The new film ‘Emma’ – based on Jane Austen’s 1815 novel – is about a rich young woman who sees her friends all around her falling in love. But does Emma want love?
Starring Anya Taylor-Joy, who plays Emma with a spark, and lives a very comfortable life with her very rich father (Bill Nighy) – who always feels a draft in his house) much to the dismay of his butlers. But it’s Emma who rules the roost – and who plays matchmaker for her girlfriends – all hanging on her every word. Her friends include the daughters of Miss Bates (a hilarious turn by Miranda Hart), and her friend Miss Harriet Smith (Mia Goth). But while others around her are falling in love right and left, love eludes Emma – and it’s been under her noise all along! Will her knight in shining amor be George (Johnny Flynn) or Mr. Elton (Josh O’Connor) or Frank (Callum Turner)? ‘Emma’ – a story told many times in the past, is a fun film – perfect for Valentines Day. Directed by Autumn de Wilde, with sumptuous costumes and sets, and Anya Taylor-Joy is a joy!
Sonic the Hedgehog
Jim Carrey steals the show in ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ – a new film based on the global blockbuster videogame franchise and cartoon. But let’s call it what is it – it’s a 90-minute animated film about a hedgehog!
Sonic, she speediest hedgehog in the world, has arrived on earth – his new home. In this live-action adventure comedy, Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz) meets small-time cop Tom (a charming James Marden) and they team up to defend the planet from the evil Dr. Robotnik (Carrey) and to defeat his plans for global domination. Yet roadblocks are thrown in the way – especially when one of Sonics magic time travelling rings gets stolen and lands up in San Francisco. So Sonic and Tom (and Tom’s partner the lovely Maddie (Tika Sumpter)) go to San Francisco to retrieve it but Dr. Robotnik gets there first. it’s good against evil in a film that’s bound to please the youngsters who are more than likely familiar with Sonic then the adults in the room.
Carrey is just a bundle of fun in his role as Dr. Robotnik – it’s a character Carrey relishes as it’s a character role that he has played before. While there is no super wow moments in this film, it’s satisfying enough and at the end leaves the door open for a sequel, or sequels, as there are quite a few hedgehogs in the franchise – so if this one is successful (no doubt it will be), expect more to come.
Both films now playing in UK cinemas
Reviews by Tim Baros