KissEnglishPasto ........................................................from Pasto,Colombia...Via: L.A. CA., CALI, Colombia and ORLANDO, FL EASY VIRTUE is a clear example of the fact that making an outstanding film just isn't all that EASY! When was the last time a Noel Coward play was made into a movie, anyway? I could've looked it up, but I'll leave it to you, if you really think it's all that important! I'll wager the Producers, Director & Screenwriter didn't see most of the screen adaptations of his plays done in the 30's/40's on TV when they were kids, as I did. Seemed they were a bit out of their element...at times.The end result: It's EASY to see the film was being pulled in several different directions, which was most apparent early on. In fact, EASY can be divided into 3 segments of roughly 30 minutes each.Segment one really didn't seem to know where it was going. It suffered from poor pacing and a pervasive tension on the set that permeated several of the scenes. What had me close to quitting on EASY were the very awkwardly inserted bits of slapstick, obviously an attempt at comic relief, but which seemed utterly contrived and out of sync with most every other aspect of the film.Segment two was a definite improvement. Toned down considerably were the scenes involving slapstick. Only a few brief moments, which were much better integrated into the work. The culture-clash, the true razon d'être of EASY, between Jessica Biel's(Cellular) character, Larita, an independent and free- spirited American race-car driver of sorts, and the lady of the manor, Mrs. Whittaker (Kristin Scott Thomas/The English Patient), who turns out to be one lady with an extremely controlling and manipulative manner, is handled much more smoothly in the second segment, and, as a consequence, these scenes are much more amusing, even occasionally funny! The closing segment really had me in its grip. The ensemble cast really shone. Finally, we see evidence of why so many of Noel Coward's plays were made into movies. All the outstanding elements; costumes, sets and music among others, really contributed to a very fulfilling final ½ hour! Colin Firth deserves a mention, perhaps EASY's best performance. Had the entire film been at segment three's level, 8*--EASY! However, I feel 6* is a fair overall rating.....ENJOY/DISFRUTELA! Any comments, questions or observations, in English or Español, are most welcome!

SnoopyStyle It's 1929. Larita (Jessica Biel) is a celebrated American race car driver. Major Jim Whittaker (Colin Firth) is the head of a large British estate haunted by the war. His wife Veronica (Kristin Scott Thomas) manages the estate's slow decline. To her dismay, her favorite John (Ben Barnes) returns married to the brash American divorcée Larita. Larita plans to live their own lives but Veronica has plans for her son to continue the estate. They are joined by John's former girlfriend neighbor Sarah Hurst and her brother Philip. Sister Hilda has a crush on Philip. The stay becomes a battle with a dead dog and some public flashing.Based on Noël Coward's work, this tries to have a breezy comedic feel. There is some fun to be had but it's not much more than that. Biel fits the modern liberated American woman. Kristin Scott Thomas is a great foil. Firth is safe. However, the movie doesn't excite. The sharpness is fleeting. Like the estate, the movie seems to fade away.

jmatrixrenegade I really enjoyed this movie the first time around since I thought it had great leads, a good sense of place and examined numerous important themes.The "7th Heaven" actress hit pay dirt here, finding a perfect movie to show her talents. She has not have had much success finding a similar role since. In time, we see the depth of her character, who at first just comes of as "outrageous." The parents of her new husband are excellent as always. Again, their characters are deeper in time, at first, they might be seen as just "characters" in a period drama. Supporting actors like Katherine Parkinson (of Doc Martin) also are good. And, there are some really wicked (the dog scenes; the can can) and touching (including toward the end) moments.I watched it again and didn't quite enjoy it as much. So, maybe it loses something on re-viewing. Maybe it was just too soon.

ga-bsi This film was a wonderful surprise. I usually don't particularly enjoy Biel because I've only ever seen her in films like Stealth and Next, which were both quite terrible. To be perfectly honest I only rented the film because it was based on a play by Noel Coward, whose work I adore. I was ready to be mildly pleased and somewhat saved by Firth and Scott Thomas. I was absolutely delighted when Biel's portrayal of the American female race car driver who has a somewhat shady past was witty, strong and extremely likable. It would be silly to say that Biel does not normally look very attractive; but in this film she looked beautiful and graceful in her evening gowns and fitted trousers.Firth is as dashing and gorgeous as ever as the laconic father who is silently suffering the harrowing memories of the First World War, and his repressive wife and malicious and empty headed daughters. He provides Biel with the perfect support system, making her performance stand out even more with his perfect comic and dramatic timing. Their chemistry is electric and makes Biel and Barnes' pairing looking rather dull and badly matched. The scene in which he and Biel dance passionately to Latin music during a rigid and contrived Christmas party at the family mausoleum, otherwise known as the family cottage, is definitely my favourite part and the best display of their chemistry.Overall the film is witty, wonderful and surprisingly deep. Some may feel disappointed, but I feel that this is one of Noel Coward's best works. It seamlessly shows the unhappiness, secrets, suffering and hypocrisy of the outwardly wealthy but inwardly bankrupt upper class British aristocracy; the doomed pairing of two people who are well acquainted strangers who think they are in love; and the pairing of two people who should have been together all along and finally are.