, unhappy but unsure about having an affair with the randy Lance. Though it was sad to see Patrick Swayze and realize he's gone, he was perfect as the horny golf pro who gives the sexiest golf lessons around. Rowan Atkinson, as the dim minister, is marvelous, growing from a man lacking in self-confidence to taking on a new presence in his life and ministry.Highly recommended. I had the great privilege of seeing Maggie Smith on-stage in "Lettice and Lovage" and she was magnificent. I'm afraid that opportunity won't come again. What a joy to be able to see her in films.