Unfairly Punished (Ebert loved it)

So I'm not saying it's the best movie in the world, but I really enjoyed it for what it was, as a fun and frothy little diversion from life.

I only watched the movie after reading a rave from Roger Ebert, who talked about what a sweet little confection it was. He gave it 3 out of 4 stars: http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/simply-irresistible-1999. So I'm not alone! Darn it.

So I watched it, and even years later, I still agree.

It was sweet and fun, and while the seams do show on the budget, it's kind of charming (yes, you can occasionally see the string pulling the crab's claw!)... still, the actors are just wonderful. I'm a longtime "Buffy" fan, and I loved Smidge (SMG) in the lead, and Betty Buckley as her sweet mother figure, or Lawrence Gillard as her sous chef. I also adored Patricia Clarkson and Dylan Baker, who felt like they stepped right out of a 1940s screwball comedy in this.

I agree that the seams show occasionally but they don't bother me. The characters are sweet and charming, they inhabit a lovable warm little universe, and it all feels magical. The food looks wonderful, and there's a quirk to the costumes and music, too. It's a sweet little movie, and I've seen way, way, way worse.

Way, way worse. Seriously. When it comes to "worst movies ever," this movie doesn't even crack my top 100.

Cheers, even if your mileage may vary.

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I keep thinking I'm a grownup, but I'm not.