Comments on: Mona Lisa Smile (2003)

By: weefselkweekje

weefselkweekje — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Arjan, I guess that since you’re a guy you shouldn’t have gone to this film in the first place. This one has “chick flick” written all over it in big neon letters…

By: Arjan

Arjan — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

well the chick-flick factor isn’t what automatically keeps me away. That is not why I think MLS stank…

I saw some pretty cool chick-flicks… including the Hours…

By: weefselkweekje

weefselkweekje — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Actually, I never thought of The Hours as a chick-flick. That term is too ‘Hollywood’ for that movie. When I think of chick-flicks I think of movies with a typical, slightly feminist, storyline that’s been designed to make you cry in the end. And there’s always some (succesfull!) romantic plot.

The Hours actually did make me cry, and was a lot more sincere imho than most typical chick-flicks.

By: Pip

Pip — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

This chick happened to see Mona Lisa Smile this afternoon. Thoughts? Well, it actually wasn’t as bad ‘ or as predictable ‘ as expected, with enough to keep me interested and enjoyable enough. I think women will indeed appreciate it more than men. And it’s what I would call ‘a rainy Sunday afternoon movie’.

I could also say something about the editing or muddle/undevelopment of sub plots etc but I haven’t the inclination. Other thoughts though… Nice to see a fine British actress in there ‘ Juliet Stevenson CBE (who had us all in tears in Truly, Madly, Deeply). But a shame she lowered her voice a few octaves to play her lesbian character and had a bad drag queen hairdo to boot. Was great to see Maggie Gyllenhaal in there but I will never be able to look at her in the same light again after seeing her incredible performance in Secretary.

Finally, Arjan, just reread your review and must admit to absolutely not noticing the Elton John song!

By: arjan

arjan — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

@ pip
the elton john song is played at the end credits… you know when the pretty roses start to draw (that was a nice touch)

@ weefsel
I guess in some ways the Hours is a chick-flick. But to me being categorized as c-f is not a bad thing per se… The Hours had a very female theme but I absolutely loved it. MLS is a different kind of movie and not even half as good as The Hours…

By: Pip

Pip — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Well, still don’t remember the song. But the credits were great by the way – don’t leave the cinema before they roll…