Show Me the Bunny
Miss Potter
Review by Ross Anthony

The trailers slant this film as a family adventure despite the fact that it's really more of a traditional love story. Only occasionally do the whimsical drawings of author/illustrator Beatrix Potter come alive. Those brief moments of hand animation are sure to spark a smile, though their inclusions would have worked much better hadn't the previews spoiled some of their surprise. Prancing bunnies notwithstanding don't expect this to be some sort of hybrid production blending live-action with animation. It's no "Roger Rabbit." It's strictly a live action British English film with a dash of animation accents. And strictly speaking, young kids may not be all that interested in what is primarily an adult love story.

I absolutely loved "Babe" (also directed by Chris Noonan) and I'm a fan of Zellweger and McGregor, so I expected to enjoy this film. And I mostly did -- until the third act. Maybe I should grow up and take bad news like a man. But, I felt tricked. The picture is so charming and delightful, I felt it simply wasn't fair to change that ambience and stall the well-earned momentum. Yes, I realize it's a bio-pic, but filmmakers have a great deal of license (and they use it) to mold and shape. They didn't have to bake the first two acts so sugary sweet, but they chose to. And I chose to enjoy that, even though many a viewer will find these caricatures scampering off into the land of trite.

Still, the picture kept a smile on my face for the entire first majority. That's definitely worth something. I'm torn between a B and B+ for the grade and will settle by rounding up.

This film screened at a Laemmle Theatre.

-- Book Contest --


  • Miss Potter. Copyright © 2007.
  • Starring Renee Zellweger, Ewan McGregor, Emily Watson, Barbara Flynn, Bill Paterson, Matyelok Gibbs, Lloyd Owen, Anton L.
  • Directed by Chris Noonan.
  • Screenplay by Richard Maltby Jr..
  • Produced by David Thwaites, David Kirschner, Mike Medavoy, Arnold L. Messer, Corey Sienega, Arnold Messer at Phoenix.

Grade..........................B+ (2.5/4)


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Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186. Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow.


Last Modified: Thursday, 11-Jan-2007 21:52:22 PST