Calendar Girls

REVIEW
This very enjoyable if lightweight comedy has already been dubbed "a female Full Monty," and for good reason — that's exactly what you get as a group of middle-aged women bare it all to raise a little cash. Mirren plays a slightly bored housewife/mother who shakes up her fuddy-duddy women's group by suggesting that they pose nude for a calendar — the proceeds of which would go toward a more comfortable waiting-room couch at the local hospital, in honor of her best friend's late husband. The predictable shocked reactions, squabbles and smiles ensue. This is all better than it ought to be, thanks mainly to Mirren and Walters (both of whom still look great), and firm direction, writing and a game supporting cast. The last third or so, when the now-infamous women head to Hollywood, turns a bit too serious and strained, but this remains an engaging comedy-drama.