My Favourite Things ★★★☆☆

Review of 'My Favourite Things' which can be found here at Shorts Bay.

Length: 05:44

Written & directed by Edward Styles

Genre: Romance

Date: 2009

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Logline: A shy boy follows a whimsical girl and discovers a unique way of introducing himself to her.

As soon as the music starts up you begin thinking that this will be an “Amelie” rip off and you will be right. It's a romantic tale with a fairytale like quality. Sunny days, skipping children, it’s so sweet it’s sickening. That’s the twisted old cynic talking.

There is no dialogue thankfully. A wise choice which aids the mood and eliminates probably bad child acting. Amelia Cook is the more believable of the stars Theo Styles (ahem, probably family of the director) is a little less convincing as he stalks his young prey in the most obvious way possible. The dialogue isn’t missed as we have the soothing tones of Stephen Wright’s music to sweep us along instead. The soundtrack suits the images immaculately and where the film could drag a bit without it, the music enhances pacing and tone.

In one way, the film could be viewed more as an exercise in beautiful cinematography rather than the telling of an implausible tale. There is a nice variety of shots coupled with soft focus and thoughtful composition. The crane shots help give that air of quality. Lighting too is well done considering the British weather.

Best Bit: The soundtrack. Just shut your eyes and listen.

Worst Bit: Theo’s pantomime villain type stalk along the high street. The only thing missing is a long moustache to twirl between his fingers.

Final thought: Likable the first time. Bit boring the second. Not going back for a third.

Read a condensed review of this film on Twitter here.