I don't want to start out with a negative tone about AN EDUCATION, but I just can't help myself! The thing that draws me into a movie is mainly the unexpected. Give me, too, some good character and a good story and I'm hooked. But An Education gave me only the characters. The story was completely predictable. It is, at its core, a coming of age story. And its one that we've all seen before.
There's nothing remotely challenging for the viewer to follow. That doesn't mean I take ANYTHING away from Peter Sarsgaard (JARHEAD) as the handsome, witty, and alarmingly charming David. Nor can I say anything remotely bad about Carey Mulligan (PRIDE AND PREJUDICE) as the smart but inexperienced Jenny. When these two characters collide, sparks certainly fly. But they aren't unexpected. Or in any way surprising.
When we meet David (Sarsgaard) we immediately know that a guy this age should not be philandering around with a sixteen-year-old school girl. And I guessed much of what was to come long before it was revealed (no spoilers). I also knew how Jenny would react. She's an amazingly smart young lady, so her ability to handle this situation wasn't shocking at all.
Some people have commented on the supporting cast, especially Emma Thompson (HARRY POTTER series) as the Headmistress. But I didn't find her character intimidating or interesting. However, I did find Olivia Williams (X-MEN) as Jenny's English instructor a very interesting character. She had a profound impact on Jenny's life (pre- and post-David).
The remainder of the cast were fairly forgettable with only minor flashes of importance and interest that rapidly dissipated.
Let me say again that I found the two main characters very entertaining, but the story far too predictable to give a high rating. I am, however, happy that I saw the film. Most of the award nominations and wins were directed at Carey Mulligan, and I felt that was completely justified.
Too bad the rest of the film couldn't hold up to the actors' performances.
There's nothing remotely challenging for the viewer to follow. That doesn't mean I take ANYTHING away from Peter Sarsgaard (JARHEAD) as the handsome, witty, and alarmingly charming David. Nor can I say anything remotely bad about Carey Mulligan (PRIDE AND PREJUDICE) as the smart but inexperienced Jenny. When these two characters collide, sparks certainly fly. But they aren't unexpected. Or in any way surprising.
When we meet David (Sarsgaard) we immediately know that a guy this age should not be philandering around with a sixteen-year-old school girl. And I guessed much of what was to come long before it was revealed (no spoilers). I also knew how Jenny would react. She's an amazingly smart young lady, so her ability to handle this situation wasn't shocking at all.
Some people have commented on the supporting cast, especially Emma Thompson (HARRY POTTER series) as the Headmistress. But I didn't find her character intimidating or interesting. However, I did find Olivia Williams (X-MEN) as Jenny's English instructor a very interesting character. She had a profound impact on Jenny's life (pre- and post-David).
The remainder of the cast were fairly forgettable with only minor flashes of importance and interest that rapidly dissipated.
Let me say again that I found the two main characters very entertaining, but the story far too predictable to give a high rating. I am, however, happy that I saw the film. Most of the award nominations and wins were directed at Carey Mulligan, and I felt that was completely justified.
Too bad the rest of the film couldn't hold up to the actors' performances.