An Awfully Big Adventure
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Movie Reviews of An Awfully Big Adventure
Movie Review: A Lovely, Sad Movie... woefully misleading adverts
Summary: 5 Stars
This is an excellent film, moving, sad, even tragic. It is NOT a "warm hearted comedy," as it says on the back of the DVD. And it certainly is not "hilarious". The blurb on the cover is quite possibly the most misleading I have ever come across. Despite that, it is a lovely film. It is a solid, serious British drama, with an excellent all round cast. The humour where present is decidedly low key. Its predominant mood is one of sadness and loss, there is warmth to be sure, but certainly not what is projected on the cover or in the trailer. One wonders why the publicists chose to so misrepresent such a fine film. Was it because they were worried its serious and even dark nature would put off the popcorn munchers? Perhaps it would have been better if they had. Then we wouldn't have been saddled with so many negative reviews from viewers who naturally felt short-changed. Then again, this is not a movie that American audiences would readily take to.
Set in 1947, it tells the story of a 16 year old girl, Stella (Georgina Cates), abandoned at birth by a wayward mother and brought up by her aunt and uncle, who aspires to join the Theatre. Into this milieu she willingly plunges herself. She encounters sordid seedy characters. She takes on menial tasks without pay. She embraces all with a gushing eager naivete. She falls for the stage director (Hugh Grant) who in her young innocence she doesn't realise actually has a preference for boys. She then latches on to an aging Lothario (Alan Rickman) who does appreciate young girls. In this darkness in which she finds herself, past and present intersect. The absent mother she faithfully places a call to everyday, the same mother who gave her away years ago, becomes the silent confidant of her hopes and fears. The aging Rickman character constantly pines for his own past even as he happily deflowers the young girl. The stage director's sordid history of seducing and then spurning young men finally comes to a head. All combine to create an air of loss and decay. A nice touch was the use of a lone flute playing "The Last Rose Of Summer" whenever the Rickman character thinks back to his lost love. If you know the song, it perfectly encapsulates the mood of this movie. And yes there is a twist at the end, but if you have been paying attention, it won't come as too much of a shock. Although the prudes and the self-righteous will as usual recoil in moral outrage.
New Line Entertainment has given us a fine if bare-bones DVD. The film is transferred in it's original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 (enhanced for widescreen TV). Picure quality is good, clean and clear with natural warm colors. Black levels are just right. Audio includes the original stereo plus both DTS and Dolby 5.1 remixes. Excellent presentation. There are even optional English subtitles for people who can't get round the British accents. Thank goodness not everybody makes sanitized, Hollywood dross.
Movie Review: Excellent
Summary: 5 Stars
Alan Rickman and Hugh Grant are spectacular in this film. It's a dark, tragic comedy for those of us with a dry sense of humor. Many reviewers, I've noticed don't think this film funny at all, but there are amusing bits if you enjoy dark humor. This film, taking place in the 1940's, deals with the inner-workings, the darker side if you will, of the theater buisness. Stella (Georgina Cates) is a naive young girl trying to make her way in the buisness. She quickly falls in love with Meredith Potter (Hugh Grant)and begins her journey in the industry. This film deals with love, sex, death, alcoholism and much more. Any fan of Alan Rickman will certainly enjoy his superb acting in the film, same goes for Hugh Grant fans. This is an excellent addition to your dvd library.Movie Review: Rickman and Grant are a Pleasure
Summary: 5 Stars
This movie is yet another treat from two seasoned actors. Hugh Grant's character is a departure from the bumbling but sweet heart throb, and Alan Rickman's character is endearingly vulnerable despite his maturity. It is the absense of innocence in these love affairs that make the story so engaging, and Georgina Cates' portrayal of young Stella is both intriguing and genuine. Whatever the faults of these characters you are still able to empathize with them, as those around them are able to love them. Humorous and at times a bit sad, but always entertaining!Movie Review: A very quiet classic.
Summary: 5 Stars
I've loved this movie for years, and bought the DVD as soon as it was released. As other reviewers have said, the cover copy is completely misleading. It's a tragedy of sad, warped lives, with bits of humor, some of it black, thrown into the mix. To get an idea of Georgina Cates's amazing versatility, I recommend Clay Pigeons.Movie Review: Awsome, Awfully Big Adventure
Summary: 5 Stars
A most valid movie for those who love Rickman's action - along with "The Red Violin" "Pretty Baby" "Bagdad Cafe" "Salmonberries" and a score of other "artistic loves" with other " artsy performers" - don't miss out, don't miss this movie!