Tag: Comedy

THE FULL MONTY (1997)

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Directed By: Peter Cattaneo
Written By: Simon Beaufoy
Cinematography By: John De borman
Editor: David Freeman & Nick Moore

Cast: Robert Carlyle, Mark Addy, Tom Wilkinson, Emily Woof, Tom Speer, William Snape, Steve Huison, Paul Barber, Hugo Speer, Lesley Sharp, Paul Buttersworth, Dave Hill

Six unemployed steel workers form a male striptease act. The women cheer them on to go for “the full monty” – total nudity.

This film was part of a wave of British films (Usually Romantic Comedies) that became Surprise hits in the united states. I remember this one being so popular when it first came out it made me resent it and not want to see it at all. I avoided it on purpose in theaters. I waited for the home video and then only rented it because my mother wanted to see it badly. Needless to say, she loved it and can say one was entertained by it. At its heart is really a man’s movie that was made for a female audience. The film touches on the need to take care of a family and how powerful you can become if you can’t

The premise is so simple and full of sentiment While it is built around depressing subject matter. That it remembers to touch on now and then, But not too much of a downer. Luckily not over-the-top sugary sweet either. it finds a nice balance. it never feels false, sour, or like it is pandering to the audience like a film such as THE BUCKET LIST, yet it is so crowd-pleasing, That one is surprised that no American studio thought it up.

It is the rare crowd-pleaser one can stand and recommend because it’s easy to watch. Though it offers some eye candy for the ladies. While none truly have additional on-screen bodies. They do come in all sizes, shapes, and colors

One of the original aspects of the film is that not all men are hunky they come in all shapes, colors, sizes, and ages. Some are even in the closet gay. The film does represent each demographic to appeal to the audience without them realizing it. The film moves along quickly, but the events happen at a natural pace that makes the film feel smooth.

You can feel the film pull you in certain directions and try to dictate how you should feel and react, it does manage to do in subtle ways instead of blunt.

The film has a great cast. Each character has their own reason and a dramatic situation that they are dealing with. It was especially shocking that one of the main stars was Robert Carlyle who one can remember playing the sadistic Begbie in TRAINSPOTTING. He made one hell of a transformation as one totally forgot his previous role and believed him in this one.

The film Has a strong retro soundtrack to bring the audience into the good times when the songs were originally released, Adding to their memories. That works almost like a Jukebox Musical only not devoted to one particular singer or time period. ironically the film would have a Broadway version. Which truly showed how beloved the movie, story, and characters were.  

The characters are all working class from different aspects of life. So they are steadily identifiable to the audience. As we learn enough about each character to care about their plight and discover their particular quirks. Almost like members of a Heist crew. Where there is the recruitment for their gifts and what they bring to the table under the leadership of the leader who planned the heist in the first place.  

Each has its romantic history and mojo that needs kindling or rekindling. There is even an LGBTQ blossoming romance 

While there are clearly leading performers who we follow. The whole team is needed to complete the tasks and overcome the roadblocks. 

GRADE: B

WATCHING THE DETECTIVES (2007)

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Written & Directed By: Paul Soter 
Cinematography By: Christophe Lazenberg 
Editor: Jeff Canavan 
Music By: Nathan Barr 


Cast: Cillian Murphy, Lucy Liu, Jason Sudeikis, Heather Burns, Ali Reza, Steve Lemme, Erik Stolhanske, Brett Gelman, Callie Thorne, Josh Pais, Lonny Ross, Paul Scheer, Josh Gad

Neil, a self-proclaimed film geek, and owner of Gumshoe video, has always been content to live vicariously through his favorite film noir. But when he meets Violet, a real-life femme fatale, his mundane world gets turned upside down and the line between reality and the movies quickly begins to blur. Will Neil step up and embrace a life full of adventure or retreat back to his comfortable couch?

