I saw the hilarious "Throw Momma from the Train" many years ago, and the basic premise of this movie is similar. One main character is quite enthusiastic about destroying the life of the enemy of the other, while the other main character is reluctant. This is different from that movie, though I understand "Strangers on a Train" inspired both. This movie is missing a truly evil character that simply must be dealt with, but it still a real pleasure to watch a mildly hateful villain get what he deserves. It is the enthusiastic participant who gets that job, while the reluctant person loses interest in the scheme entirely.
I know the name Helena Bonham Carter from awards shows. She is absolutely brilliant and shows why she gets nominated or wins for so many performances. She starts off vulnerable and suicidal then quickly shows a naughty side, and makes it clear she won't put up with men treating her like a damsel in distress. Later she changes into a nerdy, seemingly clumsy office worker who has to give the impression of efficiency and competence. But she is a deliciously conniving schemer who takes every opportunity to ruin her boss' marriage. And if that's not enough ... well, you'll just have to watch. Later, think of Glenn Close in "Fatal Attraction" but never quite that extreme.
Steve Coogan is a demanding and unpleasant boss, but someone you'd want to kill? Not really. But it is a pleasure to watch his life go downhill and watch him turn into a pleading mess. And yet he seems to be trying with his wife. Bruce isn't so bad, really. But you know his life has to be destroyed so you enjoy it anyway.
Liz Smith is surprisingly accepting despite being elderly and close to retirement as a maid. She witnesses some naughty behavior and it doesn't bother her, and whatever happens, she doesn't let it bother her.
Martin Clunes is the one you'd want to get rid of. He doesn't care about his wife but is said to be with multiple women. He is generally not a nice person. He has no redeeming qualities. A good performance but not overwhelmingly evil.
Anita Dobson briefly impresses when attacking people she is mad at.
I've heard the name Sam Neill. He is likable enough and cares about people and I suppose his performance is good. But mostly he is the victim of various unfortunate incidents. If that's what you want, fine. He's just not a strong lead. I enjoyed watching him as the victim and hoped he'd get what he wanted.
I also know the name Kristin Scott Thomas and associate the name with quality. She's likable enough and certainly not someone you'd want anyone to kill. Though she starts off effectively uppity. That attitude suggested maybe she will be dealt with, but surely no one will want Henry to go through with the original plan after her second scene.
Rupert Graves seems like a spoiled loser at first but his character has more substance later. Charlotte Coleman is a maid trainee in over her head. And rounding out the cast is John Wood who looks like Captain Peacock but is somewhat less uppity. He's proper but likable.
What a magnificent castle Karen and her brother live in. Britain has some nice scenery if you're lucky enough to see it when it's not raining. The good news is sometimes the rain stops quickly.
Not family friendly, for a number of reasons. Some words I didn't hear, and one man is naked and tied to his bed. Occasionally the sexual humor gets really raunchy, but really, prime time broadcast TV in the U. S. can be worse.
I mostly had a good time.
I know the name Helena Bonham Carter from awards shows. She is absolutely brilliant and shows why she gets nominated or wins for so many performances. She starts off vulnerable and suicidal then quickly shows a naughty side, and makes it clear she won't put up with men treating her like a damsel in distress. Later she changes into a nerdy, seemingly clumsy office worker who has to give the impression of efficiency and competence. But she is a deliciously conniving schemer who takes every opportunity to ruin her boss' marriage. And if that's not enough ... well, you'll just have to watch. Later, think of Glenn Close in "Fatal Attraction" but never quite that extreme.
Steve Coogan is a demanding and unpleasant boss, but someone you'd want to kill? Not really. But it is a pleasure to watch his life go downhill and watch him turn into a pleading mess. And yet he seems to be trying with his wife. Bruce isn't so bad, really. But you know his life has to be destroyed so you enjoy it anyway.
Liz Smith is surprisingly accepting despite being elderly and close to retirement as a maid. She witnesses some naughty behavior and it doesn't bother her, and whatever happens, she doesn't let it bother her.
Martin Clunes is the one you'd want to get rid of. He doesn't care about his wife but is said to be with multiple women. He is generally not a nice person. He has no redeeming qualities. A good performance but not overwhelmingly evil.
Anita Dobson briefly impresses when attacking people she is mad at.
I've heard the name Sam Neill. He is likable enough and cares about people and I suppose his performance is good. But mostly he is the victim of various unfortunate incidents. If that's what you want, fine. He's just not a strong lead. I enjoyed watching him as the victim and hoped he'd get what he wanted.
I also know the name Kristin Scott Thomas and associate the name with quality. She's likable enough and certainly not someone you'd want anyone to kill. Though she starts off effectively uppity. That attitude suggested maybe she will be dealt with, but surely no one will want Henry to go through with the original plan after her second scene.
Rupert Graves seems like a spoiled loser at first but his character has more substance later. Charlotte Coleman is a maid trainee in over her head. And rounding out the cast is John Wood who looks like Captain Peacock but is somewhat less uppity. He's proper but likable.
What a magnificent castle Karen and her brother live in. Britain has some nice scenery if you're lucky enough to see it when it's not raining. The good news is sometimes the rain stops quickly.
Not family friendly, for a number of reasons. Some words I didn't hear, and one man is naked and tied to his bed. Occasionally the sexual humor gets really raunchy, but really, prime time broadcast TV in the U. S. can be worse.
I mostly had a good time.