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Adams, McDormand charming in light-hearted 'Miss Pettigrew'

August 28, 2008 @ 12:00 AM

The Herald-Dispatch

Video Fun House film fans Jean Tarbett Hardiman and John Gillispie both enjoyed "Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day," a British comedy rated PG-13 and starring Frances McDormand and Amy Adams.

JOHN: Amy Adams really captured a lot of attention when she played a Disney cartoon character come to life in modern New York City in "Enchanted."

JEAN: Now, she is back in a fairytale story of sorts -- and she's as prissy as ever. But she's not really the lead character here. You might say she's her opposite.

JOHN: "Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day" is an amazingly charming story about a down-on-her-luck English governess named Miss Pettigrew (played by Oscar winner Frances McDormand of "Fargo"). Having been written off by her employment agency, a desperate and hungry Miss Pettigrew bluffs her way into a job as a social secretary for a young nightclub singer named Delysia Lafosse (Amy Adams).

JEAN: You might say Delysia has a complex love life. When Miss Pettigrew first meets her, she's in the apartment of one lover, trying to shoo out another lover before the owner (the first lover) gets home. The younger guy (Tom Payne) might provide a career opportunity. The other, a nightclub owner played by Mark Strong, puts a roof over her head and foots her shopping bill. Meanwhile, Michael, her piano accompanist, (played by Lee Page) is in love with her.

JOHN: Delysia wants a part in Phil's play, lives in an apartment provided by Nick and needs to maintain some sort of professional rapport with Michael. So, her social life is complicated, but in a manner of one day, Miss Pettigrew, who cannot solve her own problems it seems, helps Delysia figure out what she wants in life.

JEAN: Both McDormand and Adams are great in this British comedy. You can't help but love McDormand because she's so talented at playing that seemingly everyday woman who, underneath, is extraordinary. You just have to scratch the surface a bit, and there's a character in "Pettigrew" (played by Ciaran Hinds) who senses that and attempts to break her out of her shell.

JOHN: McDormand is great as she gains confidence in herself and sees clearly how those around her should be behaving.

JEAN: And I've always thought Hinds is charming and a phenomenal actor, too, though he's often in a supporting role. He had me at "Persuasion," where he was the romantic lead.

JOHN: Adams looks a lot like Nicole Kidman in this movie and plays her character's comic and dramatic scenes equally well.

JEAN: She's just an adorable actress. Again, I found myself wondering if Adams is that bubbly in real life or if she has to drink some Red Bull before each take.

JOHN: This movie has just the right touch. The scenes move along at a healthy pace and everything is wrapped up in about an hour and a half.

JEAN: It's a great ending, too, with some excellent lessons on how life is too short to play games and gamble with feelings -- those of others and yourself.

JOHN: It might even bring a tear or two to your eyes.

Jean Tarbett Hardiman is a reporter for The Herald-Dispatch. John Gillispie is the public relations director for the Huntington Museum of Art. Contact the writers at jeant@herald-dispatch.com.

Events

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J. Chris Newberg
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Lions Arts and Crafts Show
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"The Nutcracker"
school matinee begins at 9:30 a.m. and regular show at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5. Ashland Youth Ballet presents their annual presentation of The Nutcracker. Questions...

Christmas Tour of Homes
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 1-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6-7. Tour six outstanding homes in the Bellefonte area dressed for the holidays. Questions, call 606-329-8888 or visit...

2nd annual Holiday Candlelight Tour
2-7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. A tour (inside and out) of eight prominent Huntington homes beautifully decorated for the holidays. Questions, call 304-733-ARTS.

Marshall Artists Series: "Wizard of Oz"
7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9. A spectacular celebration of the iconic 1939 MGM film, "The Wizard of Oz." Tickets, call 304-696-3326 or visit www.marshallartistsseries.org.

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Dining

GOOD EATS: Rocco's Ristorante serves up Italian faves

November 27, 2008 @ 12:00 AM

CEREDO -- Rocco's Ristorante has been a favorite of the Tri-State since 1977. The restaurant continues to serve delicious Italian meals, which have attracted people from miles around.

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