Not worth the wait

Rating: 1/10 (12 May 2006)

I admit to a slight bias, having watched the 1995 version and loving it. But then, I've watched several versions of the same movie before, i.e. Emma, and Jane Eyre, and liked them all. My main concern with this movie was the length. How would the makers be true to the book, and still fit it into a shorter feature? I wanted to watch it, if for no other reason than to find out.
I think the only redeeming quality that I found in the entire movie was that the actors were about the same ages as the characters that they portrayed, unlike the 1995 version.
I didn't care for Matthew McFayden's Mr. Darcy. I thought he spoke too fast and was unconvincing. While I am sure he's a wonderful actor, I don't think this was a good part for him. Kiera Knightly didn't spark as Lizzie, her portrayal was a bit lifeless. I didn't even want them to get together in the end.
The makers glossed over so many parts, probably to fit it into the shorter time frame, that I really felt shortchanged by this particular version. Even Judi Dench, and Donald Sutherland (both actors that I love to watch) couldn't hold this movie up, since they're parts were too small to make an impact.
I would, however, recommend this movie to anyone who hasn't read the book. But for anyone who has read the book, I recommend the 1995 BBC/A&E miniseries.