A Previous Engagement (2008) User Reviews

Must See Performances by Daniel Stern & Valerie Mahaffey!

[dorothyjdavis · 7/10 · 28 August 2007]

I loved a lot about this cute movie -- loved the romantic premise, the beautiful setting, the quirky plot and Especially the Ending! Absolutely Adored the performances by Daniel Stern as Jack Reynolds, the husband, and Valerie Mahaffey as Grace, the Redhead. The film is not to be missed for them alone. But I laughed aloud in a lot of other places too -- Claire Brosseau's disgruntled daughter was spot-on and some of the silly situations really got to me. My friend laughed away as well -- often in different places from me -- such is the mystery of humor -- and she also thoroughly enjoyed this fun, escapist movie -- how nice to get away from the depressing news for a change. Hoorah for Joan Carr-Wiggin, writer and director, for concocting a bon bon for us all, but especially for us oft neglected female baby boomers.

Just fair. Only just.

[cliff314 · 3/10 · 19 March 2013]

This movie has received some astonishingly positive reviews, and sounded good. So we watched it. Unfortunately, it isn't very good. Warning - when you see five or so reviews giving 10 stars (ten!!) from people who only ever do one review, the alarm bells should be ringing. In no universe is this ever going to be a 10 star movie. There are some funny bits, a couple of mild twists, and a few nice shots of Malta, but otherwise the script is unlikely, the characters not believable, the whole thing is simply ridiculous.

One acting high spot was Valerie Mahaffey as Grace - she was pretty good.

So if you feel so inclined, watch this movie, then read the 10 star reviews, and prepare to be annoyed at the obvious attempts at rating manipulation.

Worst movie of the year

[Melius · 1/10 · 18 May 2008]

The script had promise. Any other praise for this movie has to come only from those involved in trying to sell this sad attempt at movie making. This must be one of the worst films I ever saw. The actors, at least the two that could act, floundered in mediocre sets, mediocre supporting cast and worse of all, a mediocre direction that could not be worse had it been directed by a blind director. There is no idea of pacing, composition, and anything else that could have led the actors to abandon their over acted hysterics and try to inject some believable interpretation to the characters. There were a couple of laughs but I think it was the result of embarrassment rather than genuine comedy. This film was shot in the island of Malta and in particular the old medieval city of Mdina. Well, they might as well have shot it on a back lot in Hampstead Heath. There was absolutely no feel for the imposing scenery that is there for the taking. I'll stop this review here for there is a lot more misery to mention and I have already lost too much effort on this movie. I'm just angry at having wasted money and time on this film. If you ever come across it on TV, RUN!

An Un-Movie with a Non-Script and Anti-Directing

[Sebastian_Halm · 3/10 · 20 July 2011]

I have the strong suspicion that everyone here who gave this movie a positive review is in some way or the other affiliated with the producers, actors or has a share in the profits.

And furthermore, although I am unable to provide evidence of this either, I have the strong suspicion all of the cast and crew were in it just because they wanted to spend time on Malta while getting paid for it.

I don't want to waste much time or many words on this one, but I want to call your attention to the review by @Melius. Although a one star rating seems a little harsh (I am saving the one star rating for movies supporting seal hunting or puppy torture) he has it absolutely right. I have no explanation for the dominance of positive reviews and the only reason I am writing about this epic fail of a movie is to contribute to a certain balance in user reviews.

This movie should be shown in film classes to demonstrate how to ruin a good idea by

a) terrible directing

b) over the top acting (what is wrong with those people praising the performances???)

and c) a terrible, terrible, terrible script.

The people in it don't behave like real people. It's the first time I was so aggressive watching a movie I wanted to punch the characters in the face. And I have seen Transformers 3. It doesn't feel like a movie after all, but... I don't know. I don't know, because the vast stupidity of "A Previous Engagement" sucked my brains out.

Fantastic Intelligent Comedy

[thornbury12 · 10/10 · 29 December 2007]

A Previous Engagement is Juliet Stevenson's best performance since Truly Madly Deeply. Juliet heads up a great cast in this well written and well crafted Intelligent comedy. Daniel Stern is marvelous as the unsuspecting husband taken on vacation to Malta under false pretences. This film will make you laugh and cry, with some of the funniest lines coming during moments of great pathos. The Maltese setting is luxurious to watch, but does not detract from the personal dramas being played out before us. This film is not your average Romantic Comedy although it fits the bill very well. It is a classy drama which will speak volumes to people who find their children grown and are maybe looking at their lives and wondering how they got where they are and ask "Is this it"? The fact that it is also very funny is the icing on the cake and will make the film appeal to a wide audience. If you watch this, you won't forget it.

A Breath of Fresh Air!

[mondocinema · 10/10 · 27 July 2007]

This film is a breath of fresh air in the world of romantic comedies. A truthful and comedic glimpse into love and marriage after the age of 40. I laughed so hard in places, and found all the performances consistently charming in a way that wasn't in any way the standard pap you tend to find in this genre. Juliet Stevenson is well-cast as the quirky lead heroine who wants something more from her life than her American husband (well-played by Daniel Stern) and family can offer. Also, I don't think I've ever seen a movie set in Malta, and the experience of going through this story with these characters was like actually visiting the Mediterranean. I sincerely hope this film finds its audience, as it's a true original. Expect the unexpected when you sit down to watch this film!

Loved it!

