Keeping Mum

The ambition to make a black comedy that would stand out from the mainstream and qualitatively overshadow the competition (with a great cast and sets) is appreciated, but Keeping Mum only gets about halfway there. The film doesn’t offer anything that we haven’t already seen elsewhere, as it mixes playful cuteness with British black humor in the most overwrought way without bringing any surprises. But the gilding on the formulaic screenplay is nice. And Rowan Atkinson is not just a comedian, but a real actor. (03/17/2006)

In some moments during the film, I had a great time, mostly just very good, but overall I have to say that I have no problem giving it five stars because this movie is shot in a style that I like, full of humor that is characteristic for me, and with professionalism that I cannot appreciate enough. Typically British dry humor, double entendres, irony, and a black-to-morbid comedic style. Parodies of classic British detective stories and British lifestyle. Rowan Atkinson is somewhat pushed aside, so you can easily forget about Mr. Bean. The film is led by Maggie Smith in the role of a housekeeper who takes her cleaning job very seriously. Maggie could immediately nominate herself as the most sympathetic serial killer in British cinema. Overall impression: 90%. (01/14/2013)

This is an excellent comedy full of dark humor, outstanding actors, and an excellent plot. This is a movie that is really close to my heart and that I have a terrible fondness for, so much so that I am able to quote certain dialogues from memory, like the one with the broccoli. :) (12/29/2008)