This film adaptation of the musical is plenty of fun but feels as though the story could use a bit more depth in places.
For anyone growing up who has adored a band, there will be a lot that they can relate to in this film that is a story of friendship that shows how the power of music has to unite people and bring them back together.
Based on the stage musical of the same name (which is currently on a UK & Ireland tour), the story begins with nurse Rachel winning a radio competition to travel to Athens to see her favourite boy band, who she had been following since childhood. But the problem is that she hasn’t spoken to her school friends Heather, Zoe, Claire and Debbie who also loved this band (who are never named but follow them constantly around) for reasons that become clear as the film goes on. As the ladies reunite, they share memories, secrets and self-doubts as well as adventures that makes for a warm and affectionate watch – particularly when it is interspersed with flashbacks to their teenage selves.
Featuring the music of Take That and written by Tim Firth, the script might seem a little basic but there is no doubting that there is warmth and affection to be found in every scene included – although some of the songs feel a little shoe-horned in at times it is certainly a joyful watch. The music will of course be familiar to Take That fans and there are moments in the film that allow for a new interpretation of the lyrics – with ‘Back For Good’ and ‘Said It All’ particularly standing out in this regard.
It has to be said the choreography for many of the musical numbers is lively and really reflects the music and story well, feeling like a true celebration of friendship and dealing with grief and insecurities about growing up. Yes it would have been lovely to have more depth into how each character ended up where they are but this is a film about confronting the past and moving forwards together.
Directed by Coky Giedroyc, Greatest Days is filled with humour and nostalgia, with references to Ceefax (made humorous when it references Britain’s bright future in the EU) and of course all the interesting fashion choices in the 1990’s that will bring back affectionate memories for those of us who were around in the 90’s. Equally, the way in which the story moves from the past to the present is very smoothly done and ties everything together neatly.
The chemistry between all of the cast works really well, with Aisling Bea as Rachel and Jayde Adams as Claire particularly standing out giving a full range of emotion and depth to their characters that keeps the audience invested in their journeys as individuals to deal with their grief and self-confidence issues.
Overall, this is a gentle and heartwarming watch that will delight anyone who has ever grown up with a shared enjoyment of supporting a boy band with their friends.
By Emma Clarendon
Greatest Days is available to buy and download now.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