Americans filmmakers have elevated the blockbuster and the popcorn flick to fine art status. But it takes the British (and occasionally the French), to do the small, witty and moving films. Based on a true story, Calendar Girls is the Full Monty for women 'of a certain age.'

Chris (Helen Mirren) and Ann (Julie Walters) are best friends living a quiet life in a quaint English town. They grow flowers, they have good solid marriages and they have a weekly women's club that features exciting presentations on topics as exciting as the uses of broccoli and the history of carpets. When Annie's husband, John, in a touching performance by John Alderton, dies of leukemia, they decided to use their women's club calendar as a vehicle for raising money to replace the sofa in the hospital's waiting room. The catch is that the calendar will be a tasteful nude calendar. The movie follows the women, not just through the making of the calendar but also through the roller coaster ride of unexpected fame that followed.

It's enjoyable, moving and on several occasions a bit over dramatic. But Mirren and Walters are wonderful as the best friends whose friendship has withstood the test of time. I enjoyed the way they related to each other and the honesty of their relationship.

 The story and the film lose steam when the girls' head to the States to promote the calendar. It's just too long. I found myself looking at my watch. Did we have to see every single photo op and book signing?