Bright Young Things (2003) Reviews

Bright Young Things (2003)
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British writer/actor Stephen Fry makes his feature-film debut with the witty, sophisticated comedy Bright Young Things, adapted from Evelyn Waugh's 1930 novel Vile Bodies. Set in London during the '30s, this stylish period film follows an ensemble cast of well-dressed and highly literate partygoers. Aspiring writer Adam Fenwick-Symes (stage actor Stephen Campbell Moore) loses the manuscript of his first novel when traveling through customs. He then sets out to raise enough money to marry his sweetheart, Nina Blount (Emily Mortimer), the daughter of a colonel (Peter O'Toole). All in the name of love, Adam seeks funding through a constant stream of parties, meetings, and conversations with eccentric acquaintances. Cameo appearances are made by the likes of Dan Aykroyd, Simon Callow, and Stockard Channing. Bright Young Things was shown at the 2003 Toronto Film Festival. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi

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Starring:
Emily Mortimer, Stephen Campbell Moore, (more)
Director(s):
Stephen Fry
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Average Ratings

(15 member reviews)  

Member Reviews

Henry Q.

Stephen Fry missed on all counts. He takes a good comedy of manners and a fabulous cast and turns it into a self-conscious preciousness that never even reaches camp. Any critic that sees humor in this colorful stench of a vomitorium has to have an large appetite for the banal or be related to one of the principals. Fry and Laurie have often hit the mark but Fry shoud not be left alone with such an opportunity of material and talent.

Yes   |   No


Michelle W.

Couldn't get past the first 20 minutes. Had company over to watch it and we actually turned it OFF!

Yes   |   No


Frank R.

The theatrical acting in this is like a poor man's Great Gatsby. Not a movie that holds your interest unless you are a die-hard period film junkie.

Yes   |   No


Louis D.

this movie is worthless. I kept watching, thinking it would get better but it didn't. it's an absolute bore.

Yes   |   No


Elizabeth E.

"Bright Young Things" was rather dull at best... except for the interesting party costumes, it needed a lot of polish and elbow grease to even get a bare shine from this story. It probably should have stuck with the original title "Vile Bodies", which is closer to what one sees in this frenetic, yet boring film.

Yes   |   No


Steven L.

I will preface this with I am a big fan of Stephen Fry. Though sometimes absurd I'm not sure I would even call this film a comedy. At times an interesting commentary on young lives of excess and the consequences. Sometimes the film is a interesting in entertaining and others it (at least to me) misses its mark and I found myself asking what was the point of a particular scene. I don't need to be hit over the head with the theme that these young people are living lives of excess. A lot of the scenes seem to just be illustrating that point without being particularly funny or witty. The main character is for the most part a likeable though often frustrating fellow. Peter O'Toole makes a brief, but highly entertaining appearance. Stockard Channings role is notable simply from the song sung by her religous group which is a complete hoot.

Yes   |   No


Lois W.

The cast interested us and we love 3'0's movies, but it was horrible. It was dsiconnected and silly.

Yes   |   No


Reb M.

It had David Tennant and James McAvoy! What more could you ask for in one movie?

Yes   |   No


Tom S.

There are some gorgeous sets and interesting actors in this film. My wife and I enjoyed it, but it was SLOOOW getting started. Many, rich, spoiled British aristocrats come of age during the transitional 1920's and early 40's and lived a rudderless, pointless life. A few with character found new meaning in life when facing real problems outside themselves. The final scene brings a promise of redemption, but it's a long slow trip to that climax. The director could have cut it differently, but then it would have been a different film. Worth watching for the sets and some individual scenes - especially when Peter O'toole or Emily Mortimer are on stage. I LOVED the lush party settings ...! If you like period pieces and character movies, you should like this.

Yes   |   No


Kristen S.

about this movie was the music! though not worth the hour and 45 minutes of my time!

Yes   |   No


 
 
 

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    Member Reviews
    Read all (15)
     
    Henry Q.

    Stephen Fry missed on all counts. He takes a good comedy of manners and a fabulous cast and turns it into a self-conscious preciousness that never even reaches camp. Any critic that sees humor in this colorful stench of a vomitorium has to have an large appetite for the banal or be related to one of the principals. Fry and Laurie have often hit the mark but Fry shoud not be left alone with such an opportunity of material and talent.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Michelle W.

    Couldn't get past the first 20 minutes. Had company over to watch it and we actually turned it OFF!

    Yes   |   No

     
    Frank R.

    The theatrical acting in this is like a poor man's Great Gatsby. Not a movie that holds your interest unless you are a die-hard period film junkie.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 15 Reviews
       

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