The title of the film is taken from a 1977 Elvis Costello song, from the album “My Aim Is True”. An offbeat romantic comedy with Cillian Murphy whose character runs a video store. When one day Lucy Liu comes to rent some films. Through a matter of cons. She gets him To take her out to dinner, throughout the rest of the film they date and get to know each other. The only problem is, she is always coming up with elaborate situations and stories to test his reactions. Soon he can’t tell what is real and what’s make-believe. This is an interesting concept pulled off somewhat successfully.

I like this movie and I could have given it a better grade. The premise is unpredictable ad constantly keeps you on your toes, but it comes off for some reason rather bland

It just feels like it never truly comes alive as much as it could. Especially with so many recognizable names cast. If it had been made more with lesser-known actors it would be excusable and charming, but watching it you have a constant feeling that everyone knows better.

The movie ends up feeling like it never reaches its full potential. Not because of its low budget but maybe. Like ALLY MCBEAL some things seemed quirky for no other reason than just to be quirky. Also, some scenes just seem to lay there limp, but for a movie that’s so quirky the supporting characters could have been a bit more interesting. Or at least better dialogue. I liked them but there really seemed to be no reason for them or they didn’t feel like complete characters. They could have been extras who showed up that day and got lucky.

The film is an offbeat romantic comedy. It’s like a subdued screwball comedy. Situated in the real world.

Cillian Murphy is a good actor but I don’t know if the role was underwritten or he worked with what he had or was internationally trying to underplay his character to be more subtle, but he seems iffy miscast. Lost when not having any motivations or maybe an actorly distraction. His character needed to be a little more broad.

Lucy Liu though is a doll not totally a manic pixie dream girl, but a bored dream girl looking for an adventure and doubling as a femme-fatale for a mystery she is creating. I’m happy to see her change up her roles. Playing more softer, nice, happy characters. Instead of the ice queens, she usually has played to perfection In the past. I really like her as an actress and feel she deserves more work.

I know it sounds like I’m bad-mouthing the film but I liked it. It’s probably more me. I just expected more from it.

The film’s director Paul Soter is a member of the comedic improv group Broken Lizard who made the films SUPER TROOPERS, CLUB DREAD, BEERFEST,  and THE SLAMMIN SALMON. So we know he knows comedy as being funny on fact 2 other members Steve Lemme and Erik Stolhanske of the troupe make cameos. His direction is subtle, but needs to be a bit more colorful and pick up the pace, it’s a good movie definitely one you should check out

Grade: C+

THE BOSS (2016)

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Directed By: Ben Falcone
Written By: Steve Mallory, Melissa McCarthy & Ben Falcone
Cinematography: Julio Macat 
Editor: Craig Alpert

Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Bell, Ella Anderson, Tyler Labine, Peter Dinklage, Kathy Bates, Cecily Strong, Kristen Schaal, Annie Mumolo, Dax Shepard, Ben Falcone, Margo Martindale, Michael McDonald, Cedric Yarbrough 

A titan of industry is sent to prison after she’s caught insider trading. When she emerges ready to rebrand herself as America’s latest sweetheart, not everyone she screwed over is so quick to forgive and forget.

A kind of comedic take on money managers and lifestyle icons. That is a pure comedy even if at times it might come off as a spoof that thinks It’s a satire. 

This is one of those films that checks your brain at the door. As it is silly and never truly takes itself seriously and that is what is enjoyable about the film. You know what you are going to get. while you enjoy how you get there. 

Another fact of the fun is that it’s another role for Melissa McCarthy where her character is silly but not stupid. So that there is a brain in her character and can be witty while doing over-the-top physical comedy. Surprisingly one of her better films where she isn’t annoying or gets tired of her character swiftly. 

Though not one of her most memorable comedies. I think this is truly an unsung movie and performance and put it up as a favorite and one of her better ones.

She is the center of attention but Kristen Bell is the one who has more of the story and who you root for. Whereas McCarthy is the one who breaks it all up with her behavior and bad decisions. As she lets loose and lets everything fly. Mrs. Bell is more the straight woman with the responsibilities and gets more of a romantic storyline to boot 

As the comedy is sedate yet can be raunchy as it is another film where half the fun is watching at times the child characters act more responsibly than the adults but also watching kids behaving badly and with the foul language they shouldn’t even know. 

