A Previous Engagement

I have the strong suspicion that everyone here who gave this movie a positive review is in some way or the other affiliated with the producers, actors or has a share in the profits.

And furthermore, although I am unable to provide evidence of this either, I have the strong suspicion all of the cast and crew were in it just because they wanted to spend time on Malta while getting paid for it.

I don't want to waste much time or many words on this one, but I want to call your attention to the review by @Melius. Although a one star rating seems a little harsh (I am saving the one star rating for movies supporting seal hunting or puppy torture) he has it absolutely right. I have no explanation for the dominance of positive reviews and the only reason I am writing about this epic fail of a movie is to contribute to a certain balance in user reviews.

This movie should be shown in film classes to demonstrate how to ruin a good idea by

a) terrible directing

b) over the top acting (what is wrong with those people praising the performances???)

and c) a terrible, terrible, terrible script.

The people in it don't behave like real people. It's the first time I was so aggressive watching a movie I wanted to punch the characters in the face. And I have seen Transformers 3. It doesn't feel like a movie after all, but... I don't know. I don't know, because the vast stupidity of "A Previous Engagement" sucked my brains out.

I cannot disagree more than with the comment that Melius from Toronto posted regarding this movie. I laughed out-loud during many of the scenes and felt the bittersweet sadness of other parts of the story. While on vacation when I was much younger, I met someone whom I liked very much and we had a definite chemistry, but we prevented it from going too far at the time. The last thing the person said to me was, "I know one day, might be 30 years from now, but one day, are paths will cross and we will meet again". With the internet, I know this person has a dental practice and is living in Maine. I can completely understand what would motivate the main character in this film to seek out the person she felt was her one true love. I liked this movie so much that I am right now seeing if the DVD is available for sale because I would like to own a copy.

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.

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!

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.