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| Movie Review: Cheri Alternate Title: Hum Drum
Story: The duo that brought
us the terrific Dangerous Liaisons over 20 years ago, director
Stephen Frears and writer Christopher Hampton
did not hit another home run with their latest collaboration, Cheri.
It is based on the novels Chéri and The Last of
Chéri by Colette. What went wrong you say?
It had a headline cast, good source material and a sumptuous period
in time (Belle Epoque) to set as background. Sadly it went flat. The idea of an aging courtesan (we now know them
as cougars) and a young man in the throws of a wild affair should have
been hot and heavy. Sadly, there was not much chemistry to create that
tempestuous love on the big screen. It was disappointing to see such
pretty people become so boring. It should have been a romp, with delightful
scene stealing dialogue. Sadly, it tanked. What went right? The production designer, Alan
MacDonald did a splendid job with museum style recreations
of this era. The costumes, lighting and photography were all fine but
without a good script, there is just so much attention to detail that
can be paid. Watch the trailer here - it is all you need to
see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_dCJ7NQLxs Acting: Michelle Pfeiffer as Léa de Lonval
simply did not carry it off as required. She was not the sexy cougar
that the role demanded. Rupert Friend as Chéri,
was delightful to watch and fit his character to a tee. Felicity
Jones as young Edmée was forgettable. Kathy
Bates as Madame Peloux, is usually perfect but was terribly
miscast in this role. Trivia: Michelle Pfeiffer did her own singing in Grease
2, The Fabulous Baker Boys, The Prince of Egypt and Hairspray. She turned
down the Sharon Stone role in Basic Instinct. She has been an avid oil
painter for most of her life.
Predilection: None
Critters: None
Food: Lots of sumptuous fine food was served.
Sex Spectrum: Lots of boudoir scenes but really little
was shown.
Soundtrack: I can't recall but my movie buddy said
it was lovely.
Opening Titles: I nice intro into the movie. I had
high hopes which were quickly dashed.
Visual Art: Visually a treat
Theater Audience: A few comatose viewers.
Drift Factor: Major drifting by me and my movie buddy
took a few short naps.
Predictability Level: Who cared?
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: No
Big Screen or Rental: Neither.
Length: Thankfully it was way under two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 3
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