In this day and age, if you’re young, beautiful, smart, and wealthy, you are the whole package! Parents want to show you off, and boys are lining up to be with you. But, in late 18th-century England all that money and poise meant nothing if your skin wasn’t the right color.
If you know the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, well then you already know how this film will end. And even if you don’t know the tale, you can make a pretty good assumption of what will happen. Luckily the strong cast, led by the incredibly talented Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Larry Crowne), gives enough of a spell-binding performance to make us completely enthralled in this story.
After 12 Years A Slave, you may not want to endure another oppression piece. Don’t worry; Belle is a much lighter true story with no images of physical abuse or even derogatory language. This is actually a film the whole family can see.
Belle is a romantic drama about Dido Elizabeth Belle, the illegitimate daughter of Royal Navy officer Sir John Lindsay (Matthew Goode) and an African slave, who was brought to England by her father after he discovered he had a child with his former lover who was of African descent. He then left Dido in the care of her great-uncle, Lord Mansfield (Tom Wilkinson), the Lord Chief Justice (the highest chief justice in the land) and his wife (Emily Watson) while Lindsay returned to his Royal Navy service.
At first the two are taken aback by the idea of raising Dido, especially since they are already caring for her cousin, Elizabeth Murray (Sarah Godson). It isn’t long before the couple fall in love with Dido and treat her as if she were their own daughter. The only difference is she is excluded from certain events that Elizabeth is allowed to attend, and she can not to eat dinner with the family when guests are in attendance. So yeah…basically she’s living the dream life. The funny thing is; Dido’s father has left her his entire inheritance so she is rich! She doesn’t need a man to take care of her, unlike her cousin who desperately is seeking a wealthy husband. Elizabeth’s father has left her nothing; therefore she is “penniless,” which apparently was a major turn off to guys back then. It’s not exactly something Elizabeth wants to publicize to her top choice suitor (Tom Felton) either.
Dido, on the other hand, has different conflicts to deal with once a romantic relationship develops between her and an outspoken young lawyer, John Davinier (Sam Reid). A union that Lord Mansfield strongly disapproves of because he feels Dido is of higher class, even though Davinier is his legal apprentice. Their romance is sweet and best of all, it isn’t rushed. It is easy to root for this couple from the moment they first meet.
I don’t think they could have picked a more perfect cast. Gugu Mbatha-Raw is phenomenal, and I am certain we will be seeing plenty more of her beauty gracing the silver screen. I do hope that Tom Felton will eventually clean up and be given a character that isn’t absolutely despised or disgusting. A leading man role is just not looking very promising for him.
For a period piece, Belle moves fast. There is no pointless dialogue or dragged out scenes. It is an uplifting film that connects you with its tender love story and prevailing message of strength, courage, and proudly accepting who you are and what you believe.
Rating: 3.5/5
Belle hits theaters May 9.
Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com
Mac (Seth Rogen) and Kelly Radner (Rose Byrne) have just moved into the perfect home with their beautiful new born baby. Kelly is a stay at home mom who gets to spend all day with baby Stella. Mac works a 9-5 desk job that he tries to endure with a little bit of help from “Mary Jane.” Their days are starting to feel routine, and they are unable to go out because of the baby. It’s beginning to feel stagnant for the new parents. But all that changes when we hear the sound of the boisterous fraternity that has moved in next door. In hopes of keeping this a quiet neighborhood for their little girl, the couple head to the frat’s first rowdy party. What was supposed to be a quick noise complaint visit turned into a refreshing night out for Mac and Kelly. And after having what will probably be remembered as the best debate over “who is Batman,” Teddy and Mac form a bond and an understanding of trust is made. Unfortunately that trust is broken within 24 hours, and leads to an epic war between the two houses.
Neighbors is not just carried by their two stars. This film has a strong supporting comedic cast filled with even better cameos. Rose Byrne is the perfect mix of wit and wholesome beauty. Dave Franco plays Teddy’s Vice President, Pete, and shares great chemistry with his fraternity brother. Young Franco is easily following in the footsteps of his talented, successful older brother; and I look forward to seeing him in many more projects, hopefully in leading roles. A shout out also goes to The Mindy Project’s co-writer and cast member, Ike Barinholtz. Like on his sitcom, Barinholtz’s role as Rogen’s best friend may not be huge, but produces enough chuckles to make him memorable.
It should come as no surprise that Kate Upton has not grown into her full acting potential, if she has any that is. Each time she delivered a line, it was as if she had to think twice afterwards to make sure it came out correctly. Although, I will admit, she is gorgeous. All you guys who get dragged along to see the movie will have some nice eye candy to help endure this disaster.
In comparison to the first, A Haunted House 2 is an overall bigger production. There are more characters, more horror films that are being spoofed and even more racist jokes. What is probably one of the most comical parts of the film is how Malcolm’s relationship with his new white girlfriend, Megan, differs so much from his first girlfriend, Kisha (Essence Atkins). Racial stereotypes are a long running joke in both films, and are presented in an enjoyable and tasteful manner for audiences.
In Eliza Hittman’s debut feature, we follow Lila (Gina Piersanti), a fourteen year old, spending a hot summer in a blue-collar Brooklyn neighborhood away from the city. Often tagging along with her best friend Chiara (Giovanna Salimeni) and her boyfriend, Lila is the awkward and quiet third wheel. But as she is riding in the back seat of her friend’s love life, she is taking detailed mental notes of what she feels she should be experiencing with a guy as well. Cue the first semi attractive boy that acknowledges her! Yup, meet Sammy, the “bad boy” with a reputation to sleep around. Seems like the perfect guy for Lila to fixate on for the rest of summer. Completely delusional in her endless attempt to pursue Sammy, Lila puts herself at risk in multiple situations.
The fresh cast led by Gina Piersanti is naturally effortless in their roles playing genuine teens dealing with sex, urges, and curiosity. Characters like these have a tendency to be overacted. It was nice to see Hittman’s powerful script didn’t get ruined by heavily dramatic performances. And though you will probably be yelling at Piersanti’s character, she does a fantastic job as Lila, ranging from the harmless school girl crush to becoming the borderline Swimfan. The uncomfortable squirming from Lila’s naïve actions will all be worth it after seeing this film.
