I have to say that my only exposure to Sir Noel Coward's work was seeing the London production of "Hay Fever" with Dame Judi Dench and an all star cast in it's final performance. This film is based on a play by Coward. He enjoys mocking the hypocrisies of the upper class and aristocracy. In this film version, a wild American widow Larita marries into an uptight old British family. Colin Firth and Dame Kristen Scott Thomas plays the in-laws. Jessica Biel plays Larita. The film has some comedic and dramatic moments. Her in-laws are bewildered and amused by her. The film is done on location. The cast are first rate. The storyline especially Coward's plays are dated by today's standards.

This is a decently scripted film, with great actors. I thought Ms. Jessica did an OK job, she was certainly gorgeous!!! At times though, it seems she over-acted her parts, and it was quasi-irritating. Colin Firth, who is probably the world's greatest actor (right alongside with Philip Semyour Hoffman) was amazing, and super funny... except I felt his character didn't have enough involvement, or needed to be more involved with the story. The ending is actually really good, which holds a lot of weight in book.SPOILERS! I thought the dog n couch scene was a lil played-out, and probably woulda been funnier, if it wasn't drawn-out, and found myself thinking, OK, well this is kinda cliché but cute, then it got to, umm OK got it, let's move on. The dance scene with Firth and Biel, was actually really awesome choreographed with super skill. I was really impressed with their tango, which is not easy to pull off. Well played sir, well played.

I wasn't aware that 'Easy Virtue' was based on a Noel Coward play and while the cast included great actors like Colin Firth and Kristin Scott Thomas I was a bit skeptical when the credits spelled out Jessica Biel. Anyway, when I got the opportunity and finally sat down to give this a chance and it's actually not a bad movie.Although the film is set in the 20s, it's quite a modern adaptation. The art direction is pleasing to look at. The sets are lovely. I only thought that the costumes were a bit out of place, especially those worn by the Whitakers. Granted that this isn't supposed to look like a Merchant Ivory production but if it weren't for their properties, I wouldn't have had any idea that they're a wealthy family. Even their maids and butler are better dressed. There are certain historical accuracies that are apparent.But what's delightful about 'Easy Virtue' is the acting. However some of the characters are very poorly written. For example the Whitaker sisters are caricature and even the Mrs. Whitaker character is a cliché but Kristin Scott Thomas manages to rise above it. Colin Firth is excellently restrained as the quiet and traumatized father. The real surprise is Jessica Biel. Where acting is concerned, this may be her best performance to date and she definitely holds her own. My only quibble, which doesn't have anything to do with her acting, is that her character, who apparently is supposed to be older than Panda, doesn't look older than John.Overall, it's a decent one-time watch flick. The best parts are Biel's sequences with Scott Thomas and Firth.

The era between the two great wars of the last century is the period where this comedy is set. English aristocracy trying to hold on to ancestral lands, but having a hard time doing so, is the subject of the adaptation of Noel Coward's play of the same title. John, the heir of the Whittaker estate, meets and falls in love with an American race driver. Wanting to bring his new bride home to introduce her to his family, proves not to have been such a good idea, after all.Larita, the ace driver does not have a clue as to what lengths her new mother-in-law, Mrs. Whittaker, will go to remind her of her lowly status as the newlywed woman arrives to the old homestead. Jim Whittaker, the father of John, is a man that has no saying in what goes on in the house, ruled with an iron fist by his wife. It is not too long after the arrival of the American when trouble begins between two women from two different worlds. Larita, after scandalizing the family when a secret about her past life is revealed, decides to leave it all because she realizes the husband she married care more for his status, than for her. It is the opportunity Jim Whittaker has wanted in order to escape his horrible life.Directed by Stephan Elliott, who adapted Noel Coward's material with Sheridan Jobbins, succeeds in creating a comedy that holds our attention. The theme of class differences has been done before. Surprisingly, Alfred Hitchcock directed the original screen adaptation of the play in 1928. Not having seen it, there is no basis for comparison. What Mr. Elliott achieved was bringing a remarkable cast to do justice to the Noel Coward witty play for our benefit. Some well known songs by Mr. Coward are heard throughout the film.Jessica Biel proves to be a good choice for Larita, the American race driver. She holds her own playing opposite the likes of Colin Firth and the wonderful Kristin Scott-Thomas, who makes the hateful Mrs. Whittaker a figure of scorn, but never descending into a caricature of the character. The English supporting cast, especially Ben Barnes, playing John Whittaker, is good. Kris Marshall is perfect as the drinking butler.