For various reasons, I have not been in the mood to see the movies that are were available to see ... I can read about Walmart -- lots of stuff -- online and even hear it there (as well on the radio). So, no, don't want to see that documentary. Don't want to see an Iraqi war movie. Nor, a chick flick with Cameron Diaz. Or, partly do to Slate not quite liking the history, partly since I'm tired of the unpatriotic anti-American sorts currently in power that cry "unAmerican" (I see Bush had a speech and everything defending his program vs. critics -- yeah, whatever ... honor thy veterans by having better leadership!), don't want to see a movie McCarthy. Nor, a cartoon -- The Corpse Bride was great though. And, so forth.
One alternative was renting. But, I'm fussy, I guess ... and the one movie I did want to see at the local rental place was never in (one copy, unlike for lots of lousy ones). I now remember that I have to tape an old thriller that is finally on television -- late night, so it's not too late. But, still, nothing like going to the movies itself. No, even the independents and foreigns don't seem great. Oh, I saw Sarah Silverman live, so why watch her concert film? Cute though ... some mouth on her, huh?
So, risked Pride and Prejudice. Not that BIG of a fan of Jane Austen or anything, but a good period love story sometimes appeals. Anyway, Clueless was a good takeoff of one of her novels, right? And, this version of the original has received good reviews. Not my first choice ... but there was not many choices anyway. Suffice to say, it was worth seeing with a few caveats. I'd add, somewhat amusingly, that soon enough I recalled that saw the Bollywood takeoff of the film (pretty loyal) earlier this year -- Bride and Prejudice. Sorta of a modern day version with songs and a bit more sexual connotations.
One thing that made the film version (apparently compared by fans to the PBS miniseries as if one can fairly do so) somewhat lacking in my eyes is the thin nature of the story. I guess this is partly Austen, partly the need to narrow her verbose text to fit the running time. But, the plot is basically rather simple and in large part based on misunderstandings (but, ah ... that's where the "pride and prejudice" comes in, huh?) that are pretty simple plot devices. People who find this sort of thing rather silly will love this film because of what surrounds them. Still, it goes to show that plot simplicity and expected results are only problems if they are not surrounded by something worthwhile.
The movie concerns a lower middle class sort of family -- Austen appears to favor those with class enough to make costume films worthwhile, but with money problems -- of five daughters closing in on marriage age. The film is realistic about their low rent surroundings though they do have money for a servant or two. The star (Keira Knightley) is a headstrong reader sort (the Jane stand-in, I guess) who clashes with Darcy, a tall silent sort that looks so darn tall (was he on his school basketball team?), but well, you know ...
The movie has some great visuals and witty moments. I liked the Bennet's home and the bare faces of the family women (no obvious make-up). And, Knightley is very good (as is Donald Sutherland, as her dad, in a small part ... a few other supporting roles were pretty good, Darcy a bit iffy). Given how beautiful she is in the film (in a non-flashy way), how can she not get her prince? Still her character's inner goodness, cheer, and intelligence shines out. My problem again was that the plot was somewhat thin -- a few complications (separating her sister from her own beloved, etc.) and so forth, but nothing serious. The Bollywood version at times seemed to have more plot (including respecting more plot devices and misunderstandings of an almost silly sort)!
Still, it was a pleasant film overall, well made/played. The thinness of the story is a bit of a negative -- warranting a bit of criticism and the film overall a bit less praise -- but like Serenity and too few films of late (imho), a nice way to spend a few hours.