It's Not Pride and Prejudice

Rating: 7/10 (22 September 2005)

This movie is not bad, it's just it isn't Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, just as Bridget Jones isn't. It had the same plot line, but all the characters are different, and the aim of the movie is different from that of the book.
Jane Austen comments on social etiquette, and pokes fun at those who are too full of self importance. This movie is entirely about falling in love, and with modern attitudes and morals. Lizzie Bennet in this movie is not the smart, socially adept Elizabeth Bennet of the book, and nor is her sister Jane.
If you are willing to forget the book than this film is good fun. It is let down by some fairly wooden acting (espeically from Matthew McFadden sadly) in places, and by some rather strange choices in fashion (what was Caroline Bennet wearing?) and decor in some of the houses. It was also fairly obvious that Matthew McFadden hadn't read the book as his interpretation of Darcy was very odd, not so much arrogant as lost little boy. And the closing scene rated on a par with the "is it raining? I hadn't noticed" cheese of Four Weddings and Funeral. But all in all you will laugh in the right places, and have a good time watching it.