Italienische Verführung

The long and sometimes unfairly maligned tradition of British comedy films is still alive and kicking - thanks be! I saw this film as an in-flight movie between Heathrow and JFK. There were about 8 other films that passengers could chose from including the latest Hollywood blockbusters. Given the loud laughs and cheers that broke out all round the jumbo jet just at the points where I was doing likewise there is no doubt in my mind that this film was being enjoyed by many. This is a well observed, well written and carefully crafted film. There are delightful performances from some of the cream of British light comedy actors. Dervla Kirwan, with her smouldering good looks, initially had me worried playing an averagely inhibited wife, but she carried it off and her performance gained from the difference between her appearance and behaviour. British comedies can either be too smugly Home Counties based or too self consciously "up north" but despite being based around Tyneside this film neatly avoids being obsessed by its location . This may not be high art, this may not convey any serious messages but the important task of entertaining and making people laugh, which this film does admirably, should not be underestimated.

School for Seduction is a charming and mildly entertaining film about a bunch of women who mostly work at an Asda supermarket in Newcastle. Their men either don't understand them or take them for granted. They decide to become sexier and more confident and take a course in seduction run by Kelly Brook. Inevitably as they start to take charge of their lives, their outlook and relationships start to change. The acting is excellent and the characters are believable. Sue Heel has written an amusing script.

The film doesn't try and appeal to a trans-Atlantic audience, so there are no-American stars. It just looks like life in Newcastle, warts and all. As a British expat living in the U.S. it was good to be reminded about the existence of saveloys and chips.

(3/10)

So obviously made as a female take on 'The Full Monty', this film is so carefully constructed according to a 'formula' that all life has been almost totally sucked out of it (except for the actress who plays the checkout girl, she's pretty good). Typically British, unadventurous, predictable, visually flat (it looks like an ITV drama) and not very funny. Also, Kelly Brook acts OK, has a great figure, and a lovely smile to boot, but frankly she isn't the 10-out-of-10 stunner that this character is supposed to be. It's obviously been made as a vehicle for her, but she has been miscast!

I analogize this movie to a good looking meal that looks like it should taste wonderful but no matter how many bites you take you can't believe how bland it is.

The sound track was appealing and livened up the atmosphere.

Definitely had its moments of humor but lacked cohesive story telling. It was like there were some good scenes, but not enough to string together. A missed opportunity that could have been a take off on Bridget Jones' Diary, or even Love Actually but fell disappointingly short.

Sophia, (Kelly Brook) was of course gorgeous. The cast, overall, did a commendable job.

Every once in a while, I like to sit back and watch a "chick flick." Writer/Director Sue Heel's first effort was mostly enjoyable as a time passer, but there is nothing special to recommend it.

Kelly Brook (House of 9) was exquisite as the Italian beauty the opened up a school for charm and seduction for ordinary London housewives. I assume it was London, but what do I know. I am still trying to figure out what a "chippy" is. She was far less believable as her secret is revealed in the third act.

It was a funny story of men/woman problems, and how a little conversation would serve us all well in our relationships.

I am still trying to figure out why this got an "R" rating. Did I fall asleep?