Piccadilly Cowboy (2007) User Reviews

A nice romcom, Mormon style; good values but needed a bit more energy

[inkblot11 · 6/10 · 18 January 2017]

Carson (Jaelen Petrie), originally from Montana, is now working for a British Beef Firm. Raised on a cattle ranch, he naturally knows quite a bit about the production of steak. Also a Mormon, he has met a lovely girl, Lucy (Katie Foster-Barnes) who he believes is "the one". But, when Carson goes to the lady's grandfather-guardian, to ask for Lucy's hand, the Piccadilly cowboy is thrown for a loop. It seems Lucy has an unwed, older sister, Gemma (Sophie Shaw). IF Carson can find a suitor for Gemma, then the engagement is on. What a concept! It turns out Gemma is a pretty teacher who has been on one too many bad dates and doesn't want to keep trying. Yet, without disclosing Grandfather's conditions, Carson begins to set her up with a bevy of men. None of the dates work out very well. But, in the meantime, Carson gets to know Gemma much better, as he meets her at her work, at church, and on the town. Even a last attempt set-up with Carson's boss as a possible gentleman for Gemma DOESN'T dampen Mr. Cowboy's growing interest in his own fiancée's sister! What can be done? This very nice romcom, Mormon style, has its moments. What fun to see Carson on business in Scotland, where he has trouble understanding the accented English and the ways of the Scots! Although the film has no stars, the three principals, Petrie, Shaw, and Foster-Barnes, are attractive, capable actors. Likewise, the supporting cast is fine, as are the costumes, great scenery, and production values. The story is not heavily religious but it is definitely a factor, making the movie a clean, safe view for everyone. Nevertheless, the pace of the film could have been better, as there are times of low energy. Yet, if you like romantic comedies and want one that will have no objectionable material, here's one which you would be wise to locate.

Piccadilly? Peccadillo!

[evgraf · 1/10 · 15 June 2007]

My hat is truly off to anyone who has the commitment to get off of the couch and actually make a movie. It is an enormous undertaking. But the gushing reviews listed elsewhere were so contrary to my own experience that I felt compelled to offer another point of view. This film seemed to appear in the newspaper listings with no publicity so I researched it in advance on IMDb. The background information pointed clearly toward "Mormon cinema". The problem with the genre is that it leans on the inside joke and preaches to the choir to the exclusion of the broader audience. The LDS references were frequent and heavy-handed. To my ear, the main character's accent sounds more like Alabama than Montana. And how could anyone not know after even the most superficial first-date small talk that he was getting involved with his boss's grand-daughter? On the technical side there was enjoyable urban and rural photography of Britain but there were also several very over-exposed sun-bleached shots. The soundtrack reminded me too much of a soap opera Wurlitzer.

Pretty bad even by LDS cinema standards

[jalapenoman · 2/10 · 31 October 2007]

I'm from Texas. I've lived all but about two years of my life in Texas or New Mexico. That guy on the screen isn't a cowboy and can't play a cowboy. That horse just don't buck! The plot is formulaic and you can see everything coming at you five minutes in advance. In fact, you could probably guess the ending just by reading a short synopsis. Nothing new here, it's all been done before.

While this is not as bad as "Out of Step", it is as bad as the LDS version of "Pride and Prejudice" and does have some of the feel of an extended, two hour seminary video.

I had hoped the quality made LDS cinema like "The Best Two Years" might start leading to other good stuff. I got really happy when "Saints and Soldiers" came out and begin to see it happening. Work like this, and other recent movies in the genre, have moved us back to square one again.

Just for fun

[lafillelabas · 7/10 · 4 September 2009]

I like this movie. I've seen it twice now, and it's, for the most part, enjoyable. The scenery is great, the acting is adequate. Of the main characters, I thought Sophie Shaw, Tom Butcher and Gwyneth Powell were the best actors. The others kept reminding me that they were in a movie playing particular parts.

There were some cringe-worthy things, though, like Carson Wells' (Jaelan Petrie) wardrobe and sometimes his demeanor, but I understand that's just part of his character. I just don't think it should be that distracting in a main character. However, I respect the effort the filmmakers made to have the main character be imperfect in some ways. I may not have minded as much if he'd been a better actor. (spoiler:) For example, in the scenes relating to his parents and the anguish he is supposed to feel, it felt pretty forced to me. (end spoiler)

Overall, I like this movie, and since someone gave it to me as a gift recently, I'll definitely be watching it again. It's decent entertainment, and it wins extra points with me for not being full of inappropriate things.

A very nice feel good LDS film

[rudeweezle · 8/10 · 27 January 2006]

I recently saw "Piccadilly Cowboy" at the LDS Film Festival. I thought it was a good movie. The plot was amusing and the acting was quite impressive. One thing I truly loved about this film were all the interesting side characters such as Carson's jail mate, or the football fans in Scottland. I also very much appreciated not having my own religion crammed down my throat for two hours. Unlike most LDS films this film did not mock The LDS faith or try to preach about it the whole movie, though still having subtle religious messages and still kindly portraying some of the more humorous things about LDS life. The only negative things I have to say about the film are these: Make up and lighting were awful, All of the characters looked washed out, yellow, and shiny. and Carson's costumes and hair were not much better. Oh, and if its not to late I recommend changing the film's name...most American's haven't a clue what Piccadilly is. I think this is truly one of the better LDS films to come out in recent years.

Good Acting, Beautiful Scenery, Great Script and a Lot of Fun

[bryantfanderson · 8/10 · 29 March 2007]

We have seen the movie four times and would like to go back again. It never gets old. We love the acting, the story line, the scenery and the plot. It has non-threatening LDS characters in the plot. I understand the actors except for Carson are not LDS and were not offend to play there parts. The script however, is not dominated by religion, but it is about relationships and the cultural challenge of being a ranch boy in London. It is fun to watch the romance unfold. We love to listen to the reaction of the audience to the humor. The London setting makes the movie delightful and interesting to view. The music written by Alan Hawkshaw is well done and his new arrangement of Oliva Newton John's original song "I Honestly Love You" is touching. Alan has written for the Rolling Stones and many other well know singing groups. His music adds a real professional touch through out the Movie. We would enthusiastically recommend the movie, but only if you want to have a fun wholesome and pleasant experience.