Film Review: Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day (2008)

BOTTOM LINE: Surprisingly entertaining with sincere performances by the cast, "Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day" is an old-fashioned Hollywood film that you do not normally see any more, despite its flare for being overly dramatic at times.

THE GOOD: One of the great things about this film is that it is the type of film that does not get made any more. Sporting an old-fashioned style and look, the film is a farce and a genuine drama, all at the same time. Frances McDormand lends a sincere gravitas to these proceedings as the tough, but down-on-her-luck nanny Guinevere Pettigrew, who out of a moment of desperation, unexpectedly finds herself as the social secretary for the flamboyant American singer/actress Delysia Lafosse (Amy Adams). What ensues is a trip through high society and Pettigrew's attempts to keep Lafosse out of trouble, to hilarious, and sometimes touching results. Aside from the excellent production design and visuals, the film is held together by the genuine performances on display by the whole cast. They clearly look as if they are all having a good time, but also find those moments of drama and seriousness to make the whole exercise compelling. Frances McDormand is the gravitating centre of this film, lending it a credence that makes the whole thing work. Amy Adams is great as the ditzy actress who reveals something more hidden underneath. She plays the hysterics and dramatics to perfection, causing a riot throughout every scene she is in. The remainder of the cast is spot on with their old world charm and sophistication. The film, of course, gravitates to a happy ending where all the characters end up with what they deserve, with the final sequence being low key and satisfying thanks largely to the performances of the actors in this scene, which could have so easily been pathetic and contrived. "Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day" is a fun way to spend a few hours and worth taking the trip.

THE BAD: As with old-style Hollywood films, some of what you see is over the top. That may have worked fifty years ago, but it does not really work in a modern film, despite how well it is integrated in to the narrative. Also, despite the best efforts of the filmmakers, they cannot always paper over the modest budget on display, but they do a decent job with what they have.