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 - # 86: Death at a Funeral

Director: Frank Oz

Genre: Drama/ Comedy

Runtime: 90 minutes

Year: 2007

Starring: Matthew MacFadyen, Rupert Graves, Alan Tudyk, Daisy Donovan, Kris Marshall, Andy Nyman, Jane Asher, Peter Dinklage, Keeley Hawes, Peter Vaughan, Ewen Bremner, Thomas Wheatley, Peter Egen, Jeremy Booth, Angela Booth, Angela Curran, Kelly Eastwood, Gareth Milne, Brendan O’Hea

Description: Chaos ensues when a man tries to expose a dark secret regarding a recently deceased patriarch of a dysfunctional British family.

Review: “Death at a Funeral” is a comedy about a funeral where nothing goes according to plan. When the casket is brought to the elderly house the oldest son Daniel opens it and says: “Who’s that”? Them bringing the wrong casket is only the beginning of all the mayhem. The film is about taking responsibility. Not for yourself, but also for the people around you. Not that the main characters do that. Dad did. That’s why everyone is sad about his passing. But dad also had some secrets.

The power of the film is the script and the good ensemble cast. One by one the characters are introduced. Invalid uncle Alfie, the successful writer brother, and the other brother that wants to become a successful writer, the mom that hates her daughter in law, the hypochondriac best friend, the stoner. And then there is that little man that no one knows. What is he doing at the funeral? All this makes it to a fun, dark and enjoyable comedy.

Best roles are for Ewen Bremner, who once had a one night stand with one of the relatives. And also Alan Tudyk, who accidentally used a drug. Together with the rest of the cast, it’s a great film for a broad audience.

Rating: 3,5/ 5