Book adaptations with long titles are made into films primarily to please women of a certain age who like a scone and a good natter about things – and I have no problem with that, it’s nice. I’ve got a bit of time for Lily James, I think she has some talent and is very pretty. I do wish she’d choose better films sometimes, as her CV is very average, to be honest. In this low key gem, however she is positively radiant, encouraged by a fairly decent director (Mike Newell) to underplay and rely on a natural charm without pushing it. Supported by a fine British cast, including Tom Courtenay, Penelope Wilton, Matthew Goode and Katherine Parkinson, this is an inoffensive sleepy Sunday afternoon film if ever there was one.
I laughed, I smiled and I choked up in all the right places. Yes, I felt manipulated by the sentimental script, but what else are we here for with movies like this if not have the heart-strings tugged? For what it is, this is a perfectly decent distraction. The writing is fine, the production is fine, and it avoids tedium where it can. No, it won’t change your world, or blow your mind. It might make you want to do some baking and call your nana though. And there is a place in the world for things like that. Not high art, risqué or controversial in any sense, just perfectly nice. And why not?
Decinemal Rating: 69
The Wasteland 