Easy Virtue

You know how much I love my readers to expand their horizons when it comes to film. I love finding a random movie that is a stroke of pure genius! As some of you know, I have been on a little...tiny....ok it's a big Colin Firth Kick. If he wasn't so brilliant I wouldn't have to write about him! Wow I think that is almost the exact same thing I said in my Dorian Gray review. Like I said the man is pure brilliance wrapped up in a fabulous web of Mr. Darcy, Mark Darcy, and British Charm....it can't be helped. Anyways....I digress!

So this week I got a hold of a little British film called Easy Virtue and what a fantastic film it was. The film takes place during the 1920's in the country side of England. The Whittaker family owns one of the biggest farms in the area. Young John Whittaker, played by Ben Barnes, went out into the world to sow his wild oats and came home with a racing wild woman wife Larita, played by Jessica Biel. Veronica Whittaker, played by Kristin Scott Thomas is less than thrilled and even more discouraged when she finds out Larita is American. John's father Jim Whittaker, played by Colin Firth, seems to adore Larita. Jim and Larita both seem like outsiders in this world of tradition and country living.

It becomes battle of the Mrs. Whittakers with Larita and Veronica butting heads right away. Larita is a race car driver and wants to leave the country as soon as she can. Veronica draws John back into family life and that is where the war begins. Larita seems to be failing at everything traditional and she becomes fast friends with Jim. We find that after World War I John took off to Paris and one day 'wandered home'. Ever since he keeps to himself and tries to support Larita and every possible gallant way.

The movie is filled with tons of dry British humor. I busted out laughing more than once, it is quick wit and timing. Colin Firth makes the film his own, every line he speaks is pure hilarity or true heart. He will having you laughing one minute and your heart breaking the next. Jessica Biel is beyond lovely and charming and this confused American trying to survive the British countryside. Ben Barnes is so innocent and sweet that you almost get a toothache! Kristen is so evil and manipulative you wonder how her children have not turned out more insane. The family does have little quirks that are on the verge of ridiculous.

There are so many amazing moments in this film. There is a fox hunt of epic proportions, modern music that makes you smile, and a tango between Biel and Firth that will make you drool. I say if you enjoy dry British humor with a bit of heart, check this movie out ASAP!

Action: Not Really

Humor: Tons
Heart: Yeah
Swoon Moments: Tons!

Over All: A-/B+