Two Film Reviews: "P.S I Love You" and "Pride and Prejudice" (Keira Knightly version)

I've decided that I will, from this point on, update my blog every Sunday. I may post extra if I get an urge to but I will make sure I post something every week because I'd hate to be the owner of an inactive blog...or something.


The point of this post is going to films. I'm not a big "film watcher" usually as I find my attention span can't usually stretch to a two hour film. My thoughts either stray to things I'd rather be doing or I feel guilty loosing a large portion of my day when I should be working but in the last month or so I've sat down (in the evening) and watched two DVDs; one which I liked and one which I did not like. Here are two mini- reviews to inform you without spoiling you:


P.S I Love You


"Based on the best-selling novel from Cecelia Ahern, P.S. I Love You is far more than the standard chick flick that it may first appear to be. Relocating the novel from Ireland to America, multiple Oscar-winner Hilary Swank stars as the young woman who has recently lost her husband. And yet amidst her grief, she discovers a series of letters that he’s written to help. These letters give her certain things she has to do, to help her move on with her life." amazon product description


My mum actually bought this DVD for herself and she sat down on a friday night to watch it. She warned me that I probably wouldn't like it as it was "very soppy" and I'm not in to films like that. So, initially, I wasn't going to watch it but I didn't feel like sleeping that night and my parents were eating crisps in front of the TV so I decided to watch the film (mostly so I could eat crisps)...

I loved it. It was a funny, quirky, emotional and life affirming film. Despite the fact that the title makes it sounds clique, it really isn't what you may expect. It was very moving and I am currently trying to get hold of the novel it was based on to compare the two. It's a very sad film but incredibly entertaining and really real. I recommend it to anyone.


Non-spoiling film highlight: The Irish countryside which was beautiful and inspiring. 


Rating: *****


Pride and Prejudice


"One of the greatest love stories of all time, Pride & Prejudice, comes to the screen in a glorious new adaptation starring Keira Knightley. When Elizabeth Bennett (Knightley) meets the handsome Mr. Darcy (Matthew MacFadyen), she believes he is the last man on earth she could ever marry. But as their lives become intertwined in an unexpected adventure, she finds herself captivated by the very person she swore to loathe for all eternity. Based on the beloved masterpiece by Jane Austen, it is the classic tale of love and misunderstanding that sparkles with romance, wit and emotional force. Critics are calling it "Exhilarating. A joy from start to finish" (Carina Chocano, Los Angeles Times)." amazon product description


One of the greatest love stories of all time? Yes. But I really don't feel like this adaption is true enough to the classic novel by Jane Austen. Keira Knightley (Elizabeth)spoke too fast and too quietly so we couldn't hear her, Matthew MacFadyen (Mr Darcy) had no stage presence whatsoever and, overall, it seemed that the film focused more on flashy nature shots, "attractive" visages and trying to rush some of the best scenes in the book to make room for these unnecessary additions. I didn't hate the film but after recently seeing, on DVD, the Pride and Prejudice TV series starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle I was very disappointed with the Keira Knightely version. Of course, I'm speaking from the point of view of a huge fan of the original book and also a firm believer that film interpretations should remain as close to a good book as possible so I'm based towards the TV series. But, seriously, as it was much longer (as it came in episodes)and as a result lot more true to the book and ..the ...acting ...was...soooo much better! Hopefully, I'm going to be posting a separate review on the TV series but for now let me conclude by saying if you are a loyal fan of Pride and Prejudice, the novel then... don't expect to enjoy the Keira Knightely film. 


Non-spoiling film highlight: Mr Bingley, who was hilarious but in all the wrong ways (plus he's funnier in the TV series).


Rating: ** 


So...I've just realised this post is actually very seasonal as both the films I just reviewed are romances and 'm posting this in the week of Valentine's Day! 


Bye everyone, I'll update soon.