I couldn't disagree more with some of the other reviews I have read for this film. It completely exceeded my expectations. It was genuinely funny - I cried with laughter several times - and overall well written, well edited and well shot in a fantastic location. The acting was just fine and I thought the chemistry between the leads was good. My only slight criticism is that the lead actor was too good looking for his role but he just about gets away with it, being somewhat neurotic and more confident with plants than people.How refreshing to be able enjoy a film that celebrates rural English life with quirky village characters that's not too twee and has plenty of modern social references (note boob jobs...)
... View MoreTortoise in Love is a classic British RomCom. Set in a typically sleepy English village, the film centres around the manor house and tells the love story of Tom (the Gardener), Anya (the Au Pair) and the village that helps bring them together. And Tom needs all the help he can get. Sometimes the film is a little slow in pace, but the title gives that much away. One or two of the gags are cringe-worthy but more of them made me laugh out loud. Overall the film is charming and funny. It has a wonderful heart-warming and feel-good effect. I think it is perfect viewing for a lazy Sunday afternoon in front of the TV.
... View MoreThere are about 3 positive aspects in this movie: 1) I did laugh maybe once or twice- I was being generous; 2) The setting was quiet nice; and 3) the lead actor was good looking in a sort of Hugh Grant way (but frankly I'd rather just watch a Hugh Grant movie, even if I had seen it before).That being said, the movie was a complete waste of time.. Although, the people who were in it probably had a good time making it... but again, who cares, really? The acting was flat and felt forced at times, hell, even the kissing sucked! The story tried and tested.. The lead actors had no depth of character or chemistry between them.. the love story was no more than stammers and stares here and there... and comedy definitely took a rain check! In short, I'm sorry to say this movie was a waste of time.
... View MoreThis is a gentle comedy of village life, with some good lines. A young man falls in love with a Polish visitor and struggles to find a way to make himself understood. Unlike Calendar Girls and Brassed Off, the film doesn't manage to develop a dark side to act as a counterpoint to the courting couple, which means that it can seem a bit insubstantial.The lead character is a dead ringer for Hugh Grant, and there are some good supporting performances from unknowns. The soundtrack is good and the settings are very beautiful. I loved the cameo from the Red Arrows.This the kind of film Richard Curtis would make on a low budget.
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