Quickie Movie Reviews

I had intended to see Pride & Prejudice on Friday night, apprehensions of Keira Knightley's ability to carry off Elizabeth Bennet still in tact. However, it isn't a wide release yet, so it was sold out and my friends and I saw Shopgirl instead. I have to say that I might agree with Captoe. The movie wasn't as much about gloves as I thought, BUT I still think that sales might increase slightly. They are a rather glamourous accessory that is presently neglected.

Shopgirl was interesting. I thought the characters were great, the script was great and the cinematography was quite innovative. I actually haven't seen creativity with the camera like that for some time. However, if I recommend it I know I'll get more than a few Christians harping on me because of the sexuality in the film. There isn't any sex, necessarily, just things leading up to it, including a not so flattering shot of Clare Danes from behind. It looked like an attempt at an oil painting gone bad.

But the movie made me think. It was a sad topic--a girl trying to find love--but the characters were so well written and thoughtful that I enjoyed it. I wouldn't say, "Rush out and spend your $10 on the movie right now," but I would say it's a worthy rent.

Saturday, I did see Pride & Prejudice. Now, in this movie, the cinematography is just plain beautiful. Of course, England is a rather easy subject. You know how in some movies the sex or violence or language is just gratuitous? Well, in this movie, the English manors and hillsides were. At some point I turned to my friend and said, "I hate the English and their stupid mansions and their stupid rolling green hills." I meant it. I thought, "Alright! I get it! My city's hideous!" It was beautifully shot.

I don't think this Mr. Darcy holds a candle to Colin Firth or especially Laurence Olivier, but he did grow on me and did just fine. It would be difficult to go too wrong with this film since the material is so great to begin with. Keira, as suspected, wasn't quite the fiery queenlike Elizabeth I expected, but I have no complaints. She was just fine. Donald Sutherland was a rather odd pick for Mr. Bennet. He's to grandpa, Gandalf-esque to play dry, witty, slightly bitter Mr. Bennet, but he was great, as usual.

The only great disappointment, as far as the story is concerned, that I have is that the director left out the scene where Lady Catherine gives her approval of Ms. Bennet to Mr. Darcy. Because that was left out, a newbie would think that Lady Catherine was just a royal biotch. Because she was in the film. I was upset since it didn't resolve hers and Elizabeth's interchange.

Other than that, that is a movie I recommend spending $10 on. I saw it with two girlfriends and one of my girlfriend's parents. Her dad is very much a photography buff and a man's man, and he walked out saying, "Wow, that was not a chick flick in the slightest. I really enjoyed it."

So there ya go, gentlemen. See Pride & Prejudice and rent ShopGirl. And don't come back complaining about the latter. Or do. I don't mind. :)