Comments on: Lovely By Surprise

By: Miranda Wilding

Miranda Wilding — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:26:32 +0000

jenny, I can not tell a lie.

Anyone that knows me well (on the net or off) is fully aware that the middle of the road is not for me.

Some people just have to live their lives with a particular kind of intensity. It’s not something you choose.

It just is.

I have no idea what you’d think of LBS (or DUPLICITY).

In terms of our circle, I seem to be out of the loop on the former. Rick and Craig obviously thought highly of it…and they’re both sharp dudes.

Hopefully you’ll enjoy them when you see them. Though (aside from both being comedies technically) they’re totally different propositions film wise.

Have fun…

By: Rick

Rick — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 02:39:46 +0000

I think you’re right, Craig. No slight to “Stranger,” which, as I told Jennybee, I liked just fine. It’s just that Lovely By Design is up to more than that. Nothing wrong with that, either.

By: Craig Kennedy

Craig Kennedy — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 20:30:53 +0000

I’m a total sucker for Stranger than Fiction, though I agree this film operates on a totally different level. I think Lovely has a lot more on its mind whereas I take StF as pretty straight forward entertainment. That’s not a slight. I can’t think of a clearer recent example of a movie where I went in in a blue mood and came out with a smile. Fiction was ultimately more satisfying I think than LBS, but LBS is reaching for more and is richer.

By: Rick

Rick — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:06:33 +0000

Jennybee, I too like “Stranger than Fiction,” I thought it got fairly decent reviews, as well … It had a great cast and some sharp writing, so what wasn’t to like?

By: jennybee

jennybee — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:10:34 +0000

I’m really looking forward to seeing this film. I’m a fan of Carrie Preston, no question, and even if they aren’t quite the same sort of beast, I really fell for Stranger than Fiction. It’s a movie that just gets better for me each time I see it. I know I’m in the minority on that one, though.

Good review.

I already plan to check out Duplicity when I get a chance, Miranda, but I didn’t realize you’d seen it 10 times! No one will ever say you were a woman of mild passions.

And yeah, she’s great on True Blood. Perfectly cast for that role.

By: Rick

Rick — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:53:23 +0000

I liked Humkin a lot too, and I think it has a lot to do with Michael Chernus’ great performance. He packs a lot of depth into the role, especially as he becomes integrated into Bob’s family.

By: Craig Kennedy

Craig Kennedy — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 07:30:33 +0000

Nice review Rick. The only place I moderately disagree is your thoughts on Preston. I thought she was terrific, though I do think the character isn’t as sensitively drawn as Bob. The way things turn out in the story, this becomes a bit of a problem.

I sort of wanted to gas Humkin and Mopekey at first. I take that back. At first they were funny and THEN I wanted to gas them, but as you say, when Humkin escapes he literaly comes to life. I particularly loved how he bonded with Mimi…the only one who could possibly get through to her because they exist on the same mental plane. In the end I really warmed up to him.

By: Rick

Rick — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:53:40 +0000

Me too! I especially like it when Millie the flower girl dies, and all the friends she never had show up at her funeral, and pay for her cats to be spayed. I liked that part the best.

By: Greg

Greg — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:51:36 +0000

You know what movie I really like? Avanti!. Boy that’s a good movie. It’s insights into women and feminism are unmatched.

By: Rick

Rick — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 06:36:53 +0000

Miranda, Seems like a good policy to work it out between you and the distributor. Kudos.