The Sunday morning cinema ladies have been lying abed recently so this weekend we've indulged in an orgy of movie-going to make up for it. First up, on Saturday, was the long-awaited Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Don't hate me, I know I'm an old cynic - but I couldn't get that excited about it. Too saccharine for me and I thought Lily James must be mad to jilt a wealthy Yank for a potato farmer who had nothing to offer but his Jersey Royals and a love of books. I liked the scenery and the clothes ... but it was like seeing Their Finest all over again and I dozed off a bit in the middle. My friend, however, was mopping her eyes at the end and loved every minute.




Next morning we reconvened to see a powerful performance from Maxine Peake in Funny Cow, in which she plays a stand-up comedienne on the northern club circuit. (Loosely based, for those old enough to remember, on Marti Caine.) Strong stuff, but it'll stay in my mind long after Potato Peel Pie  has composted down into a mush of ration cards and period detail in my brain.

I was feeling a bit churlish for being so underwhelmed by The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society - but was heartened to see in yesterday's paper that the Times' critic gave it 1* star and his 'absolutely no screen chemistry whatsoever' award. He must be grouchier than me because I'd say 2* for the clothes and lipstick. Coincidentally, he also gave 5* to Funny Cow. You read it here first!