Ruislip & Eastcote & Northwood Gazette
THE BOX 10 OFFICE TOP
PETER Rabbit buries the sweet, simple charm of Beatrix Potter’s beautiful books and unearths a brash and brazen battle between country and city.
Peter Rabbit (voiced by James Corden), sisters Flopsy (Margot Robbie), Mopsy (Elizabeth Debicki) and Cottontail (Daisy Ridley), and cousin Benjamin (Colin Moody) regularly steal produce from the garden of Old Mr McGregor (Sam Neill).
A WOMAN’S most cherished asset, her reputation, is at the mercy of jealous, controlling men in this revisionist religious drama, which attempts to wash away the stains of ill repute from Jesus’ devoted disciple.
Mary Magdalene (Rooney Mara) quietly trades in solemnity, echoing the current battle for parity waged by the Me Too and Time’s Up movements through the eyes of a misunderstood heroine at odds with the conventions of her time. ■ (PG) (12A)
The old timer’s greatnephew, Thomas (Domhnall Gleeson) inherits the farm. Thus, Thomas travels to the Lake District to oversee the quick sale of his inheritance.
Peter Rabbit chomps merrily through universal themes of romance, regret and reconciliation, embellished with lively vocal performances and energetic set pieces.
If only the film had more heart and soul to complement the broad slapstick.
“I’m not sure that what happens to a woman is of much account here,” laments Mary, who is portrayed as a muchabused feminist trailblazer rather than the repentant prostitute depicted in western art and literature.
As a handsomely crafted sermon about spiritual awakening and sacrifice, the film preaches to the art house masses with aplomb. Unfortunately, we observe the title character from such a safe distance, it’s hard to connect with her on an emotional level.
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2. Black Panther The Greatest Showman
3. Red Sparrow
4. Game Night
5. Finding Your Feet
6. Lady Bird
7. I, Tonya
8. Gringo
9. Coco
10. Fifty Shades Freed
CHART COURTESY OF CINEWORLD