Review of This Beautiful Fantastic (2016) by Troy K — 22 May 2017

Grade: B.

Rating: PG, 1 hour 32 minutes.

In a Nutshell: Garden metaphors about life and friendship grow as this quirky "modern fairy tale" develops in this limited release.

Uplifting theme:

"Today I'm going to make a difference." - Bella Brown (Jessica Brown Findlay).

Responsibility.

Friendship.

Everything that matters takes time." - Alfie Stephenson (Tom Wilkinson).

Things I liked:

I loved the magical score throughout the film.

Jessica Brown Findlay does a great job as the odd protagonist who has a Keira Knightly quality about her.

The Nazi librarian, her signs, and her garden name (Bramble) were hilarious, played by Anna Chancellor.

Andrew Scott was entertaining as Vernon.

You're probably going to want to go outside and work in your garden or create one.

Luna was lovely.

I loved the last scene.

Clever, witty dialogue.

Things I didn't like:

So, the title....ummm.

As a landlord, I wasn't amused by Bella's lack of interest in taking care of the property she was renting.

As a former employer, I also wasn't amused by how Bella was shocked about being fired after showing up late for work every day.

Pretty predictable.

Funny lines:

"I'm not a religious man, but I believe someone sent her here to test us." - Alfie.

"Don't worry, tea is on its way." - Milly (Eileen Davies) Such a British thing to say.

"Slavery was abolished in 1834, just so you know." - Vernon (Andrew Scott).

"This country has been going down the drain ever since." - Alfie.

"I was just trying to tidy up a bit." - Bella.

"I think that's what Hitler said about Europe." - Alfie.

"I'm speechless." - Bella.

"If only that were true." - Alfie.

Interesting lines:

"You should doubt only a man who changes his story. I only repeat myself in vague hope that one day somebody will actually hear me." - Alfie.

"Look! These monkwoods, so beautiful and poisonous they'll kill a man. That's an interesting contradiction, isn't it?" - Alfie.

Tips for parents:

Most kids will be pretty bored.

Clean language.

MOVIE REVIEW MOM.

@trinaboice.