Keeping Mum

Keeping Mum
2005
4/5 stars

The family of the retiring and oblivious Reverend Goodfellow (Rowan Atkinson) is falling apart: his wife (Kristin Scott Thomas) is lonely and looking for solace with the golf instructor (Patrick Swayze), his daughter is running wild, and his son is being bullied at school.  When the new housekeeper, Grace (Maggie Smith), arrives, things begin to look up for the Goodfellows as problems seem to miraculously disappear.  What they don't realize is that 43 years ago, Grace was responsible for clearing up a problem of her own in a most interesting way.

In this disturbingly entertaining black comedy, the veteran cast display their excellent acting skills. Atkinson is particularly great, and it's hard to find a better actress than Dame Maggie Smith.  The story line was engaging from the beginning and flowed with good timing. The humor is not going to be for everyone, but I often found it laugh-out-loud funny.  Overall, while I can't give it a universal recommendation, it was an enjoyable film for those who appreciate the twisted British wit.