Relative Values

Rating:
Summary: A Must for Any Julie Andrews or Noel Coward Fan
Review: This recent release is a must-have for any Julie Andrews or Noel Coward fan. The ensemble cast, including Collin Firth, Jeanne Tripplehorn, William Baldwin, Sophie Thompson and Stephen Fry breathe life into this Noel Coward drawingroom comedy originally written for the stage. The film's script remains true to the play; yet the occasional changes to the play's dialogue fit so seamlessly into the original dialogue that one would never know that it had been changed. Sophie Thompson's acting talents are clearly apparent in her transformation from Felicity's (Julie Andrews' character) servant to a "friend of the family" to disguise her real identity from her sister (Jeanne Tripplehorn's obnoxious character) and would have been Oscar material had the film been released originally in movie theaters, rather than going directly to cable television. But the center of the universe is Felicity, the matriarch of the family around whom the entire plot seems to revolve. Julie Andrews was born for the role of Felicity, and her performace does not disappoint. The actors in this film at times give very subtle emotional coloring to their roles merely by a glance or grimmace. There is no question who is in charge of THIS manor! Anyone who finds the differences between Brits and Americans amusing will find this film an excellent choice. The film has a happy and amusing ending and is well worth waiting for.

Rating:
Summary: CHANGE OF PACE FOR COLIN FIRTH
Review: To see Colin Firth as a blond and as a Noel Coward type character is certainly worth the price of this DVD. For a long time, I have thought that Colin is a splendid actor having first seen him in "Another Country" with Rupert Everett. However, I always viewed him as being a rather serious, dark, intense and rather gloomy type of actor(i.e, Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice). As usual those British actors/actresses can not be stereotyped! Anyone having the perception, as I did, that Colin Firth can only be serious is in for a huge suprise in "Relative Values". He is funny, charming and delightful as a character that resembles Noel Coward. He is so good that, at first, he is almost unrecognizable. There isn't even a hint of his "Mr. Darcy" side. It really is a nice change of pace for him and for his fans.
The rest of the cast is also very enjoyable. Stephen Fry is a delight as a "Jeeves-type" character. Julie Andrews is also very enjoyable!
For a light, forthy movie you can't go wrong with "Relative Values". If you are a fan of Colin Firth and think that he is soooooo serious, treat yourself to a nice surprise and see how versatile this superb actor is.