St. Ives (1999)

hilarious--wonderfully done!
I rarely write reviews, but this one does not have enough! =) I don't know why I'd never heard of this movie before, but it is a classic. FYI: there is male frontal nudity, and a topless woman scene, but it's very European-like and matter-of-fact. Probably not appropriate for kids, though.

My husband and I can't remember the last time we laughed so hard!
5 stars

Terrific Napoleonic Era Romp
What a fun movie St. Ives is. It reminds me of the type of film made during the 40's. Classic story, rounded off by characters and a plot that is neither over dramatic nor overtly complicated. In fact it isn't over anything. Robert Lewis Stevenson's story - here adapted for the screen - reads like Jane Austen for men. We do get a tale that has a romance at its heart, but there is plenty of fun too: battle scenes (sort of), prison escapes, mistaken identities, swordplay, and the funniest line I've heard in years: "Only in Scotland would guests be announced by name at a masked ball." There is much hilarity, hardship, and not a little heartbreak as St. Ives tries to fight and find his way back to a family and life he barely knew.

The cast is absolutely stellar with the too infrequently seen Jean Marc Barr absolutely perfect in the title role. Anna Friel is a refreshing delight as the resourceful Flora and Miranda Richardson nearly walks away with the movie as her worldly, seen-it-all Aunt Susan. Richard Grant provides comic relief of the highest order.

This is not going to be the greatest movie anyone has ever seen, but it's charms are undeniable and the entire film fairly bristles with an energy that bursts with life.

p.

Okay I guess
This movie was pretty slow moving to me. There were Some moments where it might have been funny but they tried too hard to make it funny. This movie could have been way better. So take my advice do not buy this movie if you want to see it rent it.