Review of Chalet Girl (2011) by Dawdlingpoet — 23 Nov 2021

This is a sports centered rom-com and it features themes including competitions, public embarrassment, traumatic injuries and family relationships. I found this quite funny from the start - it had the feel of a Bridget Jones film, with the main character being out of her depth, rather clumsy and possibly self conscious, at the start in any case. The plot isn't exactly entirely original but I found it an easy watch and quite enjoyable regardless. There's something to be said for the predictability of rom-com's, aka 'chick flicks'. I'd never normally think of myself as (by any means) a big fan of those kinds of films - I'm not very keen on smooshy/sappy/overly romantic, sentimental type films but I enjoyed this as the lead character wasn't too overly 'girly girl'y-ish, if you know what I mean. I should perhaps point out that this is a British made film, not American, as a lot of the sickly sweet type of films I refer to come from America, so maybe that has something to do with it.

As I say, its surprisingly amusing - the script is fairly witty at points. It isn't exactly an extremely philosophical film or anything like that, its pretty light hearted but, as I say, an easy and fun watch. I, personally, found Kim to be a relatable character, who has some witty retorts to the upper class people she finds herseful surrounded by (who, frankly, deserved it, in my opinion).

Cast wise, Kim is played by Felicity Jones, who appears very much like your average girl next door, an unremarkable but (as previously mentioned) relatable character who I found somewhat endearing. Meanwhile, her father, Bill, is played by comedian Bill Bailey (so Bill is Bill!), playing your average slightly stereotyped (lazy and dim) father and Jessica Hynes briefly appears, as an interviewer at the school, or course, she attends on how to be acceptably posh or otherwise (deportment school perhaps would be the term?). Steve Furst (another comedian) also makes an (if but brief) appearance as a skiier, with Bill Nighy being one of the upper class 'lot', a man called Richard, at the chalet school and Kims love interest, her boss Jonny, is played by Ed Westwick.

Content wise, the film contains sex references and partial nudity (although nothing explicit), some profanities and there are scenes involving binge drinking but otherwise its unlikely to disturb or frighten people. Due to this, it has been given a 12 rating in the UK.

I found myself cringeing alongside Kim in some scenes, as the inevitable awkward social situations predictably appeared. Yes, it is somewhat predictable but I didn't find myself feeling especially bored or distracted, so it could be worse.

Yes I'd recommend this film. For what it is, its good - I found it amusing and entertaining, if a little predictable and probably not entirely original. It features a good cast and some witty dialogue. Ok its not exactly an outstanding film but then I wouldn't expect any film thats categorised as a romantic drama, or romantic comedy, to be especially outstanding but then again, maybe thats a personal thing? as a bit of light hearted fun, I found it surprisingly good and its on that basis that I'd recommend it.