This is a tender, generous movie that likes its characters and presents them as real people, full of flaws and strengths.

The joyful confection is coated in a sparkly gloss, bright enough to gleam from the darkest, most cynical corners.

Watching it is like watching the spectacle of a class clown at their best: you laugh at their jokes, instigate their defiance, and "ooooh" when they get in trouble.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.