A gorgeously-decorated, joyfully-acted, good time at the movies. Emma. carries just the right amount of sentimentality and sweetness to keep the party going and keep the stakes high, even if there isn’t much actually at risk. So much of these people’s lives center around being liked and respected, so when someone’s reputation is even slightly nicked, their self-esteem crumbles quickly. Luckily, it’s just as easily put back together after some hilarious theatrics.

It’s a fun film because we know our…

It’s an issue of tone. I don’t think it’s a particularly strong script regardless, but even in moments where it is, it’s written as comedy while the actors play it as drama. Both our leads and their children are so damn somber the entire film that the jokes we hear just feel distasteful and jarring, even if they’re funny on paper. The source material this is “inspired by” established such a specific mood that allowed its premise to be maximized,…