Journalist. Mother. Bunny enthusiast. Pop culture junkie.

Journalist. Mother. Bunny enthusiast. Pop culture junkie.

Friday, December 10, 2010

'Tamara Drewe'



Last night, Rian and I accidentally ended up seeing a really cute movie. We were late for the showing of 127 Hours and 'Tamara Drewe' happened to be the next show playing.

Reluctantly, we saw it. It couldn't have been a more perfect mistake!

The British film centers around newspaper reporter Tamara Drewe (Gemma Arterton) who used to be the ugly duckling in the Dorset village of Ewedown. Now, all grown up and with the help of plastic surgery, she returns to her hometown as a gorgeous bombshell. Her arrival turns the tiny village upside down as she gains a following of lovesick suitors.



The film is a bit racy, a tad sad, and a lot of fun. The story centers around the different people living in the town, which I thought was kind of cool. It made me feel as though I lived in the town and was simply observing all the hilarity firsthand.



The interesting storyline and gorgeous scenery are what make this film awesome.

My favorite characters were two silly 15-year-old school girls who innocently cause mischief throughout the film. The two actresses, Charlotte Christie and Jessica Barden, definitely stole the show. Their acting was very believable and they had some of the most hilarious scenes and quotes in the film. Rian also thought they were hysterical, but only because they reminded him of me and Kerrie.



Another great character was Ben, the ridiculous indie rock star, played brilliantly by Dominic Cooper.



While I really enjoyed the movie, I kind of felt like there was something lacking in Tamara. There was a really good back story that could have been used better. There were issues I thought should be addressed more, in order for the audience to feel really sympathetic for the newly-turned beauty. I don't know if it was Gemma's acting, or the filmmakers' decisions, but Tamara was a complex character that seemed frustratingly one-dimensional throughout the film.



Another character I would have liked to known more about was Andy, the hot gardner, played by Luke Evans. Although he played a key role in the film, his acting was so static and his character was so cardboard cut-out, he simply could have been an extra.



But overall, I thought the film was adorable and insightful. I definitely recommend it, whether it be at the movie theater or through netflix.

Oh, and interesting fact: The film is actually based on a graphic novel of the same name.



I don't really pay much attention to graphic novels, as I enjoy reading without illustrations, but this fact really opened my eyes. It kind of makes me want to get the graphic novel to see if I can learn more about the background of Tamara.

Do you guys read graphic novels? What movies have you seen recently?

54 comments:

Tights Lover said...

I had never heard of this film, but it sounds like one I would typically enjoy. I'm going to have to track it down and see it myself. I'm definitely glad you reviewed it here!

I've never really read graphic novels. I think I agree with you that the illustrations might just end up getting in the way.

indianmakeupways said...

never heard of this movie but will tru to watch it now. just now watched "next 3 days" and its a slow paced but intense film and i mainly saw it 'coz its russel crowe :D

michelle_ said...

this film looks interesting !!
gemma looks gorgeous there.. so natural and glowing!

have a great fridayyyy ! :)
glisters and blisters

Sammy_B said...

Ahh that was a really good review- looking forward to reading more :D

verena said...

thanks for your comment.
nice blog! <3

kirschkern-productions.blogspot.com

Shannon said...

huh - maybe you were a film critic in another life. you have me intrigued. let's see if I can convince hubby though - that will be the though part. :)

Cafe Fashionista said...

This is the first time that I am hearing about this film, but it sounds absolutely adorable!

have actually never read a graphic novel before; but I have seen films based off of them in the past - "Ghost World." :)

Rachel @ The Haute Notes said...

I haven't heard of this movie, but it sounds interesting. Love the fact that it was based off a graphic novel. Very cool. I haven't read any graphic novels since high school though!

daisychain said...

Oh I think I want to see this, one of the nurses on the unit was raving about it over the summer.

Much love x

Josie said...

This sounds so good! And I do highly recommend 127 Hours as well!
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

Andrés Corella said...

I heard about this movie...and I was going to download and totally forgot about it haha...but the critics were good..so ok..now I am going to download it xD

http://fiercepty.blogspot.com/

xx
Andy

Anonymous said...

This film sounds so cute!
Thank you very much for the lovely review, I'll definitely put it in my "to watch" list!!!

xxx
Vikki

http://stylometre.blogspot.com

Andreea said...

This looks interesting, i think i'm gonna watch it this weekend!

♥ kisses ♥

http://thrilloftheheel.blogspot.com/

Nikosmommy said...

I've actually heard a lot about this film...looks super cute!

Thanks for the thorough review...
Happy Friday Missy, have a great weekend!

Sherin said...

Tamara Drewe is meant to be fantastic. I'm a huge fan of both Gemma Arteton and Dominic cooper, so together they should be amazing. Can't wait to watch it more now!

Venus Loves Virgo said...

I never heard of this, sounds interesting and your movie time sounds fun :) Im gonna see if I can find this, thanks for the info. Have a great weekend XOXO

Izzy said...

Looks like a fab movie! Your comment was so sweet (made my day ahha), so tanks for the comment! Hope you visit back!
www.swampedinflowers.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

That sounds like a great movie that I would have NEVER heard of otherwise.

Thanks. I'm headed to Netflix!

Anonymous said...

Saved it! Not available yet, but in my queue. Not sure why you need to know that, but there you go.

Angelica Ng said...

Ah yes, I've heard of this movie! Might check it out! And I don't read graphic novels...I'm a word person too.

http://red-soledfashionista.blogspot.com/

ching said...

i saw this trailer and i kinda like the ugly ducking turned beautiful swan vibe..

Ana / Fashionfly said...

