Pride and Prejudice (2005) — PICK
The Tale of Despereaux (2008) — PICK

 

Netflix-streaming subscribers, among your new options in January is Joe Wright’s excellent 2005 Pride and Prejudice, starring Keira Knightley and Matthew MacFadyen.

No, Janeites, for meticulous fidelity to Austen’s beloved novel, it can’t compare to the celebrated 1995 five-part BBC miniseries with Colin Firth. Sitting down and watching the latter over several evenings, or perhaps a lazy weekend afternoon, is a unique pleasure. But there’s also something to be said for a well-done cinematic version that you can watch start to finish in two hours, particularly when the Bennets’ world is so vividly realized and so persuasively lived-in. As Elizabeth, Knightley projects formidable intelligence and ready wit, her eyes ever ready to dance with laughter or flash with indignation.

Among new Netflix options for kids, consider The Tale of Despereaux, a little-seen, oddball computer-animated fantasy based on Kate DiMillo’s quirkily enchanting children’s novel about a mouse who loves chivalry and honor. While Despereaux is far from a perfect film, its strengths are considerable. It’s a fairy tale that’s sincere and earnest, not an ironic, Shrek-style fractured fairy tale — a movie about longing, imagination, resentment, contrition, forgiveness and redemption. Despereaux is truly serious about honor, devotion and courage. It’s also a trippy movie in which the kingdom of Dor celebrates an annual Soup Day festival like Mardi Gras in New Orleans, rain magically stops falling when the queen dies and a sort of magical food golem helps the royal chef create new soups. All in all, sprightly, charming family entertainment.

P.S. Bonus Netflix pick for family viewing: Netflix recently added the fourth and final season of the brilliant, wacky animated series Phineas and Ferb. My family and I can’t get enough of this series! Check out my new article at DecentFilms.com for more.