Easy Virtue (2009)

That was an excellent one.

Self-important, over-dramatic, uninspired.

not as good as all the hype

It's no definitive masterpiece but it's damn close.

I completed watching the movie some 30 minutes ago. I was a little disappointed with the tango sequence. An excellent production. Fantastic script, a fairly fast paced plot, believable characters. The tango scene in Scent of a Woman was Por Una Cabeza. An obtainable Mp3 is readily available via Amazon, iTunes etc. However, it is unattainable from the soundtrack of the Easy Virtue movie. The reason I am typing this review at all is not to critique the Easy Virtue movie it is to see if perhaps someone can answer me as to why the YouTube video of the Biel/Firth tango is Por Una Cabeza (2:26) was omitted from the movie??

"Easy Virtue" is one of those films that could have been so good, but something failed along the way. However, unlike with most such cases, this time it's the script that was a let down.Visually, it was perfect. Great shots, colors, editing, sets... It was pure eye candy. If I could ever go back in the 1930s Britain, that is the life I'd choose. Acting - solid in the given conditions. A respectable cast did a fair job. Still, with all the famous faces, expensive scenery and fancy post production, "Easy Virtue" misses something. I can't exactly put my finger on it, but the overall impression is that the script simply didn't deliver. During the entire movie You expect something to happen, and You more or less know what should happen, but that something just doesn't seem to arrive.I don't know... I guess it's worth watching with the sound off (except for the music maybe). The visuals are astounding, but that's pretty much it.

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

An impressive directing by Stephan Elliott based on a piece of Noel Coward with a great cast. There is a flow to the plot and a scrumptious description English country life in early 20th century. The film is particularly remarkable because of the exemplary performances by Jessica Biel (Valentine's Day) the car racer who dances a mean Tango, Kristin Scott Thomas (Four Weddings & a Funeral) who makes a strong bitter wife, Colin Firth (the famous Mr. Darcy of Pride and Prejudice) who once again gives a piercing performance, and Kris Marshall (Love Actually) who plays the insightful butler. The misty dawn shots of the gardener with his wheelbarrow create a special atmosphere. Some details were a bit fuzzy at first viewing, so I watched it again and it was delectable. The title I have given is the last sentence spoken by Colin Firth in the movie.