Bride and Prejudice –Jane Austen would be very pleased
The review of this movie sounds a bit like a breakfast cereal: wholesome, fun, nutritious and good for you the only difference is that unlike the cereal, this movie has a beat, and you can certainly dance to it.
Bride and Prejudice is the latest offering from Indian director, Gurindu Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham), and the folks at Miramax. And while I will stop short of calling it a chick-flick, it is a great entertainment offering for mothers and daughters, and a good date movie for the right couple. Warning: If all you love are action flicks, stop right here. This movie is not for you.
One part Bollywood, one part Jane Austen and with a very large dose of Grease thrown in for good measure, this movie is not only a romantic comedy, but yes, it is a musical. And it contains not just Indian music, though modern and traditional Indian music does dominate there is also American gospel, hip-hop, Vegas-style glitz (catch
Ashanti’s performance at the beach club) and a Mariachi band! I challenge you to leave this movie without a smile on your lips and one of the many songs in your heart. It has a contagious, if somewhat predictable plot, but it all comes across in good fun (I strongly recommend that you stay for the credits, as the outtakes make this movie look like one big wedding party weekend
)
Exuberance reigns in this movie, mostly set in India, but with key scenes taking place in London, LA and yes, even the pier at Santa Monica. And while a few of the performances disappoint (most especially that of Indian super star, Aishwarya Rai, who seems bored through most of the movie), American TV’s Lost fans will rejoice at the casting of Naveen Andrews as Bingley.
Three stars out of four why? Because like most good films, it brightened my day. Solid, light-hearted entertainment. Rated PG-13 (for some mild sexual references) but safe for all audiences.
