bdiebold

I can see how this movie would be an easy target for criticism. It might appear fluffy and without depth, sort of easy and implausible.

But I think it's better than that. First of course, are the performances. Both actors are terrific and both have long been favorites of mine. A special call-out, though, has to go to Binoche, who just couldn't be any more delightful. An absolutely fantastic actress. She's so wonderful, the only problem in the movie is why doesn't he fall in love with her any faster?

Second is the basic intelligence of the dialog. The conversations are very engaging, occasionally wry, sometimes sweet, with some sharpness along the way.

Finally, there is a meditation in here on film in general, and romantic comedies in particular. The movie is able to move back a bit, consider itself, and resist the temptation to be cynical.

I'm not sure why people are so down on this movie. I thought it was actually quite excellent. Clooney and Zeta-Jones are terrific, with excellent chemistry, and the writing is exceptional. The entire cast is very good.

It's acted in a kind of over-drawn style, reminiscent of their previous "O Brother Where Art Thou". Perhaps that turns some people off, but I enjoyed it.

I think what I particularly liked about it was that there is an undercurrent of sweetness lying underneath the glibness, the money, the betrayels, etc.

Two thumbs up here.

8/10

Terrific movie -- one of the best (if not the best) screen adaptations of a Jane Austen novel.

Great job by the actors: Silverstone is surprisingly excellent, and Rudd is very appealing. Dan Hedaya is as great as always, and the supporting characters from her school are first rate.

This movie is a far more faithful version of a Jane Austen novel than many other efforts. In particular the recent "Mansfield Park" was simply awful. Heckerling brilliantly captures the spirit, while transforming the setting.

9/10