I like this kind of quirky unpredictable comedy with so many subtle overtones, the kind that Colin Firth seems to have a penchant for. Its very hard to imagine a woman as attractive as Irene Jacob ever being attracted to a man like Mike Binder, but we're used to that in the movies, aren't we, ladies? I didn't much like Mariel Hemingway in this movie either, but I think she wasn't supposed to be very likeable. Maybe her character just wasn't developed enough, though, because I couldn't dislike her either. There were a few scenes where I felt she almost broke through and became someone real, but then it was gone again.
As for Mr. Firth, what can I say? He was first brought to my attention in Pride and Prejudice, and since then I have been astounded by his subtlety and skill in becoming so many men so well. This film was no disappointment on that score. Seeing him as a violent drunk was something of a revelation, but on a comic level, not reminiscent of his sterling performance as the tragially drunken husband in "The Widowing of Mrs. Holroyd", but equally interesting and entertaining. I like seeing him in every new role as I discover his films. Its like meeting someone and finding them to be complex and full of surprises. I have only watched this film a few times, though, so I haven't squeezed all of the juice out of it yet; but, so far, so good. Four Play
I almost did not buy this movie because of the title - what a delicious surprize. Such a great comedy! This is a three time a week movie - it makes me laugh so much.
When Christopher Lawford showed up on screen- I kept thinking who is that? Who does he look like? Well sad to say I am old enough to remember his father, Peter Lawford, but had never seen the son in a movie before. He looks so much like his father.
Colin Firth makes this movie! He plays such a great character and does it believably.
Such a great buy from Amazon.
... This movie is also known as Londinium (which by the way is the name of the book a character writes).
This was a pretty predictable movie. Not one that I would classify as a Romantic Comedy. Maybe better classified as a Drama gone wrong??
Colin Firth was delightful, as always. However, Mariel Hemingway was not.
Colin plays a TV producer of one of the hottest shows in Britain who is married to the shows star (Mariel Hemingway). A TV writer is acquired from America. He of course lusts after the Star. Much predictableness ensues as The Star and the Writer set out to put their respective partners in a situation where adultery can occur.
We end with the one couple committed to each other and the other going their separate ways.
I'd give this movie a "C". Good effort but not top of the class!
Four Play
What a great film. Once again, Colin Firth proves just how versatile an actor he really is. Great story line, and very predictable ending. Hemingway's performance is a bit disappointing. This was not the most hilarious of comedies, but it is a charming romantic film.
It's predictable, slow in some parts, seems to try too hard to be funny in other parts (and I have wondered for years how Mariel Hemingway ever earned the title 'actress')and all in all a mediocre movie. But, it's worth seeing for Colin fans and the great scene between Colin, Stephen Fry, and Irene Jacobs.
Buy it used and put in in your collection next to <shudder> 'Hour of the Pig'. ;-)
A wonderful movie for all fans of Colin Firth ! The sceene with Colin Firth at the session with the reluctant family counsellor played by Steven Fry is a must to see! Also worth seeing for Irene Jacobs.
I never heard of this movie and admit I bought it because Colin Firth is in it. This movie revolves around 4 people and their relationships. It begins with Carly and Allen, who are married on a picnic with Ben and Fiona, who Carly invited because she thought they would be good for each other. Allen(Firth) character is not a very like-able one in the beginning, how he treats Carly his wife, and his subordinates etc. But his character begins to grow and well I will not spoil the ending. NOTE: I watched this a few times and it does grow on one, seeing foreshadowing's missed the first time around.
Cast: Mike Binder plays Ben Greene; Colin Firth plays Allen Portland; Mariel Hemingway plays Carly Matthews Portland; Irène Jacob plays Fiona Delgrazia;
Stephen Fry plays Nigel Steele (Therapist); Jack Dee plays Glen; Stephen Marcus plays Davey; Christopher Lawford plays Davis;
Michael Meader plays Sitcom Husband; David Reid plays Assistant Director; Fabien Riggall plays Sitcom Son; Gordon Sterne plays Color of My Life Actor;
Kerry Appleyard plays Ben's Assistant; Tony Allen plays Rabbi; Michael Deaton plays Minister; Sally Thompson plays Woman in Church;
Charlie Gardner plays Rock Band in Park 'Carbon'; Jol Scott plays Rock Band in Park 'Carbon'; Diego Mancini plays Rock Band in Park 'Carbon';
Rod K. Brakes plays Rock Band in Park 'Carbon'; Jeanne Mockford plays Miss Daniels; Tim Briggs plays Stage Actor; Debbie Wiseman plays Pianist;
Kate Magowan plays Claudia/Girl at Serpentine; Don Cummings plays Waiter (uncredited); Vincent Grass plays Fiona's Father (uncredited);
I'm a great fan of Colin Firth and try to view everything he does. I did not enjoy this movie at all. The story just did not hold together and Heminghway did not help it. I often wonder why successful actors, such as Mr. Firth bother to do movies like this, when he can pick and choose. I am sure the only reason people buy this is beause he is in it. Of course, just looking at Colin is fun, but don't buy this movie for the storyline.
not happy with this one- have watched it twice in two days to try to find something more to like about it- without success. The story is OK, but there is not a lot of comedy in this 'sex-comedy' ( there's not a lot of sex either ), apart from the scenes with Stephen Fry as a therapist. Binder seems to be trying to emulate Woody Allen's style and character in this movie. The remaining characters do their bit, but there is not a lot to work with in a story about two couples who switch partners. - Drama - Mariel Hemingway - Irene Jacob - Mike Binder'
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