Review of Love & Friendship (2016) by Calvin C — 21 May 2016

Based on a novella by Jane Austen, this comedy about relationships is one of the funniest movies I have seen all year. Kate Beckinsale shines as Lady Susan, a widow who uses her skills to woo an eligible man. Whether the man is for her or her daughter, we are never sure, which makes the movie a fun watch. Tom Bennett as Sir James Martin is a laugh riot. I have never laughed so hard at a Jane Austen character before. As great as Bennett and the supporting cast is, this is Kate Beckinsale's show. She really is an underrated actress and this movie shows why she needs more roles like this. The story is nowhere near Sense & Sensibility or Pride & Prejudice, but it never tries to be. It is a smaller, intimate portrait about a woman who just wants to see everyone happy, herself included.

Grade: A-.