Blasting in with a flood of Bolly (Bollinger, their champagne of choice) nearly powerful and silly enough to blow away the post-Brexit blues, Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley give their all to “Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie” and drag it bitching and boozing over the fine line between ropey TV transfer and riotous night out.

The celebrity cameos alone should power it to some kind of kitsch success but there are enough funny jokes and quotable moments from Edina (Saunders) and Patsy (Lumley) that give it that botox injection to lift it well clear of recent fashionista film duds such as “Sex and the City 2” and “Zoolander 2.”

I do wonder, if anyone unfamiliar with the long-running BBC TV comedy (which premiered in 1992) walking into the movie theatre would they have a clue about what is going on? Perhaps wisely, the filmmakers haven’t haven’t bothered to improve on the overall sketchiness of the original TV show characters, but they do keep some of the recurring figures from it, such as June Whitfield as Eddy’s mother, Jane Horrocks as her PA Bubble (stealing practically every scene she’s in) and Julia Sawalha as disapproving daughter Saffy, now a mother herself, to 13-year-old Lola (newcomer Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness).

Also Read: 'The Legend of Tarzan' Review: Alexander Skarsgard Swings Through a Bungle in the Jungle

But it’s the enduring friendship between the two lead characters that benefits most from the big screen crossover, the 91 minutes running time even allowing them to develop moments of tenderness amid the champagne swilling, cigarette smoking and pill popping.

The plot concerns Eddy and Patsy having to flee London after thinking they’ve killed Kate Moss (conveniently played by Kate Moss) at a launch party, knocking the supermodel into the Thames and provoking a period of national mourning. One of the funniest gags sees the BBC’s serious Middle East reporter Orla Guerin delivering the news of the model’s demise from the impromptu riverside shrine consisting of piles Hunter wellies and bottles of Sauvignon Blanc.

Edina and Patsy flit on a budget airline to the south of France (“I can’t redecorate my way out of this one, sweetie”) and hole up in the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, seeking a rich sugar daddy for the sexually-voracious Patsy.

This isn’t a comedy too shy to try the line: “They’ll sniff me up the Croisette,” and get away with it. Indeed, it is probably one of the best “Carry On movies” never made, powered by two tearaway women unashamed of themselves or their behavior.

Also Read: 'Bridget Jones's Baby' Trailer: Patrick Dempsey, Colin Firth Battle to Become a Daddy (Video)

Although these women can feel the world they once ruled slipping away, you have to admire the way they pick themselves up — and ultimately we cheer their blissful disregard for being out of time. “I’ve been trollied on Twitter,” mumbles Edina, proudly.

With its drag queens and farcical police, its wealth and glamour, there are nods to 1960s capers along with “Some Like It Hot.” Lumley in particular excels in the later scenes in Cap Ferrat, when she dons a David Niven moustache to woo a rich woman, after the Riviera men having proved themselves too bloated and ridiculous even for Patsy.

While Edina spends much of the film trying to prove she can walk in outlandish gold stilettos without wobbling, so the film lurches from one set piece to another without much finesse but still without spilling its drink either. While it teeters into silliness — this is, after all, one of those breathless gag-a-thons where even the briefest lull needs a sip of bubbly keep the pep up — Saunders and Lumley are so wholehearted and honest in their sheer comic gusto that the viewer surrenders and remains firmly by their side.

So, the cameos? Joan Collins, Moss, Jerry Hall, Jon Hamm, Emma “Baby Spice” Bunton, Lulu, Barry Humphries, Jean Paul Gaultier just to name a few. Many others, though shrewdly-positioned for maximum TV and social media exposure, are as fleeting as their own celebrity status will be.

Rebel Wilson probably wins this little on-the-side parlor game of the cameo competition, playing the budget air stewardess, a self-styled DNB — “do nothing bitch” — who eventually faces off with Patsy in another of the film’s best jokes, one probably inspired by a legendary Moss airplane story.

Also Read: 'Swiss Army Man' Review: Daniel Radcliffe and Paul Dano Explore the Power of Flatulence

Director Mandie Fletcher, a veteran of BBC TV comedy including “Blackadder,” “Ab Fab” and “Only Fools and Horses,” keeps the energy high and the pop-up appearances as light as possible. Tumbleweed moments are mercifully few which, considering the flimsiness of the premise and the woodenness of some of the contributors, is quite an achievement.