Having Peter Dinklage here as the villain is a stroke of genius as he truly gets to cut up and be just as silly. 

The film has a sweetness that Even when the film passes over into rated R, territory.  It feels a little shocking but tries to stay in line with a more general audience feeling.

GRADE: C+

LITTLE BLACK BOOK (2004)

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Directed By: Nick Hurran 
Written By: Melissa Carter and Elisa Bell
Cinematography: Theo Van De Sande
Editor: John Richards 

Cast: Brittany Murphy, Holly Hunter, Ron Livingston, Kathy Bates, Julianne Nicholson, Kevin Sussman, Stephen Tobolowsky, Rashida Jones, Josie Maran, Sharon Lawrence, Cress Williams, Yvette Nicole Brown, Jason Antoon, Gavin Rossdale, Dave Annabale 

A woman snoops through her boyfriend’s palm pilot and reveals his former girlfriends, which causes her to question why they’re still listed in his little black book.

This could have been an effective comedy. If it maybe had gone more silly, slapstick and screwball. As the film has an interesting premise though film offers very little follow-through on that promise.

This plays like one of those disposable movies. One where you can tell everyone involved put in a minimal amount of effort to earn their paychecks.

The late Brittany Murphy seems like she is too tired to put up much energy or even too much of a performance and seems to be just coasting on her cuteness here like a young Sandra Bullock. As we know she can do better than what she can usually do with a role like this. She just seems like she is held back here. In one of the few starring roles, she got she never seemed to showcase what made her so endearing in her supporting roles. 

Ron Livingston’s character is supposed to be this dream boyfriend, but he comes off as charmless.

The talk show she works on is horrible. The way it ties into the story could have been used more creatively.

The film isn’t even really a romantic comedy it’s more a character comedy where an annoying woman learns that feeding her fears will only lead to the worst possible scenario and has to learn self-worth. That she is enough and that anyone she is I. A relationship is lucky enough to have her and also for her to be not as trusting. 

In the end, the film just seems to be about manipulation and treachery. The characters of his ex-girlfriends are one-dimensional and come off as cruel caricatures except for Julianne Nicholson’s character. Who also wisely gets most of the screen time. She comes through as a real character even though they seem to be setting her up as a victim. Maybe if the roles were reversed and the movie was about her and Brittany Murphy’s character was one of his exes. This would have worked but alas there One goes thinking again.

Here was a chance to make an original comedic character or an original romantic comedy with some satire about media and models. As even the model ex-girlfriend never comes off as a girlfriend more like a one-night stand or friend with benefits, but certainly not a girlfriend. The less said about Rashida Jones’s character of the gynecologist the better.

Even the ever-dependable holly hunter is a let down maybe because her last-minute character ark is surprising but truly comes from nowhere. Maybe it’s because she wasn’t directed to play a believable person, More a plot point and the script is so haywire her character is like crossed wires short-circuiting.

What is most disappointing is that the film has a heavy-hitting cast and the material is so forgettable and seems more of the time. That it seemed outdated by the time it hit theaters.

Here was a chance to make a slapstick film with elements of the hardships of women working in the industry and being successful and in the end, it became more about jealousy and backstabbing to a degree.

This Movie Is A definite skip. The only reason it’s not a complete failure was Julianne Nicholson’s character who Deserves better the character and the actress.

Grade: F

DEADSTREAM (2022)

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Written, Directed & Edited By: Joseph Winter & Vanessa Winter 
Cinematography: Jared Cook

Cast: Joseph Winter, Melanie Stone, Jason K. Wixom, Pat Bennett, Marty Collins 

A disgraced internet personality attempts to win back his followers by live-streaming one night alone in a haunted house. But when he accidentally pisses off a vengeful spirit, his big comeback event becomes a real-time fight for his life.

