Tag: mike newell

To change for other is to lie to yourself. “Mona Lisa Smile” (2003)

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directed by Mike Newell
© 2003 Sony Pictures Releasing. All Rights Reserved.

If you’ve seen “Dead Poets Society” and you liked it, then this film may also catch your attention. It’s like a slightly less engaging female version, I would say. But don’t get me wrong, not because it’s about women. I think the script wasn’t that powerful as we would expect it to be. But, from the beginning. The film tells the story of Katherine Ann Watson (Julia Roberts), who becomes a new History of Art teacher at Wellesley College, which is a private school for women. She’s very much liberal and against patriarchy, so she’s very excited to be sharing her knowledge with young ladies. It’s not easy for her to gain the students trust, because they seem to know everything that Katherine was supposed to teach them. Therefore, the woman decides to present modern art during her classes and talk with her students about very different topics, one of which is trying to become more than just a wife. The film takes place in the 50s, when it wasn’t typical for women to be successful in their professional life. In fact, most of them didn’t have any professional life. Their goal was to find a man, get married, have children and take care of the house. That is why Katherine wants to inspire her students and encourage them to keep developing as women, not just as wives. And even though the film is really not that engaging and some critics say it’s predictable, I liked it in the end. Mostly because it made me think of how different goals women used to have and still have. I mean, there’s a constant battle between those who want women to finish good universities, find jobs and become true business women and those who think women should be housewives and take care of their families only. However, not many want to understand the other side and realise that for each person their life goals might be different. Some women, indeed, want to be independent and feel proud of their professional achievements, but some women, even these days, prefer to stay at home and dedicate 100% to their family. And there’s nothing wrong with ether of those. The problem is not choosing either of those paths, but not having the choice at all. And I think this is the most important message I got from this film. So cheers, ladies! Either you’re in the office or living room.

My rating: 7/10
S.

Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad books. “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” (2018)

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directed by Mike Newell
© 2018 StudioCanal. All Rights Reserved.

Two reasons pushed me to watching today’s film. Number one is the title. I mean, it’s wonderful, isn’t it? I have to admit that I haven’t read the book, so I’m afraid I won’t be able to tell you how different it is from the film. What I know about the book is that the story is described in letters that the characters send to each other. The adaptation is slightly different, but it’s still enjoyable, so I hope the fans of the book haven’t felt unsatisfied. The story is set in the 40s, where a young writer named Juliet Ashton (Lily James) is travelling across England promoting her new book. It’s full of funny texts written by her during World War II. One day she meets a gentleman, Markham V. Reynolds, Jr. (Glen Powell), who’s a huge fan of Juliet and those two start seeing each other. And obviously, they don’t talk only about books anymore, if you know what I mean. Anyway, then the woman gets in touch with an unknown man from Guernsey, who happens to be a member of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Intrigued by the name, she feels the need to learn about the group and all its members. She decides to go to Guernsey in person and meet the people who have been exchanging letters with her and who may have even more interesting stories to share. However, those you will have to learn yourselves. By the way, do you know what Mary Ann Shaffer, the author of the book this film was based on, said? “All I wanted was to write a book that someone would like enough to publish.” Well, I guess it’s done. And it’s done well, because both the book and the film have received promising rating. And I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but I didn’t mention the second reason why I’d decided to see this film. My second reason was… the costumes and general production design. I love films based in the 20th century and I like checking out the films set in those times to see how well the producers were prepared. In my opinion, it was a B+. And I think I will read the book one day, just to experience the story in a different way. But the film is still very pleasant, so enjoy this disgusting pie and a quite emotional plot.

My rating: 6/10
S.

I thought U2 was a type of submarine. “Four Weddings and a Funeral” (1994)

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directed by Mike Newell
© 1994 Rank Film Distributors. All Rights Reserved.

People love this film. Because it’s so funny. It’s romantic. We have a lot of silly situations. We have cute Hugh Grant and beautiful Andie MacDowell. Okay, it is one of most iconic films of the 90s, but is it really that good? We have Charles (Hugh Grant) who needs to attend several weddings. Luckily he’s with his friends and those events are rather pleasant for him. They become even more pleasant when he spots a gorgeous American, Carrie (Andie MacDowell). Those two have a lot of fun, a bit too much alcohol and they spend a night together. The next day, Carrie starts telling Charles that after the previous night those two need to get married. As you may guess, nothing happens and the woman leaves to the US. Life goes on and there are more and more weddings to attend. After about 3 months, Charles attends another wedding during which… 3 dots, something happens, I’m not telling you what. But I’m guessing most of you know, because it’s a very popular film. So for those who know it, it’s a nice reminder to maybe re-watch it again? And those who don’t, I guess it’s worth knowing, since it’s, as I said, quite iconic. However, even though I’m recommending it, I don’t think it’s a masterpiece. Indeed, it’s funny, relaxing, goofy, you can have a lot of pleasure watching Hugh Grant (not surprised he was awarded for this role, great job), but… this film is shallow for me. The script is everything and nothing. So many characters, so many motives, a lot of talking… too much of everything. It’s literally about four wedding and a funeral. And also Carrie… All the holy spirits give me patience… What’s a horrible woman! I absolutely hated this character. As long as I deeply adore MacDowell, her character was the most annoying creature on this planet. Some may say she is romantic and teasing, but I say she is a spoilt attention-loving woman who doesn’t deserve to be with Hugh Grant. But I still love MacDowell. So watch it at least to see young Grant making a fool of himself.

My rating: 6/10
S.