Relative Values
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Movie Reviews of Relative Values
Movie Review: A MILDLY ENTERTAINING COMEDY...
Summary: 3 Stars
After watching this film, it is clear why it was not released in theatres but went straight to video. The fact that it is based upon Noel Coward's play of the same name is immaterial, if the film does not rise to the occasion. Here, it clearly fails to do so and falls flat, despite stellar performances by Julie Andrews and Stephen Fry. That is not to say that it is a terrible film. It is just a mediocre, though pleasant enough, one dimensional film. Here, American film stars and Hollywood's dream couple, Don Lucas (William Baldwin) and Miranda Frayle (Jeanne Tripplehorn) come to a parting of the ways, when Miranda, tired of Don's lack of commitment, meets her prince charming, British upper crust scion, Peter (Colin Firth), who sweeps her off her feet. When he proposes to her, his mother, the very social and regal Felicity (Julie Andrews) is appalled at this potential mesalliance. The thought of a starlet as a daughter-in-law does not sit particularly well with her.
When Miranda comes to meet the family, Felicity puts on a stiff upper lip, but almost weeps with joy when Don unexpectedly shows up at her home, hoping to woo Miranda back. They form an unholy alliance in hopes that they will each achieve their mutual objective. Felicity is the doyenne of respectability as she manuevers through the human land mines around her. She wittily and seemlessly transitions from one potential mishap to the other, never losing sight of the prize.
Colin Firth is fine in the role of Peter, but it is Julie Andrews, as his mother, who is the shining star here. Stephen Fry also rises to the occasion and gives a wonderful performance as the droll butler, Crestwell. William Baldwin acquits himself well in the role of Don Lucas, though Jeanne Tripplehorn's Miranda is a tad too cartoonish. There is also a subplot involving Felicity's companion, Moxie (Sophie Thompson), and Miranda, one that is not particularly funny or believable. Sadie Thompson handles the role of Moxie well enough, but it is not one of her best performances, as it is too heavy handed.
All in all, the movie is a mixed bag. Occasionally funny, it suffers from lack of depth and underdevelopment of the story. But for the stellar perfomances by Julie Andrews and Stephen Fry, the film would probably have totally tanked. Not even Colin Firth or William Baldwin would have been able to save it. Still, it is a pleasant enough little film, as long as one's expectations are not too high, and worth a viewing, especially if one is a fan of Julie Andrews.
The DVD is a no frills DVD, offering no bonus features. It does, however, provide a crystal clear, wide screen picture and clarity of sound.
Movie Review: Relatively amusing.
Summary: 3 Stars
This is a drawing room comedy based on a play by Noel Coward. Having not read it, I must presume it would come off better as a stage play rather than a movie. Not that this is bad, really...Just that its not as good as it should be. The British cast (Julie Andrews, Colin Firth, Stephen Fry and Sophie Thompson) play their roles flawlessly, the Americans (William Baldwin, Jeanne Tripplehorn) less so. The plot: a member of the British nobility (Andrews) is dismayed when her son (NOT Colin Firth as some OTHER reviewers would have you believe)becomes engaged to a movie star (Tripplehorn) whose ex(Baldwin) follows her to England to reunite.
Stephan Fry as the butler, and Sophie Thompson as "milady's" companion/secretary are wonderful; as are the various actors and actresses who make up the staff of the manor. Likewise, Colin Firth gives a hilarious performance of her gay nephew, who aids and abets in the eventual reunion. The upstairs-downstairs feel of the film adds to the confusion; a welcome distraction from the Balwin/Tripplehorn storyline. It is so obvious that these two are trying to be amusing, that they fail entirely. In contrast, the others, who do it so effortlesly, succeed admirably.
All in all, light & fluffy, but nothing to rewatch again and agiain (unless, as I always do, you simply want another look at Colin).
Movie Review: Colin steals the show!
Summary: 3 Stars
I purchased this movie based on reviews I had previously read and of course to watch Colin Firth, the brilliant actor (haha). I think it's pretty much a mindless watch if you're looking just to veg out and have some fun. All the reviews are correct Colin Firth does not play Julie Andrews son but her outwardly gay hilarious nephew. William Baldwin and Jeanne Tripplehorn might as well have not been in this movie I was bored with them. Julie Andrews, Colin Firth, Sophie Thompson and I think Stephen Fry (whoever played the head butler) made this movie hilarious. I feel they deserved five stars for their parts. It's a fun watch!Movie Review: An enjoyable little souflee
Summary: 3 Stars
I purchased this mostly because of Julie Andrews and Colin Firth. While the film is no classic, it is surely enjoyable. The big comic surprise here is Sophie Thompson (Emma's sister). She is outrageously funny throughout the film, but especially when she's tipsy (during the main party scenes.) A fun 90 minutes. And by the way- did I mention it features the always divine Dame Julie?!
Movie Review: This Film Turned Noel Coward Over in His Grave
Summary: 3 Stars
The Americans cast in this are awful. The English cast is better but the actor who plays Julie Andrews' son comes off as a gay man playing straight and the incredibly sexy and desirable Colin Firth is frittering away good film playing a raving queen, though as always he does it fabulously. Firth's excitement over the Billy Baldwin character is hilarious.