[nesswilder · 10/10 · 27 February 2008]

super cool, romantic movie. Daniel Stern always one of my favourites from the days of Home Alone even. I love to see him in roles like this, extending his acting reach. And Claire Brosseau, who is a relative newcomer to me is gorgeous and quite the talent! I witnessed her amazing talent in Marion Bridge and love to see that it has carried on her in Previous Engagement. It's no easy to transcend live theatre talent onto the big screen, But Claire Brosseau has managed to do so with this latest character. I recommend this movie to couples, singles, even triples if you so see fit. It will make you happy, sad, cry and laugh....although that could just have been my emotional roller-coaster happening ;)

Lovers reunite after 25 years

[maurice_yacowar · 8/10 · 8 February 2018]

This 2008 romantic comedy slipped under the radar without being recognized as a delightful revival of the classic screwball comedy. Julia and Alex fell passionately in love in Malta 25 years ago. Then they separated, she planning to become the next James Joyce, he the next Che Guevera. They pledged to meet there again in 25 years to resume their ardor. And so they do. But Julia arrives lumbered with her dull (insurance claims) husband Jack, further burdened by older daughter Jenny, heartbroken but with new swain Tyler in tow, and then Jill, jealous of being left out. Alex comes with his pretty and embarrassingly available assistant. But the old passion has survived. Alex remembers Julia's mole. They both treasure the beach where they first made love, the best sex either ever had. Their old attraction reheats them at first sight, touch, and especially their first embrace whether on or under the (rented) marital bed. As fervid as their love is their anger at any perceived betrayal. Accidents and embarrassments abound, for the course of true love never does run smooth. That's what makes this a screwball comedy: the forces of domestic order and conventional decorum are exploded by the irresistible, disturbing energy of love. Also, the dialogue is as nervous and edgy as the action. Fast talk is key to the genre. "I'm a lot sluttier than I look," fresh divorcee Grace promises the newly available Jack. And Julia's obligatory Canadian content: "In Canada they rut like rabbits to keep warm." The briefly restored family will henceforth eschew dangerous Europe for holidays with Julia's sister in Grimsby. Neither lover has realized their dreams. Alex came closer, now editing a literary journal in Montreal, four wives later. Julia is married to a man she doesn't love, who brings massive jigsaw puzzles to excite him in Malta. Their two daughters are still so selfish they refuse to admit "they're old enough to know the truth about their parents." The film is written and directed by a woman, the accomplished Joan Carr-Wiggin. So the snarl of romantic dreams and domestic bathos takes the woman's perspective. Here it's the heroine who gets to yell "Fuck!" - at the mirror that reflects her aging and lovelessness, at the dutiful, i.e., unhelpful, hotel clerk, at the Malta hills impervious to her disappointment and despair - and finally, exultantly, when her true love has the courage and confidence to believe she will return to him after all. So, too, Grace asserts the woman's right to have her one-night stand - Jack - satisfy her sexual needs - after his. Here the housewife moves past her decision to resume her maternal duty. She leaves her selfish, boring family to live her own life. She passes up the Penguin Ulysses in favour of a blank notebook where she can finally start her own writing. Her lover's return only adds to her fulfilment. No-one in her family knows Julia's true nature and depth. "If people knew who their mothers really were the world would end." But her dull husband Jack has his own surprising resources too, as Grace discovers in and for him. Julia's last words to her family are "Keep dancing" - which encourages Jack to make his new life with Grace. Julia's advice, which taps Jack's long suppressed physical impulses, runs deeper than the tailor's reform: "There's no problem I can't fix with a really good suit." The soundtrack is especially keyed to the developing emotional situation. For the initially disappointed lovers there's Phil Ochs's "There are no more songs." Alex follows the despondent Jack to the Dixieland "You Dirty Rascal You," after a dispirited, slow "Born To Be Wild." The lovers' ultimate resolve is to "give all I can give, cross my heart and I hope to live." In the screwball ethos, anything else, like self-denial or exhausted resignation, is to die.

brilliant film, great cast!

[meadow-1982 · 10/10 · 27 February 2008]

i loved, loved, loved this film... the cinematography is breathtaking, the writing hilarious, the acting brilliant. Juliet Stevenson is still one of the greatest actresses of her generation & shows off her comedic skills while maintaining a real tenderness & emotional foundation. she plays it perfectly. the dynamic between her two daughters is hilarious, and both girls hold their own with such a pro cast. as usual, Simon Woods is a complete babe, & Daniel Stern is like the cherry on top of the cake! the story is brave, funny & exciting, just as is Stevenson's character. the plot takes daring twists & turns, just as the viewer hopes it will, without being predictable. i left this film with a giant smile on my face & haven't stopped thinking about it since. all hail Joan Carr-Wiggin!

Really Enjoyed This Film!

[lauramerry · 10/10 · 14 September 2008]

I cannot disagree more than with the comment that Melius from Toronto posted regarding this movie. I laughed out-loud during many of the scenes and felt the bittersweet sadness of other parts of the story. While on vacation when I was much younger, I met someone whom I liked very much and we had a definite chemistry, but we prevented it from going too far at the time. The last thing the person said to me was, "I know one day, might be 30 years from now, but one day, are paths will cross and we will meet again". With the internet, I know this person has a dental practice and is living in Maine. I can completely understand what would motivate the main character in this film to seek out the person she felt was her one true love. I liked this movie so much that I am right now seeing if the DVD is available for sale because I would like to own a copy.