While Lumley is clearly the best actor in sight — her twisted, lemony comedy face is a marvel — in the end, the double-act carries the day, providing much-needed sunshine and laughter for the benighted and bedraggled people of Britain. Edina and Patsy are movie stars now, darlings, cementing their place as national treasures — hell, they could run for Parliament right now and romp home. I wish they would.

50 Actresses Over 50 Who Still Rule Hollywood (Photos)

Getty Images
Nicole Kidman (birthdate: 06/20/67)

The Australian Oscar winner has kept busy with blockbusters ("Aquaman"), award-winning indies ("Boy Erased") and TV hits like HBO's "Big Little Lies."
Helena Bonham Carter (birthdate: 05/26/66)

After starring in 2015's "Cinderella," this Oscar nominee reprised a different Disney role as the Red Queen in "Alice Through the Looking Glass."
Getty Images
Robin Wright (birthdate: 04/08/66)

A Golden Globe-winning actress, Wright plays Claire Underwood in Netflix’s "House of Cards" and appeared in 2017's "Wonder Woman" and the long-awaited "Blade Runner" sequel.
Getty Images
Halle Berry

(birthdate: 08/14/66)

Aside from the fact that she's the only black woman to win an Oscar for Best Actress, she recently starred in "X-Men: Days of Future Past," "John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum" and two movies in the "Kingsman" series.
Getty Images
Salma Hayek

(birthdate: 09/02/66)

Salma Hayek has been a household name since forever and it's no wonder -- she's had notable movie roles "Frida," "Desperado," and "Wild Wild West."
Getty Images
Viola Davis (birthdate: 08/11/65)

An accomplished SAG and Emmy winner, Davis stars in ABC’s hit series "How to Get Away With Murder" and 2016's "Suicide Squad."
Getty Images
Gong Li (birthdate: 12/31/65)

After making her American film debut in 2006's "Miami Vice," Li helped bring Chinese cinema to Europe and the U.S.
Getty Images
Sarah Jessica Parker (birthdate: 03/25/65)

Following the enormous success of her breakout series "Sex and the City," Jessica Parker starred in a string of romantic comedies. She stars in HBO's new with comedy "Divorce."
Getty Images
Diane Lane (birthdate: 01/22/65)

The Oscar nominee has been busy, voicing the mother in Pixar's "Inside Out," playing Cleo Trumbo in "Trumbo," and Martha Kent in 2013's "Man of Steel" and 2016's "Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice."
Getty Images
Vivica A. Fox (birthdate: 07/30/64).

Since the '80s, Fox has made a name for herself in both film and TV, including appearances in Fox's "Empire" and reprising her role as Jasmine Dubrow in "Independence Day: Resurgence."
Getty Images
Marisa Tomei (birthdate: 12/04/64)

The Oscar-winning Tomei maintains a tireless work ethic, playing roles in "The Big Short," "Captain America: Civil War," and 2017's "Spider-Man: Homecoming."
Getty Images
Courteney Cox (birthdate: 06/15/64)

Since the end of ABC's "Cougar Town," Cox returned to acting in 2016's "Mothers and Daughters" and recently made her directorial debut with "Just Before I Go."
Getty Images
Monica Bellucci (birthdate: 09/30/64)

After turning heads in "The Passion of the Christ" and two of the three "Matrix" films, the Italian actress returned to the silver screen as a Bond girl in 2015's "Spectre."
Getty Images
Mary-Louise Parker (birthdate: 08/02/64)

The Golden Globe winner maintained some of her post-"Weeds" success with a small recurring role in the second season of NBC’s "The Blacklist."
Getty Images
Sandra Bullock (birthdate: 07/26/64)

"The Blind Side" star gained another Oscar nom for 2013's "Gravity" and stayed busy with 2015's "Our Brand is Crisis" and "Minions."
Getty Images
Laura Linney (birthdate: 02/05/64)

This three-time Oscar and Tony nominee is working hard, with big roles in 2015's "Mr. Holmes," 2016's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows" and Clint Eastwood's "Sully."
Getty Images
Mariska Hargitay (birthdate: 01/23/64)

Having appeared on several TV shows since the '90s, Hargitay is best known as Olivia Benson on "Law & Order: SVU" and for founding the Joyful Heart Foundation, which provides support to women who have been sexually abused.
Getty Images
Ming-Na Wen (birthdate: 11/20/63)

