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Summary: The Worst version of Emma
Review: I have both versions of Emma Kate Beckensale and Gwyneth Paltrow versions and I must say that Ms Paltrow completely ruined the story for me. Emma is supposed to be spoilt and used to her own way but not spiteful Ms Paltrow made her out to be prissy and stupid. Mr Knightly I liked in many ways but found that Mr Churchill was a prat when he should have been more of a man I would have not given him the time of day. Miss Smith was a simpering simpleton not a bit like the character in the book. I am sorry but I cannot recommend this dvd to anyone
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Summary: Emma is missing in Emma
Review: Dreadful adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma. The book deserves far, far better -- perhaps a mini-series like the wonderful versions of P&P, or a more talented screenwriter such as Thompson's S&S. The Paltrow Emma is paltry, leaving out critical scenes, and then inserting strange ones (what is that harvest scene doing at the end, anyway).
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Summary: Before Paltrow became Gwyneth
Review: 'Emma' is your chance to catch a great set of actors and actresses on their way up, before they became big. In 1996, Gwyneth Paltrow was better known as either (a) the daughter of Blythe Danner and Bruce Paltrow, or (b) Brad Pitt's one-time fiancee. In 'Emma,' she rolls out her pitch-perfect English accent for the first time, to be used again over the next couple of years in 'Great Expectations,' 'Sliding Doors,' and ultimately in her Oscar-winning performance in 'Shakespeare in Love.' 'Emma' is a chance to catch a young Paltrow before she became one of those special "owned by the world" people identifiable through a single name.'Emma' has another rocket as well: in a small role, there's Ewan McGregor. 'Emma' was made contemporaneously with *his* breakout performance in 'Trainspotting.' Make a movie with Paltrow and McGregor today, and it's $20M for starters just to pay the co-leads. A third treat: Toni Collette, back a bit to 'Muriel's Wedding' persona - she's added a few pounds here to portray the role of wallflower, Harriet Smith. As usual, she's spectacular.
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Summary: Beautiful Visual Study of an Austen Work
Review: This is a lovely film to behold. While it is true some liberties have been taken with the story's characters in order to adapt Austen's original work for this film rendition, it is a successful effort. The set designs, costumes and lighting in many shots are truly picturesque and produce a charming, fairy tale-like glimpse into Regency Period England. Gwyneth Paltrow is to be commended for an affectionate portrayal of the immature and overly-indulged Emma Woodhouse; the viewer likes Paltrow's Emma in spite of her flaws, indeed, because of her flaws the viewer sees the humor in Emma's actions and penchant for meddling (which is no doubt how Austen probably intended Emma to be perceived). Jeremy Northam, as always, shines in Period films. As Emma's mentor and admirer, his tongue-in-cheek reactions to Emma's missteps and blunders as she navigates her way to adulthood, helps the viewer understand Emma is well-meaning, but still very much a victim of the shortsightedness of her youth. Toni Colette plays the naive Harriet Smith, who is Emma's trusted friend. The scenes involving the two are well-directed and entertaining and the camera work shows both Paltrow and Colette off to their best advantages. This film, like "Sense and Sensibility" , helped put Austen's works back in the forefront of the entertainment forum and in that respect alone, it is to be commended. The viewer finds themself caring about the characters and the outcome of the story, which is the reaction any author or director strives to achieve. I thoroughly recommend the movie to all; the plot and humorous elements of the story are appealing and the characters are timeless.
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Summary: Clueless Redux
Review: This is a masterpiece of English literature fashioned into a good Hollywood romantic comedy. This is fine if one remembers that much of Jane Austen is lost in the translation, such as depth of characterization and lines added which were not in the original. The filming is beautiful and the story is enjoyable but it's not Jane Austen. Emma is not merely a bumbling matchmaker, and Harriet Smith is not a clutz as she is portrayed here. Emma's father, Mr. Woodhouse, is a more comical character in the book than in this movie. Mr. Knightley, as Emma's older mentor and ideal mate, needs more development. For a better idea of Jane Austen's book catch the BBC production.
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Summary: --Enjoyable entertainment--
Review: EMMA is more than just a beautiful film. It gave me the feeling that I was experiencing life inside a Jane Austen story. In this film, Emma Woodhouse (Gwyneth Paltrow), a beautiful, but arrogant young woman interferes in the lives of her friends by attempting to play matchmaker. The great cast of characters all seem to live in the most splendid houses surrounded by gorgeous scenery. Set in Regency England, Emma thinks she always knows best and almost misses her own chance for romance. For some reason, I wasn't aware of this film when it first came out. I now plan to purchase copies that I'll use as gifts for several of my nieces. Highly recommended.
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Summary: One to watch over and over again!
Review: I have not read this book but I love the movie. I own it and probably have watched it at least a dozen times. For a movie, it was witty, entertaining, and funny. Most the funny parts are subtle and you have to pay attention. Excellent casting - chemistry between Jeremy Northam and Paltrow. He is the friend we all wish we had. Someone who can tell you your faults yet love you just the same. I had to pay attention to see EMcgreggor in the movie. Must have in your collection! Great romantic flick!
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Summary: Emma is magical. . .
Review: Janeites need to realize that making an adaptation of a novel isn't always or often successful simply by following a novel line by line. A cinematic adaptation is a re-interpretation of a novel, and the director and screenwriter must make choices for their vision to come to the screen. I have no quibbles with the choices made here. The screenplay is respectful of Austen's work, but intent on being a fast, charming, witty romantic comedy. It succeeds admirably as such. Paltrow is perfect in her role, as are the other cast members. No, it doesn't resonate as deeply and richly as the novel, but on its own terms, it is sublime.
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Summary: Not As Good As BBC's Emma
Review: I was disappointed in this version of Emma. As much as I enjoy watching Gwyneth Paltrow, she did not achieve the essential chemistry with her co-star (Jeremy Northam as Mr. Knightley). In BBC's version, the young Kate Beckinsale shines and her co-star Mark Strong is any woman's heart throb. I highly recommend BBC's Emma, but only weakly recommend this version.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: What more can I say about this movie than that it portrays and honors Jane Austen's literary masterpiece so superbly that Jane Austen herself would truly be proud of the movie? Wonderful directing, scenary, portrayel of characters by a wondeful cast, and just overall greatness make this a movie that should not, repeat should not, be missed!
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