This film was an unexpected joy. At first thought, it was going to be a straight-out horror film and it ended up being more of a horror-comedy. Though truthfully more of a comedy set in a horrific setting.

The film mixes media into the story well. Not really satirizing but putting an influencer into the typical haunted house-type film. Which allows for a P.O.V./Found footage. 

At first, the jump scares are set up by the influencer but as the film goes along the film provides its own.

The film shows the characters’ vapid true colors as the movie goes along. As he makes all the classic mistakes one shouldn’t in a horror film. Yet inevitably do. Here it is more explained to provoke the action. Hence content that is creepy mixed in with a sense of unnerving and gets freakier as it goes along. 

Being informed by his audience along the way for discoveries. So that it is not the one-man show that it seems like it will be at first. As the film at times, the film might remind the audience of EVIL DEAD 2. Only not as big or accomplished but a good try in their own right 

The film’s star is also the director who does a good job and is believable. Because of the design of the film, it allows him to direct and film while still being in the film and In control. 

The film is especially impressive for its low budget and what it does with it. As it stays inventive throughout. Keeps it interesting even when it seems like it is going to end at times earlier than it should. 

It offers laughs, scares, and at times general creepiness.

It follows a three-act structure that seems to be ALONE, COMPANY, and then ALONE again. 

A great come out of nowhere film that needs to find a bigger audience. 

Grade: B

SWEETIE, YOU WON’T BELIEVE IT (2020)

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Directed & Edited By: Yernar Nurgailyev
Written By: Yernar Nurgailyev, Zhandos Ai Bassov, Daniyar Sostanbayev, Il’Yas Toleu, Anuar Turizhigitov & Alosher Utev 
Cinematography: Azamat Dulatov 

Cast: Daniyar Alshinov, Abel Kalyeva, Azamat Makienov, Yerlan Primbetov, Dulyga Almolda, Ahmet Sakatov, Rustem Zahnyamanov

Dastan can no longer stand the constant nagging of his highly pregnant wife and decides to run away for at least one day with his friends. The men go fishing, which would have gone smoothly, if not for a series of unforeseen events.

Like the Russian film, WHY DON’T YOU JUST DIE this film is violent out of nowhere but also usually in the middle of a highly ridiculous comedic scene. This is definitely a fun film that will have you laughing or at least giggling throughout.

As both films just are so over the top and pack so much in such a little concept that they go miles with it and it never feels like it is getting stretched too far 

So that the film feels almost like a live-action cartoon only with real-life consequences. Though the film has so much zany energy and out-of-nowhere moments. That it is hard to dislike the film. It feeds off the fear of what’s the worst that could happen and what is out there in the unknown of nature.

As it never seems to let you rest. As soon as the road trip starts it gets worse and worse. As well as funnier and funnier. 

Some jokes come across as long or expected but there is plenty all through that is unexpected. Though as fast and furious as this film is, it allows the jokes to land and spread before moving on to another one. 

None of this is meant to be taken seriously and might remind the audience of the whatever can go wrong will go wrong movies of the 1980s only with a more well-known veteran comedic cast.

Here this is a foreign gun production that screams for an American remake. Which I doubt will do the justice that this film does. As part of the humor might be that it takes place on foreign soil which is foreign to the audience. Especially when it comes to actions and reactions.

Though the film is violent it’s not so much gratuitous to an unbearable degree, but one would categorize it as a splatter comedy. 

The film does live up to it’s title and serves as a final line and a summation of the film. 

Grade: B

I LOVE MY DAD (2022)

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Written & Directed By: James Morosini  Cinematography: Steven Capitano Calitri Editor: Josh Crockett

Cast: Patton Oswalt, James Morosini, Claudia Sulewski, Amy Landecker, Lil Rel Howery, Rachel Dratch, Ricky Velez, Sarah Helbringer 

A hopelessly estranged father catfishes his son in an attempt to reconnect.

This film is supposedly based on a true story and if that is a fact. This Is either a brave admission that I am sure has been somewhat exaggerated to a degree or a rather genius demented dark comedy. 

