I really wanted to like and enjoy this movie, but it's just not terribly good, all in all. I liked pretty much all the actors, and would like to see them in other, better movies. (I'd particularly like to see the actress playing *I think* Karen, Maura's sister or close friend; her character gets somewhat dropped in the course of the movie.) This movie was just so disjointed and ridiculous; disjointed and ridiculous is not a deal-breaker for me, but it has to work, and this just didn't. One indication of how negative an impression this made on me is reflected in what I just wrote in the message section: The element that most stood out for me in this middling little movie was the ridiculous inconsistency of the hair on Sally Hawkins' head. I'm not one of those people who generally notice goofs and screw-ups in continuity, but this was so 'in your face,' even I couldn't miss it.Even within many little scenes, from shot to shot, her hairstyle changes. Sometimes it's fairly natural looking, with a part on her left side, the bangs falling in a few segments, and the entire shape not terribly big; sometimes it's kind of like that, but with a slightly larger shape, probably from teasing yielding a bit more 'lift'; sometimes it's kind of like that, but the hair darker and more smoothed, sometimes with the bangs all sticking together in one piece; sometimes there's no part at all; and there's one point (while Maura and Freddy are outside looking for Molly, who ends up being up in a tree) where the hair appears to be a helmet-y, yucky looking wig (no part there, either).It got to be really annoying; couldn't help wondering why no one could be bothered trying to keep any kind of continuity in that element. In that scene where she particularly seems to be wearing a wig, I was taken out of the story again, wondering if these shots were filmed much later than the rest, and maybe Sally H. had cut all her hair off, so they had to use a wig and didn't have time to get a good one, and get it styled right. Just so sloppy (kind of like the run-on sentence I just typed). Too bad, but at least it's not a great movie otherwise either, in which case it would have been a real shame.
... View MoreAloha! So I was sitting at home on a Saturday night looking through the "New Arrivals" section of my Netflix account when I stumbled across this movie.It's funny, and a bit quirky at times. I loved it! Would be a great one to watch with my wife and the lack of noticeable profanity was very very appreciated. Unlike other reviews, I enjoyed the plot thoroughly. Found the acting to be very good, especially Sally Hawkins, Tom Riley and Sinead Maguire. With Sinead totally stealing every scene she was in. Was a blast to watch and I am very happy I gave it a shot. Can't wait for my wife to see it!Great job by all involved. I highly recommend this one for it's quirky chuckle factor. Fire up some microwave popcorn and enjoy!
... View MoreWhatever one's cinema tastes are, I think it is impossible not to appreciate this movie, marked by that sound Irish feeling for sound fun, but never disregarding some serious reflections. Two odd, newly married couples find at the same restaurant for their wedding receptions, where things will get confused, giving rise to misunderstandings, crises and final catharses. One couple is made up by Sally, in desperate need for money for her and her daughter, who has married Wilfred, a black man, in need of a citizenship, the other is the marriage between Freddie who has married who had already been his former wife, Sophie, and after a divorce and some psychoanalysis went to the altar for the second time, as a sort of last chance, with good intentions but no convictions. It s an intelligent movie, in the way it poses some questions on the real nature of marriage: despite the two major stories, also the minor characters will gradually question their relations and the meaning of their lives, and the hours spent in that restaurant will be revealing. It is interesting in the way, in the end women make the definite and resolute decisions, knowing they have to come to terms with their destiny with courage and strength, even if without a man, even against family pressure, whereas men never show any single sign of courage and determination, and just act according to women's choices. There are also some moving, but never pathetic moments, to be enjoyed as truly genuine. And the girl playing the little daughter, acting as a trait d'union between all these interrupted souls, is great. This movie proves how a well cast (both main characters and secondary ones) together with an intelligent script can make out an intelligent product, although not original in content, but certainly worth seeing as feel-good, genuinely entertaining and honest.
... View MoreWhy not 10 out of 10. Well, I reserve 10 for the most exceptional movies, ones that I *must* buy and rewatch frequently and simply adore. This one is just below that level. It's great and funny and full of typical wonderful Irish farce and humour, and I shall definitely buy it eventually as it's very rewatchable.Everyone acts perfectly. The many moments of farce are to treasure but it's consistently funny and often moving. Sally Hawkins and the youngster who plays her determinedly wilful under-teen daughter stand out in a cast that stands out anyway. There are some surprises along the way - I was certainly caught out by the main one and I'll bet many others will be.It's two weddings on the same day, with the reception at the same hotel. Unfortunately, the hotel had double-booked which causes quite a bit of chaos and some truly crazy events that ensue just have to be seen to be believed. Yet what's so clever is it's all eminently believable and all results from one unfortunate moment.This is a major spoiler as it gives away the ending .........I love the moment at the end when Sally Hawkins' character says to her delightfully interfering daughter, "He's a bit of a loony, but......" Oh yes! Aren't they just going to be perfect together, and the daughter knew it all along of course.
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