i must have seen a different film!!

This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

It is encouraging that the film ends so strongly.Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a particularly memorable film

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

This post WWI setting sees an English country gentleman still coming to terms with the trauma of seeing 20,000 soldiers killed in a matter of minutes on the front, after being ordered over the top, including his entire company, formed of the youth from his local area. His wife, back at the rural seat, in a country that had been bled almost dry by the war, had devoted her own efforts to keeping things going, maintaining the estate, the jobs of the employees, the local life (deprived of a generation of men) and a stiff upper lip through it all. Into this scene comes a lovely young American with a 'past', who was living life to the full. A Motor city gal, she'd just won the Monaco Grand Prix, but was disqualified due to her gender. But it did attract the attention of the handsome heir to the estate, they fell for one another and were quickly married. he then takes her home to meet the family and the fun really starts. This is actually a human drama, but it sparkles with so much wit that it has been labeled a rom-com - but that's only for those who see just one side of this complex story. Not only are there the cultural clashes, over seemly behaviour, food, pastimes and treatment across class distinctions, as well as a disaster involving the family pet chihuahua, but inevitably the American's wishes for her relationship clash with what are seen as the duties of her husband towards the community and the future of the estate (which is in financial straits - and she's not a rich American). The result is that the tide turns against our heroine, reinforced by misunderstandings over that 'secret past', but she has her allies also and in the end you know that somehow she's going to be alright, whereas the destiny of those who remain will probably depend on the wealthy neighbouring landowner. But it is the pleasure of the journey that is most interesting.

The film has genuine fun moments - with Marion's attempt to show 'striking resemblance' of Edgar in a couple of photos, the way music plays in the backdrop when the family is entreated to a turkey meal for Thanksgiving. The contrasts between stiff British and boisterous American approach to life has not been overdone.A movie certainly worth a watch twice, and once for sure.

Let me preface this review by stating that I have a wide range of movies I enjoy and would go see. However, my partner in crime here on "Mike and Arnie Movie Reviews" had to force me to watch this one. Now, that being said, I went in with an open mind and granted "Easy Virtue" a fair and impartial review. I just wanted to point out the distance we will go to be fair on the types of movies we are willing to review for our audience.Now into the review...This was a slow starter to be sure; it went on for a while before it really got its legs. First I had to adapt to the subtle English humor and try to figure out the point of the film at the same time. As it went on, I realized I was waiting for something that never came. Sometimes stories don't come right out at you and give you all the elements needed to leave you fulfilled. This story didn't have much of a beginning, middle or end. However, once you watched long enough, it was interesting to see the aristocratic dysfunction of this rich British family trying to welcome in an American (Jessica Biel) into their circle. That was I guess the story come to find out. It had its moments of endearment, subtle comedy, and romance. The acting was actually pretty good, but given the story and the environment it gave me a feeling of watching a Broadway play on the silver screen. The actors at times seemed to annunciate too perfectly and at times the lines were curt and forced. I guess maybe they were trying to stay true to the language of the "well to do" in the time frame of this film. Finally, this movie was a little pretentious and stuffy for my taste. However, if you like a little artsy-fartsy flair, and you like the English tone, you may very much like this film. It wasn't bad, don't get me wrong. Once I adapted to what was going on, I did eventually get engaged enough to have to watch it to its end, and was somewhat pleased on how it finished up (quite appropriately, I must say).Footnote: My Aftertaste to this film did linger on past my review and I do want to add, that after marinating on it a little, this film was charming and smart.knowyourmovie.blogspot.com

The Verdict This is a British movie and not your typical Hollywood fast food production. Worth checking when just relaxing is not your only objective as some mind and soul effort might be required.The Positives I have to admit: like many other people, I like fast food restaurants. They are familiar, predictable, proved, conveniently located, fun for the whole family, and – let us be honest – very addictive. However, if we want to experience the real art of cooking, we would not even look in their direction and go for something else.The skillful Hollywood craftsmen know how to use very basic, crude techniques to manipulate us into feeling excitement, compassion, fear, suspense, lust, and simply make as feel good, even if for a short period of time. That is what I call Hollywood fast food. Ninety-five percent Hollywood movies are like that and in most cases, that is exactly what we need: some relaxing predictable fun, something to satisfy our primitive movie addictions. Nevertheless, if we want to experience the real art of movie making, we will turn to movies like "Easy Virtue". Not perfect in any sense, this movie offers what the majority of the movies cannot – the real art instead of an industrial craftsmanship. Jessica Biel and Kristin Scott Thomas are great as the main antagonists. Together they create several scenes of great intensity where both comic and dramatic overtones blend into an explosive mixture and create a real feast for the viewer. Colin Firth is very good as usual in a supporting role.The clever, touching story based on a good literary source - Noel Coward's play and the confident directing by Stephan Elliott form a solid foundation of "Easy Virtue". The good overall art direction, set decoration, costume design, music score, and make up are definitely worth mentioning and are important in creating the unique atmosphere of the movie. The Negatives Not all of the story lines and the scenes are equally engaging. Some of them are considerably more powerful and intense, deep and thought provoking, funny or dramatic then the others.There is an unnecessary and avoidable partial nudity in one of the comic episodes as well as some strong sexual overtones in the other episode where just a hint would work even better and be more appropriate.knowyourmovie.blogspot.com