In addition to being the enchanting voice of the heroine in Disney's "Mulan," Wen is known for her roles on "Stargate Universe" and ABC's "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."
Getty Images
Lisa Kudrow (birthdate: 07/30/63)

Since her days as a "Friends" leading lady, Kudrow has been active in film and TV, playing characters in Netflix’s "BoJack Horseman," "Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising," and her short-lived show "The Comeback."
Getty Images
Helen Hunt (birthdate: 06/15/63)

The "As Good As It Gets" actress drew acclaim in 2012 for her role in Sundance favorite "The Sessions" and has a recurring role in the Fox crime drama "Shots Fired."
Getty Images
Vanessa Williams (birthdate: 03/18/63)

Even after the end of ABC's "Ugly Betty" and the short-lived "666 Park Avenue," Williams managed to grab some guest spots on "The Good Wife" and "Broad City."
Getty Images
Demi Moore (birthdate: 11/11/62)

While doing charity work for her anti-sex-trafficking foundation Thorn, Moore has starred in a few indie movies, including 2012's financial drama "Margin Call," 2013's "Very Good Girls," and 2016's "Wild Oats" with Jessica Lange and Shirley MacLaine.
Getty Images
Jodie Foster (birthdate: 11/19/62)

After appearing in "Elysium" and "Carnage," the Oscar-winning actress took a break from acting and returned to directing with 2016's "Money Monster" starring George Clooney and Julia Roberts.
Getty Images
Jennifer Jason Leigh (birthdate: 02/05/62)

With a career that spans four decades, Jason Leigh has had recent success with two big hits from last year, voicing the titular character in "Anomalisa" and playing a racist outlaw in "The Hateful Eight," earning an Oscar nomination for the latter.
Getty Images
Julia Louis-Dreyfus (birthdate: 01/13/61)

Since the end of the universally beloved "Seinfeld," Louis-Dreyfus has maintained her comedic chops, playing the lead in the CBS sitcom "The New Adventures of Old Christine" and wrapped her seventh and last season of HBO’s "Veep."
Getty Images
Jane Lynch (birthdate: 07/14/60)

Despite the 2016 cancellation of her short-lived sitcom "Angel from Hell," Lynch has made strides in the past few years, first playing Sue Sylvester in Fox's musical dramedy "Glee" and as host of NBC's "Hollywood Game Night."
Getty Images
Julianne Moore (birthdate: 12/03/60)

Having appeared in both mainstream and art-house films, Moore has received acclaim for her Academy Award-winning performance in "Still Alice" and played a crucial role in the "Hunger Games: Mockingjay" two-parter.
Getty Images
Lorraine Toussaint (birthdate: 04/04/60)

Starting her career in theater before transitioning into film and TV, Toussaint has appeared in Ava DuVernay's "Selma" and the short-lived Fox series "Forever." She's also received praise for her work as Vee in Netflix's "Orange Is the New Black."
Getty Images
Emma Thompson (birthdate: 04/15/59)

One of Hollywood and Britain's most accomplished performers, Thompson appeared in "Bridget Jones' Baby" in fall 2016, the Disney reboot/remake of "Beauty and the Beast" in 2017 and Mindy Kaling's "Late Night" in 2019.
Getty Images
Jamie Lee Curtis (birthdate: 11/22/58).

An actress known for her roles in horror films and the 2003 comedy "Freaky Friday," Lee Curtis has shifted to TV, playing characters in Fox’s "New Girl" and "Scream Queens."
Getty Images
Angela Bassett (birthdate: 08/16/58)

Though she's known primarily for her film roles, including her turn in Spike Lee's 2016 drama "Chi-Raq," Bassett is a TV regular, particularly in FX's anthology series "American Horror Story."
Getty Images
Michelle Pfeiffer (birthdate: 04/29/58)

The three-time Academy Award nominee's recent film work includes Tim Burton's supernatural "Dark Shadows" as well as the Marvel movies "Ant-Man" and "Ant-Man and the Wasp."
Getty Images
Sharon Stone (birthdate: 03/10/58)

After starring in 2013's "Lovelace" and the short-lived TNT drama "Agent X," the "Basic Instinct" actress has appeared in James Franco's "The Disaster Artist" and the TV series "Ratched" and "The New Pope."
Getty Images
Ellen DeGeneres (birthdate: 01/26/58)

In addition to being a TV personality, a two-time Oscar host and an LGBTQ advocate, DeGeneres found time to reprise her role as the forgetful blue tang in Pixar's 2016 hit "Finding Dory," the sequel to 2003's "Finding Nemo."
Getty Images
Holly Hunter (birthdate: 03/20/58)

