All it took for Guy Ritchie to have another hit film was to divorce Madonna!? The brilliance is in its simplicity! (End Snark) First, I'll admit I'm naturally biased against any Holmes incarnation produced after the death of the great Jeremy Brett but life goes on as does the legend so I tried keeping an open mind tonight...and it paid off! Downey Jr. was a wonderful bit of stunt casting as he shares a lot of history with the Holmes character; the brilliant career almost cut short by drug use and all. And the abs. How old is he now? 60? Also, I've never been a Jude Law fan but add a mustache and a limp and-TADAH!-you have the hottest Watson ever! I'm talking Victorian FEVER! Rachel McAdams as Irene Adler? Meh. She was a serviceable plot device but there was 0 chemistry between she and Downey Jr. I just had a hard time believing she was Holmes' great love and intellectual equal and well...meh! The bad guy was scary but not in a "I'll take over the world and destroy you" way. It was more scary like realizing you room mate is an overzealous D&D or WoW geek who's really into black capes and ComicCons. The action and dialogue were funny, quick and reminiscent of Ritchie's other films although some of the lines where hard to hear in places but that could have been due to the crying babies seated directly behind me. And just so you'll know, a certain character was introduced toward the end that lead me to believe that there will be a sequel...or three.
Reviews
2 Reviews
Dangerous Liaisons
(2003– )
There are better versions of this story, see those first!
15 August 2009
Warning: Spoilers
I love the book and I've seen almost all the filmed versions, from the Upper East Side setting of Cruel Intentions to the 2nd Korean version, Untold Scandal, but I have to say I was a little disappointed with this one.
Firstly, I love Catherine Deneuve but I just couldn't take her in this role! The Marquise de Merteuil is only supposed to give the impression of coldness. Ms. Deneuve is a solid block of ice all the way through this film which makes it difficult to believe anyone would want to bed her much less enjoy it and even less be willing to give their lives for her! Contrast that to Glenn Close's portrayal in the Stephen Frears film and you'll know what I mean.
And secondly there is poor Rupert Everett. If I could imagine the Vicomte de Valmont I would certainly have him look like Rupert but again his acting has just too cold! Going back to Frears, what made John Malkovich so perfect in the role was that he was so imperfect! John isn't classically handsome but he's charming and that is what he brings to the role. Even though we know the guy isn't hot we have no problem believing he can score with the ladies, even against their better judgment and numerous protestations, because he's just smooth like that! And what is more we feel badly for him when when he loses Madame de Tourvel and is betrayed by the Marquise.
I never once believed Rupert's character felt any real pain. He just seemed like a big, handsome evil Robot! It would have made more sense and been less surprising had he just gone on a rampage and killed everyone in the movie! On a positive note, Rupert's French is beautiful, the soundtrack is marvelous and the costume design is fabulous!
Firstly, I love Catherine Deneuve but I just couldn't take her in this role! The Marquise de Merteuil is only supposed to give the impression of coldness. Ms. Deneuve is a solid block of ice all the way through this film which makes it difficult to believe anyone would want to bed her much less enjoy it and even less be willing to give their lives for her! Contrast that to Glenn Close's portrayal in the Stephen Frears film and you'll know what I mean.
And secondly there is poor Rupert Everett. If I could imagine the Vicomte de Valmont I would certainly have him look like Rupert but again his acting has just too cold! Going back to Frears, what made John Malkovich so perfect in the role was that he was so imperfect! John isn't classically handsome but he's charming and that is what he brings to the role. Even though we know the guy isn't hot we have no problem believing he can score with the ladies, even against their better judgment and numerous protestations, because he's just smooth like that! And what is more we feel badly for him when when he loses Madame de Tourvel and is betrayed by the Marquise.
I never once believed Rupert's character felt any real pain. He just seemed like a big, handsome evil Robot! It would have made more sense and been less surprising had he just gone on a rampage and killed everyone in the movie! On a positive note, Rupert's French is beautiful, the soundtrack is marvelous and the costume design is fabulous!
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