The film sounds interesting to most until they actually see how it is affecting both characters. Sure it’s helping the son and the father-son relationship, but It’s built on lies and bad communication that isn’t malicious. It’s more desperate and misdirected though for a reason.

So that towards the end you care for everyone involved even the ones affected inadvertently. We are allowed to see glimpses of play out. As you know that they’re nice the truth comes out and it must. It will feel more like a horror film.

An aspect that one admired about the film above all else, is the way that it integrates the text conversations into seemingly more face-to-face conversations. So that the audience isn’t left exclusively trying to read the screen during half of the film. Allowing the scenes and scenarios an extra dimension and a new level of compatibility for the characters. As well as comfort.

As it also gives us a glimpse into inner thoughts. While reminding us how disturbing the situation is. Like when sexting owns another. 

Though it might be that new filmmakers who grew up with texting being practically second nature have figured out how to creatively make it work and have it especially work for them

As with most dark comedies it does end with hope. Even though most of the film, there is discomfort.

It’s nice to see Patton Oswalt in more of a leading man role again. That actually seems to fit him. As with him, you believe everyone in their roles. 

You have to believe James Morosini, as he is the writer/director that this all happened to supposedly in real life. So essentially playing himself.

Makes you wonder what he will have next up his sleeve or is this a one and done and just wanted to get his personal story out there. 

Some little tidbits you are left to wonder like was the son socially awkward before going to the Mrs tap hospital or just after his breakdown and is it directly due to not having a male figure around? 

The film even with its freaky subject matter is never mean-spirited and offers more of a gentle touch. As this might remind some of the movie WORLD’S GREATEST DAD though that film has Its Strengths. Most of the characters in that film were unlikeable and had an agenda at some point. So that it came off as cynical. It would make a good double feature with it though. 

Here this film has its own identity and tries to be rough but offers some hope. Where the main character of the father admits to his mistakes and is not delusional, but suffers a connected series of events. Where he continuously digs himself deeper.

So that it becomes truly a comedy of errors.

Grade: B-

TRIANGLE OF SADNESS (2022)

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Written & Directed By: Ruben Ostlund
Cinematography: Fredrick Wenzel
Editor: Mikel Cee Karlsson and Ruben Ostlund 

Cast: Harris Dickinson, Charlbi Dean, Dolly De Leon, Woody Harrelson, Zlatko Buric, Iris Betban, Vicki Berlin, Henrik Dorsn 

A male model and his girlfriend are caught in an amusingly weird situation while on a cruise with an assortment of around a dozen co-passengers. Things don’t go smoothly at all with a raging storm making things difficult, they get shipwrecked and all now need to make compromises to survive.

This film is more thoroughly enjoyable compared to his previous film THE SQUARE though the filmmaker takes aim at the double bed class again with this film. Like FORCE MAJEURE it feels a bit more down to earth and definitely more entertaining than all his other movies up to this point. As again this film is more about the whole story. Rather than noteworthy scenes that more seem tied together. 

The film begins with a couple who are both models. We see the young man in the middle of a modeling casting amongst others and being followed by a host and a camera crew. As it takes a soft jab at these castings.

We watch the young couple and their domestic problems. Where the major problems seem to be about money. As she makes more than him, she also seeks a partner who can take care of her if anything happens. Which has fed into his paranoia and birthed trust issues of always worrying she is going to meet someone better fit for her. Especially as in her career, she is surrounded by them.

That is pretty much the first act, we follow the couple through all the acts and are our anchor, but in the second act as they get aboard a yacht for a cruise the film becomes more of an ensemble. Once the second act begins it becomes about class and privilege. As we see the crew having a motivation meeting to make the most money they can. 

We watch the dastardly way some of the passengers make money on shore. The ridiculous requests they make of the crew, including one woman who after telling one of the staff they are all equal. She uses micro-aggressions,  to not only make the young woman swim but then demand that all the staff members swim and enjoy themselves whether they want to or not. Leaving no one to do Their actual jobs.