The Georgia-born Oscar winner returned to film in 2012 after a seven-year hiatus, and has since had roles in "Won't Back Down," "Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice," and Terrence Malick's 2016 movie "Weightless."
Getty Images
Andie MacDowell (birthdate: 04/21/58)

Known for her early '90s roles in "Sex, Lies, & Videotape," "Groundhog Day," and "Four Weddings and a Funeral," MacDowell made her way into TV in the 2013 Hallmark movie "Cedar Cove" and a brief cameo in 2015's "Magic Mike XXL." She has also been a spokesperson for L'Oreal since 1986.
Getty Images
Joan Allen (birthdate: 08/20/56)

The three-time Academy Award nominee appeared in 2015's acclaimed "Room" and ABC's mystery melodrama "The Family," canceled in 2016 after just one season.
Getty Images
Geena Davis (birthdate: 01/21/56)

The "Thelma and Louise" starred in Fox’s adaptation of "The Exorcist" and opposite Jon Hamm in the 2016 sci-fi flick "Marjorie Prime."
Getty Images
Rene Russo (birthdate: 02/17/54)

Russo, a Vogue model-turned-BAFTA nominated actress, juggled lots of roles in recent movies, including Marvel's "Thor," the neo-noir thriller "Nightcrawler," and the Nancy Meyers comedy "The Intern."
Getty Images
Oprah Winfrey (birthdate: January 9, 1954)

The actress and producer has kept busy since ending her long-running daytime talk show, overseeing her OWN network and appearing in series like "Greenleaf" and movies such as "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" and "A Wrinkle in Time."
Getty Images
Kim Basinger (birthdate: 12/08/53).

The Golden Globe and SAG-winning actress starred in the 2016 crime comedy caper "The Nice Guys" and had a big role in 2017's "Fifty Shades Darker," the buzzy sequel to "Fifty Shades of Grey."
Getty Images
Mary Steenburgen (birthdate: 02/08/53)

A well-known character actress, Steenburgen has appeared in several TV shows (Fox’s "The Last Man on Earth," Netflix's "Orange Is the New Black") and films ("Song One," "A Walk in the Woods"). She starred in the 2016 drama "The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" and 2018's "Book Club."
Getty Images
Jane Seymour (birthdate: 02/15/51)

Since her breakthrough role in 1973’s “Live and Let Die,” Seymour has kept busy in projects like the 2016 spoof movie "Fifty Shades of Black" and the CW’s "Jane the Virgin."
Getty Images
Meryl Streep (birthdate: 06/22/49)

One of the most recognized and active women working in Hollywood today, Streep is keeping her acclaimed acting streak alive. Recent projects include "The Post," "Little Women" and HBO's "Big Little Lies."
Getty Images
Sigourney Weaver (birthdate: 10/08/49)

The "Ghostbusters" alum has been in 12 movies since 2010, ranging from "Chappie" to "The Cabin in the Woods." She had a cameo in 2016's female-led remake of "Ghostbusters" and stars in James Cameron's upcoming "Avatar" sequels.
Getty Images
Jessica Lange (birthdate: 04/20/49)

A multiple Oscar, Golden Globe, and SAG winner, Lange has been drawing acclaim since the '80s, especially for her performance in FX’s "American Horror Story."
Getty Images
Ivonne Coll (birthdate: 06/18/47)

Since her breakout debut in Francis Ford Coppola's "The Godfather Part II," Coll has had recurring TV roles in shows like "Switched at Birth," "Glee" and "Teen Wolf." She starred as Alba Villanueva in the CW's "Jane the Virgin."
Getty Images
Glenn Close (birthdate: 03/19/47)

The "Fatal Attraction" star garnered praise for her long-running drama series "Damages" and played a small but crucial role in "Guardians of the Galaxy," which she reprised in the 2017 sequel.
Getty Images
Helen Mirren (birthdate: 07/26/45)

The Oscar winner is another one of Hollywood's biggest and most active actresses, including memorable turns in movies like "Trumbo," "Eye in the Sky," "Woman of Gold" and "Unity."
Getty Images
Cicely Tyson (birthdate: 12/18/24).

Cicely Tyson is in her 90s and shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. Most recently, she's starred in notable films like "The Help," and has a recurring role on "How to Get Away With Murder."
Getty Images