Movie Review - Emma.

Director: Autumn de Wilde
Genre: Drama/ Comedy
Runtime: 125 minutes
Year: 2020
Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Mia Goth, Bill Nighy, Johnny Flynn, Josh O’Connor, Callum Turner, Amber Anderson, Tanya Reynolds, Miranda Hart, Gemma Whelan, Rupert Graves, Myra McFadyen, Esther Coles, Suzy Bloom, Suzanne Toase, Nicholas Burns, Lucy Briers, Anna Francolini, Connor Swindells, Isis Hainsworth

Description: In 1800s England, the well-meaning but selfish young Emma (Anya Taylor-Joy) meddles in the love lives of her friends.

Review: The popular rich daughter Emma Woodhouse tries in her wat to boost the love life of the people around her. Jane Austen’s stories have appeared on the big screen so often in so many different forms that filmmakers have to look for new interpretations of her work. As far as I’m concerned, they’ve succeeded that with “Emma.” (the point is deliberate).
Emma is a slightly arrogant and stubborn woman who wants to interfere in the personal relationships of her surroundings, because she seems to know it all. The people around her all love and adore her and don’t really see her real intentions. Apart from nobleman George Knightly, the only opponent who gets in Emma’s way.
For a film that actually takes too long, “Emma.” is a funny film that stands out and keeps you entertained. Nice to see are the very subtle jokes that are in contrast with the light-hearted comedy, especially brought by Bill Nighy.
“Emma.” has a great cast, with Anya Taylor-Joy shining as the titular character. Not one of the best Jane Austen book-to-movie adaptations, but a pleasant watch and certainly worth your time. If you like Austen novels that is (and I do).

Rating: 3,5 / 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 81: Spy

Director: Paul Feig

Genre: Action/Comedy

Runtime: 120 minutes

Year: 2015

Starring: Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Jason Statham, Jude Law, Miranda Hart, Allison Janney, Peter Serafinowicz, Bobby Cannavale

Description: Desk-bound CIA analyst Susan Cooper (Melissa McCarthy) volunteers to go undercover to infiltrate the world of a deadly arms dealer, and prevent diabolical global disaster.

Review: Susan Cooper works as an analyst for the CIA. Behind her desk she helps out CIA agent Bradley Fine during dangerous missions. When something happens to Bradley and the identity of all the other agents is revealed, Susan is the only one that has never worked undercover.

An action comedy with a female lead, that’s very rare in Hollywood. The talented Melissa McCarthy and director Paul Feig, who worked together before for “Bridesmaids” and “The Heat”, make it happen. McCarthy’s character changes from an insecure woman to a bad ass agent. The perfect woman for this role. The movie has great humor, it’s never cheesy or lame.

Jason Statham probably has the most fun role, as over the top spy, who can’t handle the fact that a woman like Susan is send into the field. Statham’s character Ford appears in the strangest places, to screw up the mission and brag about his heroic actions. Statham is seriously hilarious and clearly has a talent for comedy. Also Rose Byrne, Allison Janney and Miranda Hart get enough room to exploit. Funny and strong supporting roles.

In an action comedy you don’t only expect catchy jokes, but also entertaining action. Director Feig manages to gives us that too. It’s fast paced and well filmed.

“Spy” is a hilarious comedy that gives Melissa McCarthy plenty of room to shine. And I think if “Spy” is a success, we don’t have to wait long for “Spy 2”.

Rating: 4/ 5