Keira Knightley steals the show...
It is entirely possible that this movie is
filled with more clichéd characters, cheesy
lines of dialogue and eye-rolling plot twists
than any other film this year. The performances
were almost entirely dreadful, the notable
exception being newcomer Keira Knightley, who
infuses some energy amidst a lame cast of
secondary characters. Parminder Nagra has the
female lead in the film, but she is a big
disappointment. Nagra displays as much charisma
as a piece of lint.
The only thing that keeps this film from sinking
to unfathomable depths is a story that bounces
along speedily and has a nice message. I like
that this film seems to favor progress over the
staunch stagnancy of tradition. I also like the
message of female empowerment.
However, although many low budget films can
overcome their limited means, this one really
does look like a low budget British television
production rather than an actual feature film.
This movie looks cheap.
The only positives are the message, the
energetic pacing and the discovery of a new star
in Knightley, who manages to shine despite the
mediocre material. The rest of it can go on the
trash heap.
©
Written by TC Candler
Richard
Propes' Comment
Isn't it
weird how so many of these small, unexpected
hits end up feeling overrated? I remember
watching "Blair Witch" and thinking "How the
heck did this become the most successful indie
flick of all-time?" I sort of had the same
feeling here, though Knightley definitely saves
the day and I found myself less irritated by
Nagra's performance than TC. The film strikes me
as a much less charming "My Big Fat Greek
Wedding" in the sense that after the film has
rested in your mind for a bit you'll find
yourself saying "What exactly did I see in that
film anyway?"
Jacob
Hall's Comment
N/A
