A Previous Engagement

super cool, romantic movie. Daniel Stern always one of my favourites from the days of Home Alone even. I love to see him in roles like this, extending his acting reach. And Claire Brosseau, who is a relative newcomer to me is gorgeous and quite the talent! I witnessed her amazing talent in Marion Bridge and love to see that it has carried on her in Previous Engagement. It's no easy to transcend live theatre talent onto the big screen, But Claire Brosseau has managed to do so with this latest character. I recommend this movie to couples, singles, even triples if you so see fit. It will make you happy, sad, cry and laugh....although that could just have been my emotional roller-coaster happening ;)

This film is a breath of fresh air in the world of romantic comedies. A truthful and comedic glimpse into love and marriage after the age of 40. I laughed so hard in places, and found all the performances consistently charming in a way that wasn't in any way the standard pap you tend to find in this genre. Juliet Stevenson is well-cast as the quirky lead heroine who wants something more from her life than her American husband (well-played by Daniel Stern) and family can offer. Also, I don't think I've ever seen a movie set in Malta, and the experience of going through this story with these characters was like actually visiting the Mediterranean. I sincerely hope this film finds its audience, as it's a true original. Expect the unexpected when you sit down to watch this film!

I loved a lot about this cute movie -- loved the romantic premise, the beautiful setting, the quirky plot and Especially the Ending! Absolutely Adored the performances by Daniel Stern as Jack Reynolds, the husband, and Valerie Mahaffey as Grace, the Redhead. The film is not to be missed for them alone. But I laughed aloud in a lot of other places too -- Claire Brosseau's disgruntled daughter was spot-on and some of the silly situations really got to me. My friend laughed away as well -- often in different places from me -- such is the mystery of humor -- and she also thoroughly enjoyed this fun, escapist movie -- how nice to get away from the depressing news for a change. Hoorah for Joan Carr-Wiggin, writer and director, for concocting a bon bon for us all, but especially for us oft neglected female baby boomers.

A Previous Engagement is Juliet Stevenson's best performance since Truly Madly Deeply. Juliet heads up a great cast in this well written and well crafted Intelligent comedy. Daniel Stern is marvelous as the unsuspecting husband taken on vacation to Malta under false pretences. This film will make you laugh and cry, with some of the funniest lines coming during moments of great pathos. The Maltese setting is luxurious to watch, but does not detract from the personal dramas being played out before us. This film is not your average Romantic Comedy although it fits the bill very well. It is a classy drama which will speak volumes to people who find their children grown and are maybe looking at their lives and wondering how they got where they are and ask "Is this it"? The fact that it is also very funny is the icing on the cake and will make the film appeal to a wide audience. If you watch this, you won't forget it.

The script had promise. Any other praise for this movie has to come only from those involved in trying to sell this sad attempt at movie making. This must be one of the worst films I ever saw. The actors, at least the two that could act, floundered in mediocre sets, mediocre supporting cast and worse of all, a mediocre direction that could not be worse had it been directed by a blind director. There is no idea of pacing, composition, and anything else that could have led the actors to abandon their over acted hysterics and try to inject some believable interpretation to the characters. There were a couple of laughs but I think it was the result of embarrassment rather than genuine comedy. This film was shot in the island of Malta and in particular the old medieval city of Mdina. Well, they might as well have shot it on a back lot in Hampstead Heath. There was absolutely no feel for the imposing scenery that is there for the taking. I'll stop this review here for there is a lot more misery to mention and I have already lost too much effort on this movie. I'm just angry at having wasted money and time on this film. If you ever come across it on TV, RUN!