First of all thank you for your comment! :) And second of all I saw that movie too, and it's really good! I think it's really different when the production is European.. better :) Love the teenage girls and the pure english accent! :)
XX, Ana

http://fashionflyy.blogspot.com/

Cafe Fashionista said...

Congratulations, my love! you're the winner of the Fabulous on Fifth Giveaway - stop by Cafe Fashionista to find out how to claim your prize!! :)

btd. said...

This was a good mistake! :)
I tend to read Batman comics, I'm obsessed with him.
And I just finished watching Anastasia this morning! :)

Ber. said...

thanks to you, now I have a new movie to watch :)
even thought gemma has never convinced me, I'm gonna watch this!

thanks for visiting my blog ♥
kisses!

Unknown said...

This films should be interesting. I will watch it surely :)

http://fashiondoesntexist.blogspot.com/

Audrey Allure said...

It sounds interesting, and Dominic looks different - almost didn't recognize him! I'm going to save this to my Netflix queue!

Gudrun and Iris said...

really was it good? i saw the poster but never managed to see it.. might get it then for this weekend seeing that the weather is so terrible

londonviennacologne.blogspot.com

Sanny said...

I'm so in love with the way you write about the review! I wish the movie is played in the theaters in my area! I love this sort of movie! And Gemma Arterton is just gorgeous!

Have a gratifying day! (:

Sanny's Head to Heart

Esther said...

thanks so much for visiting my blog :) and love the comment - its my motivation :) come by anytime again! will get it updated very frequently :) BIG HUGSSSS

♥ xxx

http://theglamorousmess.blogspot.com

Oh to Be a Muse said...

haven't heard of this, but that guy Ben does look like a ridiculous indie rocker.

what a great mistake! and congrats on your giveaway win Jen Fab.

http://ohtobeamuse.com

Couture Carrie said...

Fab review!
Will have to see this one!

xoxox,
CC

Leia said...

I am SO dying to watch this!

Leia

Kara Endres said...

Sounds like a great movie. I've never heard of it but it sounds very interesting, and I like Dominic Cooper, so I'll give it a try!

http://sprinklesinsprings.blogspot.com/

Ashley said...

I hadn't heard of this, now I want to check it out! I'm a little disappointed to hear that the Tamara character could have been more multidimensional though, but I still want to see it!

-Ashley
http://breakfastatsaks.blogspot.com

Antonio said...

I didn´t hear about this film, but your review is very interesting. I´ll watch it.


THELOVELYSANDOTBLOGSPOTDOTCOM

Fashion Cappuccino said...

I'm a big fan of Gemma and I love Dominic Cooper too so I'll definitely check it out. I don't think I read graphic novels very much. The only movies I've watched recently are MegaMind and Tangled. I purposely avoid watching Romantic Comedies because they sort of make me feel sad about the way people think about love and how they're being influenced by Hollywood to act in a certain way which I despise. xxoxoxoxoxoo

Marianna Papagiannopoulou said...

hey
sounds great
i'll watch it
thanks for the comment
xoxo
nana
http://nanajonesofficial.blogspot.com/

Grumpy old man said...

Hi, sounds like a great movie, thanks for doing the review.

I read further down between the lines that you are allergic to cats, well so am I. However, my kids now have a cat, a gray striped one, and so far I've had no reaction even when playing with it. Now I have heard that white and ginger hair on cats are the major cause for allergies. Not sure that it is true, but I now know that gray does not bring my allergies on.

So if you are a cat lover, give it a thought.

Lovely blog you have, love your pics and your thoughts. I think most of us can relate to how you feel.

Hope your weekend is going great!
Colin.

Unknown said...

hey nice blog gal..
followin u ..
do check out mine..

Anonymous said...

I have never heard of this film!
I am gonna check it out for sure! Thanks for the presentation!
<3
katerina
fashionalgorithms.blogspot.com

daniela kate morosini said...

i wanted to see this! but i don't always like gemma artherton. definitely check it out, thanks for the review :) x

maryse said...

Wauw great blog!
Thank's for the comment :)

Anonymous said...

I never heard anything about this movie, but probably will be a good chick flick movie to watch with girls on saturday night
<3
http://reserveradefashion.blogspot.com

Marcia B. said...

cool, definitely something i will check out~

SMD said...

sounds like a great movie!! Some things are just meant to happen. Those school girls sound pretty hilarious! http://thearcenciel.blogspot.com/

Nnenna said...

I just saw a preview for this for the first time and I wanted to check it out! Now I definitely plan to watch it :)

De Vero said...

Hope this film comes to Sweden too, sounds intersting!

http://de-vero.blogspot.com

Ellen ♥ said...

Never heard of this movie. Thanks for sharing will dl this movie :) nice review :)

have a nice day!

ellenreviews.blogspot.com

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

You always introduce me to new things! I've never read graphic novels either.

Unknown said...

seams cool! want to see it!!
hope you had a great weekend! i wanted to thank you for your last comment on my blog! remember it means a lot for me, so i hope you will stay in touch with my blog - it's easy with k come karolina on bloglovin, facebook and twitter :)

xoxo from rome
K.
http://kcomekarolina.blogspot.com/

Indian Sarees said...

Great post.. realy nice..

Hope Adela Pasztor said...

that looks like such a fun movie! =)

http://pinkchampagnefashion.blogspot.com/

Sierra said...

This film looks great, but I agree, it's frustrating when you have characters that are static and don't have very much dimension to them. I just watched The Next Three Days and enjoyed it. I wouldn't buy it or anything, and it's pretty sad in parts, but intense and it speeds up at the end.