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Genre:
Drama
Director: Chris Noonan
Cast: Renée Zellweger, Ewan McGregor,
Emily Watson, Peter Fonda
RunTime: 1 hr 32 mins
Released By: GV
Rating: PG
Official Website: http://www.misspotter-themovie.com
Opening
Day: 1 Feb 2007
Synopsis
:
Beatrix
Potter was a literary phenomenon of the early 20th Century.
At a time when most young women of her class aimed only to
make a good marriage, Beatrix became an iconic figure, swimming
quietly, but with great fortitude, against the tide. She created
a series of books and
characters that are as beloved today as they were a hundred
years ago, and since their publication they have never been
out of print. In addition, by the time she died in 1943, Beatrix
Potter had purchased vast swathes of the Lake District that
she left to the then fledgling British conservation trust,
the National Trust. That so much of this glorious countryside
that inspired her, remains as it was in Beatrix Potter’s
day for others to enjoy, is her bequest to the nation. This
is her story….
Movie
Review:
Director Chris Noonan last charmed us more than
10 years ago with a talking pig in Babe (1995). With the vast
advancements in animation technology, how will he approach
Peter Rabbit in a biopic that illustrates the
author’s enchanting life?
Thankfully,
the filmmaker from Down Under has not resorted to flashy and
showy animation, and that is true to the art of Peter Rabbit,
a well-loved children story book character created by Beatrix
Potter.
The loveable
20th Century author is brought to life by Oscar winner Renee
Zellweger in a 92-minute movie that chronicles her success,
love life, loss and the eventual bliss that made her the woman
she was.
Zellweger
aptly plays the author with a signature pout and accent, and
these have been put to good use, as the character is refreshingly
alive on the big screen. The cynical may not welcome this
saccharine sweet characterization of the author, but it’d
be no doubt a crowd-pleaser. Zellweger was nominated at the
recent Golden Globes for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy
for this cheery portrayal, but lost out to The Devil Wears
Prada’s Meryl Streep.
Also bringing
the smiles is Ewan McGregor who plays Potter’s publisher.
The two fall in love and accompanied by scenic backdrops the
two lovebirds will melt the coldest heart in any viewer. Who
better to play this gentleman than McGregor himself? The man
who was a Jedi knight has great chemistry with Zellweger,
considering that they once sang duets in Peyton Reed’s
retro comedy Down With Love (2003).
Emily
Watson also puts in a refined and scene-stealing performance
as McGregor’s elder sister who does not believe in true
love, completing the trio of sturdy main cast.
Viewers
who expect a complicated storyline won’t find this movie
impressive, because other than a major turn of events somewhere
in the last 30 minutes, there is not much of a plot to speak
of.
But this
is exactly the essence of Potter’s children books.
Characterized
by the natural water colour illustrations of the adorable
animals, the books mirror this movie in a tender and sweet
manner. The occasional humour incorporates a certain mischief
and cheekiness that works to its advantage. Director Noonan
has approached this film with warmth and most importantly,
a human touch that will please the masses.
The period
drama also brings its viewers to some of the most scenic spots
in Scotland, England and Isle of Man where the countryside
brings peace and calmness to our hurried souls. The prim and
proper-ness of the entire movie is further enhanced by a classical
score composed by Nigel Westlake.
Those
with simple expectations will adore this picturesque film’s
simple look. With everything in place, this movie aims to
bring a smile to the meanest scrooge in you, with the magical
and fantastical life of Miss Potter.
Movie
Rating:
 
(Like a children’s tale, this movie will charm you with
its innocent sweetness)
Review by John Li
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