The vomit scene seems there to make a point and take the rich down a peg. Making them practically bathed in their own sickness and shit. 

Right the scene also allows the audience to be introduced to the captain Played by Woody Harrelson whose character is a drunk and a Marxist. Unfortunately, he is only in the film briefly but adds some spice and is the only recognizable actor for the audience that reminds us this is not only a film more or less, but also a comedy. 

In this act, we also see the boyfriend’s jealousy. As one act dominoes into him making a complaint. Only to have the man fired while feeling guilty instead of trying to clear it up. At that moment he decides to buy a luxury item instead. As we get a feeling this is the beginning of his entry into this privileged world. Especially as he seems to network with other passengers he is at tables with and has drinks with. 

Once we get to the third act. We still have the central couple plus some characters we were introduced to in the previous act. As literal survivors of the boat sinking.

This is where the film becomes not only non- Romantic but also a harsh version of the film SWEPT AWAY with more characters. As the male of the couple finally ends up becoming more the source of saving them. As his looks end up saving the day and helping them to get charity. Once one of the older female workers from the ship gets to be in charge as she is the only one who knows how to hunt, fish, and cook. 

She is wildly attracted to him and trades intimacy for more rations. Showing that beauty is a powerful commodity and that power can corrupt and the lengths that people will go to. Or only to have power and influence but how hard they Will fight to keep it. No matter what the background and history.

This all leads to an ambiguous ending that feels a little more ironic and out of a writer/director M. Night Shamalayan film only not as thrilling. Nor such a big deal when it comes to revelations.

This is more a film to study and watch rather than just the latter. It’s an interesting class struggle. How freewheeling the rich are with their money and values, but never really consider the second half or how their actions affect them.

The film does offer a few shocks, but strangely never resorts to being in and taste and lets you come away with your own interpretations. Though while keeping it classy, it also feels like it never goes as far as it could. 

He complains About footing the bill as he seems more to worry if this relationship is worth what he is spending his money and emotions on, seeming less romantic and more like a business deal 

Act 3 should be a kind of karma made justice but as with all power structures it becomes corrupted to a degree

Most of a farce at times than anything. Especially when you have the Captain and a Russian billionaire trading Ronald Reagan and Marxist quotes while drinking shots and going through bad weather. Though there always seems to be calm no matter what. So that when Pirates enter the picture it doesn’t seem too far off.

Grade: B

AMSTERDAM (2022)

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Written & Directed By: David O. Russell 
Cinematography: Emmanuel Lubezki
Editor: Jay Cassidy 

Cast: Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, John David Washington, Chris Rock, Zoe Saldana, Robert DeNiro, Rami Malek, Michael Shannon, Mike Myers, Timothy Olyphant, Anya Taylor Joy, Alessandro Nivola, Andrea Riseborough, Matthias Schoenaerts, Taylor Swift, Max Perlich, Ed Begley Jr, Colleen Camp 

In the 1930s, three friends witness a murder, are framed for it, and uncover one of the most outrageous plots in American history.

This film had so much promise, an all-star cast, and a period-piece comedy. Somehow it all went so wrong. 

As it is big everything about it is big, but limits the places it can go and at least acknowledges that people have other elements to their lives other than the main plot as a focus. 

Director David O. Russell always likes to keep his films somewhat unpredictable and lovely as the camerawork is usually styled yet fluid and there are so many characters floating around who play important roles. That you never quite know who is going to drop in and out. He seems to like organized chaos so that by the end that is when you really notice the style or the plan. As it comes to light.

He also usually gets actors to play parts in his films as the roles are usually off the wall or quirky enough. That it allows the actors more to play than to necessarily act.

When it comes to this film though everything seems off. Not in his usual way though. As the film wants to say something about modern society and politics. As well as race and class relations to a degree, but also wants to mix in comedic elements that feel slapstick yet the laughs never come and nor the comedy exactly.

