Review of Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (2008) by Jim S — 19 Jul 2010
From the opening music on, this seems on the surface to be a "Jeeves and Wooster" type romp, and the script, performances, and production design confirm it. But without the Wodehouse/Laurie/Frye genius, it fails to fizz.
The biggest problem is that the film is undercut by the best actress and performance in it. Frances McDormand can't help but bring a realism and complexity to any role she plays that can work wonderfully in a "comedy" like "Fargo" but operates in a different universe from the "anyone for tennis?" farce genre that the Brits can do better than anyone else -- when they get it all together.
In short, she's been turned loose in the wrong movie and gives a subtle, nuanced performance that contrasts painfully with that of almost everyone else. Not a stinker, but a pleasant time-passer at best.
This review of Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (2008) was written by Jim S on 19 Jul 2010.
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day has generally received positive reviews.
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