Movie Review

Movie Review: 'My Life So Far' (1999)

Reviewed by Lisa Schwarzbaum | Jul 30, 1999
EW's GRADE
C

Details Rated: PG-13; Genre: Drama; With: Colin Firth, Rosemary Harris, Irene Jacob and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio

What's that twinkling in the gloaming? Ah, it's a bevy of clichés in this twee drama, set in 1930s Scotland (the green green Highlands, the fine costumes, the caramel accents!) and based on the autobiography of a chap who went on to become a top British TV executive. ''Wasn't Papahhh extraordinary!'' seems to be the point of this memoir, told by an observant son (Robert Norman), but we're offered no proof. Dad (Colin Firth) is apparently eccentric because he fancies sphagnum moss as a profitable crop. He also fancies his brother-in-law's exotically French fiancée (Irene Jacob), while Mamahhh (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio) suffers quietly. The family matriarch (Rosemary Harris) sniffs with disapproval as a matter of course. Hugh Hudson directs as if time has stood still since Chariots of Fire. C

Originally posted Jul 30, 1999 Published in issue #496 Jul 30, 1999 Order article reprints
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