Here half the minor roles are played by recognizable actors who you wonder why they are even in the film. Though one of those big names Taylor Swift provides the only noteworthy and truly funny jaw-dropping scene. That someone who is not a fan of hers might enjoy it a little too much. 

It doesn’t help that you have a love story among friends and colleagues. Yet no one has any chemistry and they say the lines so blankly that there is no emotion at all and no real reason to truly care about the characters. Even as the situations get zanier and a conspiracy forms. The film stays steady and slow. Where the only actor who seems like they could be interesting is Christian Bale who seems stranded in this movie. His romance with Zoe Saldana is cute and her character is short-changed. As this is the most appealing she has been on screen in quite some time. As the film seems desperate for his character to have a love story as it keeps shining a light on Washinton.s and Robie.s  

As even the film tries to paint a love triangle but it is more of a love story between the two and he is just close to them. If the film had incorporated more of the triangle of the two characters both in love with the woman or them all in love with one another. That would have kept the dynamic more interesting. 

The characters all seem like they deserve their own film. Even though they aren’t playing passionately. They have backstories that would certainly fit a better film or be better used in one.

By the end, this film is about a conspiracy and is played by a caper. Feels like it was much ado about nothing. By the end, only two characters falling in love is the only true change throughout. So that by the end you feel like you went through an endurance test. A well-meaning one but still a chore 

It’s focused as it wants to be a lot of things all at once. It wants to be angry but also soft. As it is paced at times like a screwball comedy but intended to stick and not just go by. It just feels very unfocused. Yet wants to include a lot of details

Grade: C-

MRS. HARRIS GOES TO PARIS (2022)

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Directed by: Anthony Fabian 
Written By: Anthony Fabian, Carroll Cartwright, Keith Thompson and Olivia Hetreed 
Based On The Novel Written By: Paul Gallico 
Cinematography: Felix Wiedemann
Editor: Barney Pilling

Cast: Lesley Manville, Isabelle Huppert, Lambert Wilson, Alba Baptista, Jason Issacs, Lucas Bravo, Ellen Thomas, Rose Williams, Anna Chancellor, Christian McKay 

A widowed cleaning lady in 1950s London falls madly in love with a couture Dior dress and decides that she must have one of her own.

I can’t say what made me want to see this film. As I will admit I was smitten as soon as I saw the poster and the trailer. I am glad that neither lets you down. As they pretty much preview the spirit of the film.

This is a good comfort movie. What I would call a perfect Sunday film. It’s entirely predictable and charming. Leaving the audience with a smile and managing to stay inoffensive throughout. 

This is the type of movie you go to in theaters to come out smiling or the ones you would wait to see at the discount theaters at least. 

This film even starts or predicts attitudes changing in the past that only started to happen recently.

It manages to set up what looks to be a whirlwind romance for a character that eventually fails, yet brings the character and movie down to earth. So that it isn’t a complete fantasy. Though later rewards the characters with something much more stable, sweet, and stronger. Luckily It’s not the main focus of the film.

Amazed by the character actress Lesley Manville who usually plays villains, especially you love to hate. Here she is so sweet and winning. 

It’s a film full of lessons that eventually are taught, shown, or learned. Where food usually prevails. Mean characters are shown to have other sides. 

The film never quite feels like something special. Though constantly puts you in a good mood. Good movie to watch with family.

Almost like a children’s Fantasy film made for adults only without the fantasy, but keeps the mood. 

It’s one of those films where a sensible nice person upsets the jet set but then makes them realize the errors of their ways and reminds them that there are regular and pure people in the world.

As usual, the film seems Like everything is going to go along dreamily for the lead character except for some challenges laid her way. Though the film does at turns keep you second guessing and makes the lead truly have to either work to get to her happy ending or has it taken away and the hanks to her strength of character get it rectified or helped along the way by others. 

This comes from her learning lessons about her nice nature at times and that those who you try to care for and protect Don’t always feel the same way it have the same intent in their hearts.

Grade: B