Tuesday, August 23, 2011

One Day - Preview Review



Who's in it? 


What's it about? 

Dexter and Emma, having spent a drunken graduation night together make a plan when they awake for St. Swithin's Day, the 15th of July. One Day goes on to show snapshots of their lives on the following 20 15ths of July. Often times together but sometimes not. To say its a love story is simplifying it a bit, its more a story of life, glimpses of relateable and entertaining struggles as each grow into their own skin and the people they are destined to be. 

Any Good? 

Like the Lovely Bones adaptation before it my thumbs are still hovering mid air about this one. Having read the book and loved it last year, the film was never going to live up to it. Though I usually feel that way.

In fairness Jim Sturgess plays a blinder as Dex, quiffy/obnoxious Dex, whom I had very little time for while reading. Sturgess has helped me empathise with the character, definitely the sign of a great actor. I can almost forgive him for the weirdest film I've yet to see, Heartless. You find yourself rooting for Dex, wanting the best for him even if he doesn't. 

Anne Hathaway as Emma had huge potential, she was actually believable, until she spoke. Honestly how much does a dialect coach cost in the grand scheme of things? I wanted to like her, I really did but not knowing whether the next line would be Harry Enfield's Scouser 'Calm down Dex, eh la?' or a Wool Pack extras 'Eh up chuck, fancy a bitter?' just put me off, right off. Her London accent was believable, if only she stuck with it. While her lines were funny, on paper, they were delivered in a mish mash of accents that just lost it for me. Shame.

I have to give a nod to Ken Stott as Dex's father though, one of the greatest actors of our time brought the character to life. Truly believable as a Dad that just wants the best for his boy, in-spite of his boy. 

The scenes that were taken directly from the book are well executed and instantly recognisable but there's so much missing that would have woven the story together, that happens in adaptations. I suppose.





As I've said I knew I'd be biased having truly enjoyed the novel so asked my date for the evening, who hadn't, my Mamito. Her take? 'There was the makings of a great film there'.

One Day is a wonderful story, beautifully written and while the film as a standalone works, if you love your books, as I do, you're really doing yourself & David Nicholls a disservice if you watch this before reading. It's a good movie but its a Great book. 

9 comments:

Unknown said...

I have been panicking about reading this before the movie comes out.. You think I should watch movie first .. I have to say I have had my doubs about Anns accent I love her but was thinking it's a hard one to pull off and I don't want to cringe every time she talks

Sue Jordan said...

To be honest, Mags, if you can read it first, do.

There's a few plot turns that'll be ruined if you watch it beforehand.

On the flipside, there's popcorn & sweeties in the cinema ;)

S said...

I don't want to see it but I do, if that makes sense?! I think I might read the book again first. Gah, decisions... :)

cornflakegirl said...

I would have given this film a miss until I realised Jim Sturgess was in it. I love him so will definitely be going to see it.

Dan O. said...

Great Review! Sturgess and Hathaway are fun to watch together, but the rest of the film just feels like a gimmick that was done wrong, and brings nothing new at all to the conventions of the romantic drama. Check out my review when you can!

Debbie said...

The world does not need any more really lame romantic movies, but that doesn't stop Hollywood from churning them out, does it? Just another case of trying to find a vehicle for the delightful Anne Hathaway, and failing. Too bad, because I like her as an actress. This just reminds me of the Julia Roberts and Sandra Bullock dilemma.

Niamh S. said...

It is almost a week since I saw the preview of this. I'm genuinely still thinking about it. You're right Sue about Anne Hathaway's accent, all sorts were popping up in it, it was distracting and all over the shop. They were all well cast (the parents and Jim as well as Anne) - although the Ian character was a bit more annoying than he was probably supposed to be.

Having not read the book and knowing nothing beforehand about the plot, I must say I enjoyed it. The annual date thing was a bit pointless and twee and I only got the "One Day" title after the film ended (maybe that says more about me than the film) but I would definitely recommend it to my female friends to go and see. I did sit beside a male friend at this who also cried. The big girl :D

I'm not sure if I should read the book - I can't cope with the snots and tears that will no doubt ensue ;)

Sue Jordan said...

Thanks for the comment Niamh, ah read the book if you come across it - you'd love it.

I'd send it down only its on the Kindle :/

The story is so much richer in the book that the film only touched on.

Well worth a goo :)

Taz said...

Im off to see it tonight Sue. To be honest not expecting too much from yours and other reviews.
Like you, I loved the book.....but rarely the film adaptation lives up the book.

But hey.....its a girly night away from the kids......so bring it on !! lol

T x