PRIDE & PREJUDICE
(PG)
MOVIE: ** (out of 5)
BLU-RAY EXPERIENCE: ***1/2 (out of 5)
BY KEVIN CARR
WHAT IT’S ABOUT
Five years ago, director Joe Wright established himself in the costume drama genre by making a big budget feature adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Pride & Prejudice.” The film stars Kiera Knightly as the feisty Elizabeth Bennet, who struggles with the oppressive role of women in the 18th century while she watches her sisters long to marry. When Elizabeth meets the stuffy Mr. Darcy, she finds that there might be love for her after all, if only they can get past their differences.
WHAT I LIKED
Well, the costumes were nice.
Seriously, that’s what my grandmother would say about community theaters performances that she really didn’t like. It’s not that I have anything against Jane Austen, Joe Wright, Kiera Knightly or the entire phenomenon of “Pride & Prejudice,” but it’s just my cup of tea.
With that said, this was a beautifully shot adaptation, bringing the Georgian era to life. You can always count on Joe Wright for a nice looking film like this.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
If you’re not a fan of Jane Austen, you’ll know exactly what I’m going to say. This movie was stuffy, boring, cumbersome and all around annoying to me. I just don’t get into the whining of girls who are pining for a guy – whether they’re 18th century debutants or 21st century high schoolers in love with a vampire. The giddy nature of the girls in the film are often further exaggerated with the filmmakers’ love for the era. I can only take so much giggling.
Plus, Mr. Darcy is a douche. It may have worked in the 18th century, but it doesn’t work for me now. Then again, I think Edward Cullen is a douche. Shows what I know about women’s fiction.
BLU-RAY FEATURES
The new Blu-ray includes the DVD features, like interviews with the cast, feature commentary by Joe Wright and several futurities: “Jane Austen: Ahead of her Time,” “A Bennet Family Portrait,” “HBO First Look: Pride & Prejudice,” “The Politics of 18th Century Dating” and “The Stately Homes of Pride & Prejudice.”
Also, new to the Blu-ray is access to Universal’s BD-Live, which has features for this and other titles.
WHO’S GOING TO LIKE THIS MOVIE
The old ladies at my church.
I found this review of a very boring movie to be very entertaining! Edward Cullen is a douche and thumbs up for the old ladies at your church.