Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

Rated PG-13

Running time: 1 hr 32 mins

Cast:

Frances McDormand
Amy Adams

Critical consensus:

*** out of *****
(77% Fresh Rating!)

Matt's Take:

C

Mikey @ The Movies Offical Rating:

**** out of *****

The premise:

Guinevere Pettigrew, a middle-aged London governess, finds herself unfairly dismissed from her job. An attempt to gain new employment catapults her into the glamorous world and dizzying social whirl of an American actress and singer, Delysia Lafosse.

MY REVIEW

I found this film to be a nice little suprise. I feel like there has been a slew of british films this year, and oddly enough this ranks as one of the better of the year. To say it stands in the top 5 dramactic films of 2008 would be a stretch, but it was a very good movie in my mind. You have a story that has potential to be a bore in most peoples eyes, but for some reason I was rather entertained by it all. The screenplay was well written, funny and charming. Not brilliant writing persay, but I think the filmaking and performances made the story stand out.

The two main ladies were absolutely delightful and a treat to watch. Oscar winner Frances McDormand (Fargo, Almost Famous) continues to prove to us that she is Oscar worthy in almost every performance she gives. Really, I think this film is no exception. Now I don't think you will see her name anywhere on the Academy's ballot at years end, but still she was quite great! I know that when she is in a film, at least there will be one aspect I won't be dissapointed by. How about Oscar nominee Amy Adams (Junebug, Enchanted)? She is a beautiful and incredibly talented young actress and she doesn't falter that track record in this film. This was more like her Enchanted character than her Junebug one, but she has proven that she can act on all sides of the spectrum. One of the better female supporting performances of the year by far. By the way, does anyone remember her as Jim's girlfriend on season one and two of The Office??

The filmwork was truly amazing. Wonderful and beautiful cinematography, that camera work was near flawless. The music score really set you back in time to that 20's/30's era. I just love a period film that works as well as this one did. I love it when a director can truly capture a time era and recreate it for us to see. Great costuming and makeup as well.

I would definitely recommend this film to most movie goers. Not the manly man type, but ones who admire film and give every genre a serious chance, because in that case I don't think Miss Pettigrew would dissapoint most.

To view this film's theatrical trailer, click this link: Miss Pettigrew

*This is the 95th new film I've seen and reviewed this year.

*This film is now on DVD.