Fun for Fans, but Not Much Else
MOVIE REVIEW
Are You Being Served? - The Movie (Blu-ray)
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Genre: Comedy, Adventure, Action
Year Released: 1977, Kino Lorber Blu-ray 2025
Runtime: 1h 16m
Director(s): Bob Kellett
Writer(s): David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd
Cast: John Inman, Mollie Sugden, Frank Thornton, Trevor Bannister, Wendy Richard, Arthur Brough
Where To Watch: available now, order your copy here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com
RAVING REVIEW: Adapting a beloved sitcom into a feature-length film is never simple. The challenge lies in stretching its fast-paced humor, dialogue, and situational comedy into a story that justifies its runtime. This film attempts to retain the charm of its television counterpart by bringing back the original cast and comedic style. While there are glimmers of what made the show a success, the transition to the big screen exposes weaknesses in structure, pacing, and overall execution. Fans of the series may find moments of nostalgic enjoyment, but as a standalone comedy, it struggles to make an impact.
The story centers on the Grace Brothers staff, who are sent on an all-expenses-paid holiday while the department store undergoes renovations. What should be a relaxing getaway turns into a string of mishaps involving bizarre accommodations, cultural misunderstandings, and an outlandish subplot involving a military coup. Uprooting familiar characters and placing them in an unfamiliar setting is a common sitcom-to-film approach, but in this case, the concept outshines the execution.
One of the biggest missteps is the time it takes to get moving. Nearly a third of the film is in the store before the characters board a plane. While this may serve as a comfortable reintroduction for longtime fans, it slows down the film’s energy before it has a chance to pick up. By the time they reach their destination, the comedy leans into broad stereotypes and over-the-top misunderstandings but fails to take full advantage of the change in scenery.
Another area where the film struggles is its underutilization of some of its strongest comedic assets. Andrew Sachs, known for his excellent work in British television, appears as the hotel manager but is given little to do. His role feels more like a throwaway reference than a meaningful addition to the film. Similarly, the subplot involving an armed uprising feels hastily inserted rather than a well-developed comedic aspect. Instead of meaningfully heightening the chaos, it fizzles out as an afterthought.
The humor combines classic innuendos, slapstick, and misunderstandings—staples of British comedy. However, what works well in a tight 30-minute format doesn’t always translate to a longer runtime. Jokes that might have been amusing in a short episode are drawn out too long, losing their impact. A dinner sequence in which love notes are repeatedly passed to the wrong person stretches beyond its limit.
Despite its shortcomings, the film has strengths. The returning cast is as sharp as ever, and their chemistry is one of the highlights. John Inman delivers some of the film’s funnier moments, using his impeccable timing and physical comedy to keep the energy alive. Mollie Sugden continues to command attention with her exaggerated delivery, while Wendy Richard maintains the sarcastic wit that made her character stand out in the series.
Instead of reinventing itself for a larger format, it feels like an extended episode stretched past its limits. The film's reliance on old gags and familiar character quirks makes it difficult to establish its identity beyond the show. That said, nostalgia can go a long way in how a film is received. Devoted fans of the original series may still enjoy seeing their favorite characters on a new adventure. However, for those unfamiliar with the show, the film does little to meaningfully introduce them to the characters.
On a technical level, the film’s budget constraints are noticeable. The supposed "Spanish" resort is largely recreated within studio sets, giving the film a staged feel rather than a real sense of adventure. While this was common for films like this, it limits the opportunity to create a more immersive experience.
Ultimately, this film is made primarily for fans who want to see these characters in a different setting. Viewers looking for a well-executed sitcom-to-film transition may find better examples elsewhere. For casual audiences, the original episodes remain the best way to enjoy these characters at their best.
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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]
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