Breakinger A Brilliant Conflict

WillSushyMedia This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

Grimossfer Clever and entertaining enough to recommend even to members of the 1%

Claire Dunne One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

eschetic-2 ...and if you understand and agree with that statement, you're going to want to add a star to my rating; if not, you may need to see a few more of Fiennes' films from 1998. That was the year Fiennes was seen in this semi-charming romantic trifle, the costume epic ELIZABETH (as Robert Dudley with whom the title character had a complex relationship) and as the title character in the rare but deserving comedic Oscar winner, SH*KESPEARE IN LOVE (which also won Oscars for Gweneth Paltrow, his leading lady and Judy Dench as an older Queen Elizabeth - but then "new kid on the block" Fiennes wasn't even nominated).The pace of THE VERY THOUGHT OF YOU - or, as it was originally called, "Martha - Meet Frank, Daniel and Laurence" (which can't quite decide if it's a "buddy film" or a romantic comedy) will drive some viewers up the wall, but those who stick with it for the joy of the contrasting boy/men buddies circling around the charming "Martha" and structure will be rewarded with a pat ending which is the very definition of a sure fire "date movie" - then go back and have a look at the hilarious WHAT'S UP DOC? that they stole it from.The key to both the movie's success and failure is probably the casting of the four putative leads. "Martha," the film's "McGuffin" around which the thin plot turns is a generic blonde pixie indistinguishable from half a dozen delightful others, in this case Monica Potter, whose only problem is that there are too many other talented actresses just like her. The three best friends she meets and entrances are, in order, the blond, wealthy but shallow Daniel (Tom Hollander - more people probably saw him that year in support in the gay themed BEDROOMS AND HALLWAYS), author of the grand romantic gesture she will copy before the film's over, the struggling, competitive actor Frank (Rufus Sewell - a Tony nominee on Broadway for Tom Stoppard's ROCK & ROLL, here doing a remarkable imitation of a young Ian McShane!) and the insecure intellectual bridge instructor Lawrence (Fiennes). You'll know 30 seconds after she meets him who Martha's going to wind up with, but if the ride is worth the trip (the flashback in the psychiatrist's office structure is a television oldie but goodie) the audience will come away happy.Nothing terribly original here, but once it gets rolling the actors are fun to be with. Limited pleasures, but real. Worth taking a chance. I'd be willing to bet anything with Fiennes would be; even in a minor piece like this, this is a star persona that demands attention.

Rick Blaine This is a well written piece by Peter Morgan, author of Stephen Frears' and Helen Mirren's The Queen currently making the rounds of the theatres. Director Nick Hamm is certainly not without a CV either. One unfortunate aspect of it all is the absolutely terrible title given the film in the US - truly there is no excuse and it belies the mentality in that country.As a romantic comedy - of a sort - it beats anything that ghost town Hollywood be capable of; there are elements here which won't be obvious to you on first viewing and that's to your advantage.Joey Fiennes: he talks like Shakespeare! There's a least one scene where you expect him to blurt out 'oh I am fortune's fool'.This is refreshing and highly original and well worth a view. Ourselves we saw it on the telly, so we'll have to hunt it down as a rental or a purchase to benefit fully by it.The charisma between Fiennes and Potter is palpable. As many say, Potter seems the blonde Roberts, but she's very much a match in talent as well. The conceit of this film - a girl who has her back to the wall and nowhere to go and simply gets on a plane to go somewhere, anywhere - has very much the feel of other movies in the genre such as French Kiss. It's a cathartic setup that works well and frankly Joey Fiennes has something his brother will never have.Definitely worth the view and possibly the purchase.

Amy Adler Martha (Monica Potter) has fled the United States and is traveling to London to start her life over again. On the plane, she meets Daniel, a successful English businessman, who is promptly smitten with the blonde beauty. He offers to pay Martha's hotel fee for her first night in London and advises her on a choice of lodging. By strange circumstance, Martha also runs into Daniel's two best friends, Laurence and Frank, over the course of the next twenty-four hours. All three of them are attracted to her. Which one will she choose?This is a sweet British romantic comedy, told in flashbacks by Laurence, as he confides the tale to a psychiatrist. The four principal players give capable performances and invest their characters with charm, especially Fiennes. While some viewers may be disgruntled that the plot unfolds in bits and pieces, most will stay intrigued. Those looking for the best humorous love stories available will find this film does not make the A-list. Still, it has enough fine qualities to make it a worthy addition to the genre. Recommended for those seeking a snowy day diversion.

Jonathan Fain This movie is touching, the plot is built nicely... The way we go back to see what happened with each of the charachter...Soundtrack has some nice songs in it too...A movie to watch with your girlfriend.8 of 10. For the nice time watching this film.