The economic woes of Spain are given the Carry On treatment in Pedro Almodovar’s I’M SO EXCITED, a ribald comedy with more mincing than is possibly safe in one film. Returning to the farce that characterised his earliest films, the Spanish director lets loose with a series of overtly camp sketches and characters, only some of which work hit their mark. There’s enough joie de vivre to enjoy during the film’s sub-90 minute running time, but the overall impression is one of a slender, forgettable diversion.

A brief prologue featuring Almodovar alumni-turned-Hollywood stars Antonio Banderas and Penelope Cruz as a pair of romantically involved airport runway staff sets the stage for the main plot, which follows a passenger jet unable to land due to faulty landing gear. With the whole of economy class in a drug-induced sleep so as to minimise potential panic, the cabin crew and business class passengers idle the time away drinking, gossiping and, in one fabulous sequence, dancing away to the Pointer Sisters track which gives the film its English language title.

That the highlight of the entire film is a musical number based on an old disco hit speaks volumes

Unlike that other famous airborne comedy AIRPLANE!, this is intended as a satire rather than a spoof. A statement at the beginning of the film strenuously denies any link to reality, but don’t buy that; clearly Almodovar has someone or something in his sights. The central dilemma – will the plane be able to land safely? – is just a flimsy excuse to spend time exploring the various foibles and flaws of this curious group of characters. The passengers are a diverse lot, among them an artist, a politician, a businesswoman, even an assassin; all burdened with secrets from the past coming back to haunt them (just like, say, the years of easy credit are now doing to the people of Spain and the rest of Europe). Meanwhile, the three interchangeable air stewards try to out-camp each other, and the people in control of the country – sorry, plane – explore their own sexuality while flying around in circles.

The arch dialogue is sprinkled with plenty of amusing lines, though non-Spanish speakers may find it hard keeping up. The problem is that, though there are smiles to be had, there are no big laughs – something of a flaw in an out-and-out farce like this. That the highlight of the entire film is a musical number based on an old disco hit speaks volumes. Take away the specifically Spanish commentary and there isn’t a great deal left. Sure, there a few sly digs at the political and economic fallout of the global financial crisis – Ciudad Real Airport, famed for having closed in 2012 after just three years in business, is referenced late on – but unless you lived there they are unlikely to mean much.

The broader points hit home: politicians will try to sleaze their way out of problems, businessmen buy their way out of them, and so on. If you’re expecting anything more incisive than that, then you’re likely to be disappointed. But hey, never mind, don’t try to overthink it: just sit back, relax and enjoy the view instead.

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