moonspinner55 Review of Shirley Valentine

Shirley Valentine (1989)

Modest character study/comedy elevated by Collins' performance...

[5/10 · 18 August 2007]

Pauline Collins received a deserved Oscar nomination for feel-good performance as Shirley Valentine, stifled working-class housewife from Liverpool who tires of her boring job and dull marriage and splits for a vacation alone in Greece. Willy Russell adapted his own play, with Collins occasionally addressing the camera directly, and for a few awkward scenes it feels like nothing more than a stunt. Russell balances antiquated "You Can Do Anything"-isms with saucier set-pieces and gags, and the results are both warm and queasy. Still, Collins overcomes the self-conscious, unsure handling of the material and creates a memorable, funny woman. She's the genuine article, the picture itself is not. **1/2 from ****