The Importance of Being Earnest (2002)

A bad revival of an Oscar Wilde play

At the time this was written these upper-class "pretenders" were scandalous,
but that has gone with even more scandalous time three times over.
Reese Witherspoon is just out of place in this and has no where near the Received Pronunciation necessary to carry it off. Colin Firth as well fails
in making the period work. In contrast to the British Rupert Everett and Judi Dench who have it, they just don't.
Since I like the play and have seen an older better classic version of it,
I realize that they tried and just plain failed. They just didn't make you believe in the English manners or the scandal involved in the play
of a foundling. They just weren't English enough. January 3, 2009

Great performances!

Before watching this movie, I loved Colin Firth... after this movie I absolutely ADORE Colin! The exact same thing happens with Rupert Everett.
Really really funny! a must-see for all ages. Clever plot. I'm dying to find the soundtrack.... if anyone knows where please share the info! October 23, 2008

"I can hardly eat muffins in an agitated manner!"

This is not a period drama for people looking for deep, thwarted passions; The Importance of Being Earnest is pure fantasy with its rich, lovable and completely irresponsible heroes & heroines making a tangled mess of their lives & love affairs. But Oscar Wilde makes frivolousness more charming and substantial than anyone else ever has, and he has no better living disciple than Rupertt Everett.

Everett perfectly captures the sly, self-indulgent charm that makes Wilde's story such escapist fun and the rest of the cast catches his infectious appeal. Reese Witherspoon and Frances O'Connor strike the perfect balance between romantic naivete and haughiness. Colin Firth, as Everett's ostensibly more responsible friend, plays off him perfectly. And as always, Dame Judi Dench commands every scene she's in.

This movie is a romp, pure and simple. With some of the most absurd situations and ridiculous dialogue imaginable, it still catches the fancy and paints a bright pastel world that would be so much fun to visit. September 26, 2008

Heart's traps

After several very good and elucidatory reviews, I can surely add up that I liked the film due to its rich production, watching Colin Firth acting once more, Reese Witherspoon's gracious British accent and of course the scenery! From Oscal Wilde, I had only read "The Picture of Dorian Gray". I enjoyed the comic side of this important writer, even though I saw it through the film only. Now, I am curious and intend to buy the book to read the original play! September 14, 2008

Hilarious Fun

This video arrived in mint condition and far sooner than I had expected.

As far as the story goes - it is simply very funny and very well acted. Colin Firth and the rest of the cast are the best!

There are nuances that one would miss on the first viewing of this film. On a second and third viewing, I am still finding more things to laugh at. For instance, after Jack and Algy have sung their song, Jack accidentally plucks one note on the guitar, and Algy promptly elbows him.

It is a farce, among farces - don't miss seeing it. September 6, 2008

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