Mr. Malcolm's List (2022) User Reviews

An actual time & place

[indialm · 5/10 · 9 November 2022]

The reason for the complaints about the "woke" casting has less to do with racism and more to do with the ability to allow the viewers to suspend disbelief.

Let me explain; having people of color in a film with a location and time period in which there would be few, if any, confuses the viewer and makes the casting more important than the story. For example, it would be nonsensical to have a cast of mostly Caucasians in a film about an African family experience or perhaps an origin story of the Maori. People would understand the nonsensical casting of predominantly white people in films like those, but do not understand the complaint of having POC in the Regency time era. People are simply asking for reality in casting.

Yes, having more POC in modern day films with interracial relationships makes definite sense. But asking, no forcing, viewers to believe people of different ethnic backgrounds existed in locations and eras where they did not exist is simply unrealistic. Portray and cast people in the eras and locations as they truly existed, white, brown or black and let viewers enjoy tales as they would have actually occurred.

not my cup of tea

[ferguson-6 · 5/10 · 1 July 2022]

Greetings again from the darkness. At this point, I believe it's fair to say we have a Jane Austen sub-genre for film, TV, and books. After all, it's been more than 200 years, and her novels have remained in print, have also been adapted too many times to count, and inspired countless writers and filmmakers to follow in her footsteps. The success of the "Bridgerton" series is a testament to the Jane Austen realm, despite being adapted from the novels of Julia Quinn. For this first feature film from director Emma Holly Jones, Suzanne Allain has adapted the screenplay from her own novel, and interestingly, this is a feature length version of Ms. Jones' 2019 short film, with most of the cast and crew returning.

The film opens in 1802 England as youngsters Julia and Selina solidify their BFF bond. Flashing forward to a majestic castle in 1818, we find it's mating season for high society, and Julia (Zawe Ashton) has her sights set on the catch-of-the-year, Mr. Jeremy Malcolm (Sope Dirisu). Their first date to the opera tells Malcolm everything he needs to know to rule out Julia as a prospective match. Her ignorance on current affairs and overall personality prevent any type of love connection. Though her feelings are hurt at the rejection, Julia likely would have moved on if not for a public humiliation related to the date, but not caused by Malcolm. When Julia discloses her embarrassment to her cousin, Lord Cassidy (an excellent Oliver Jackson-Cohen), he confides that Malcolm has crafted a list of requirements for his future bride. Instantly, Julia begins scheming to turn the tables of 'humiliation' on Malcolm, hoping to regain her reputation ... one tarnished by four previous seasons without a match.

Julia's scheme requires two co-conspirators. Lord Cassidy has already been bullied into the ring, and next up is her childhood friend, Selina (Freida Pinto). Selina is of a lower class than Julia, and against her better judgement (and sweet demeanor) agrees to the plan: playing the role of the perfect match for Malcolm before humiliating him by exposing his 'list'. Of course, anyone who has ever watched a movie or read a book knows where this is headed ... and that's exactly where it goes. Selina and Malcolm do prove to be a good match, and she is overwhelmed by guilt.

Like Mr. Malcolm, I have a list ... only my list is for the issues I have with the film: 1. Julia is neither smart nor nice, and would be a poor match for most men 2. Her plot for revenge proves her mean streak, as Malcolm never publicly humiliated her 3. Malcolm has good looks and lots of money, but otherwise doesn't seem like much fun 4. Selina is smart, but we never see why she falls for Malcolm - other than his looks and money 5. Selina seems too nice to ever go along with Julia's devious plan against a guy who did nothing wrong 6. The twist with Captain Henry Ossory is totally unbelievable and fabricated strictly for a happy ending 7. The cast diversity plays like a gimmick and totally ignores genetics. There are more legitimate ways to achieve diversity My list is longer than Mr. Malcolm's, but you get the point on why the film didn't work for me. Julia is unlucky in love because she is not likable, and Mr. Malcolm is a bit dull, and is only a "catch" because of looks and money. We never care about either of these characters. And shouldn't everyone have a 'list' of characteristics they desire in a mate? It's probably for all these reasons that I found the movie uncomfortable to watch and entirely too long. That said, the cast is superb and the performances are admirable in spite the issues I have with the script and story. Many viewers will likely ignore what bugged me here, and I contend the best of the recent entries in this genre continues to be EMMA. (2020) Opens in theaters on July 1, 2022.

Enjoyable Watch

[pienpouwels · 6/10 · 1 August 2022]

How this movie has an average of 5.3 but the disgracefully botched 2022 version of Persuasion, a 5.6, is beyond me. Yes, Mr. Malcolm's List is Austen-esque and predictable, but at least the script captured the zeitgeist of the early 1800s. Its preview (which is on YouTube) actually came out early 2019, so I'm guessing Bridgerton took a leaf out of their book in regard to a diverse cast.

The two leads don't have much chemistry but the cast in general is excellent. I particularly enjoyed Oliver Jackson-Cohen's Lord Cassidy and although Julia Thistlewaite's character is downright unpleasant, Zawe Ashton embodied her brilliantly. I'm glad she replaced Gemma Chan, whose performance in the preview I thought a bit spiritless.

All in all, not an arthouse film experience but definitely worth the watch if you're into period pieces. I watched it for the second time today and didn't enjoy it any less than I did the first time.

Forget Colour; Stay for Love

[elsbethruthpowell · 16 April 2023]

Is Mr. Malcolm's list predictable? Yes. Is its casting unrealistic for the period? It most certainly is.

But if you can look past colour and are in love with love and a simple, wholesome, feel-good story, then Mr. Malcolm's List is for you. I am a fan of most things Jane Austen, and Suzanne Allain's very loose adaptation of Austen's most famous novel (my favourite) didn't disappoint me--the movie version, that is. I have yet to read the book.

If you can suspend disbelief for just 117 delightful minutes, then you can enjoy this in-the-box out-of-the-box period piece. And you might just expand your knowledge of the Corn Laws while you're at it.

A bit Surprised......

[bostonct · 6/10 · 13 July 2022]

I had nooooooo intention of seeing another period-piece but my wife wanted to see it. Actually, it was a decent movie. At times, some of the characters were a bit stilted, timing was a bit off, chemistry/dynamics didn't quite connect and there was probably a bit more drama (overacting) with some of the characters the actors were supposed to play. On the flip slide, there were many scenes that were quite well done, and there was a bit of extra/added subtlety about the story line throughout the movie. Good movie for $5 Tuesday or DVD.

A nice period drama RomCom, wonderfully amusing

[gazmar62 · 7/10 · 29 August 2022]

I wonder what Jane Austen would have thought about this, it's very much in her style with a modern twist.

Taking a leaf out of Armando Iannucci's (Copperfield) book?, the colourblind cast is another refreshing piece of casting, with people of colour playing the majority of the leading roles, so unexpectedly for a period costume drama, come RomCom.

The charm is not just in the wonderful cast but also in the wit and humour that kept a smile on my face throughout.

It's a homage? / light parody on the period drama genre where the typical storyline is about courtship, matchmaking and romance that usually needs a helping hand from a friend, or someone out to make trouble. The class structure is also mocked with a satirical flair that I found appealing too.

Although supposed to be set in England the Irish countryside adds some wonderful landscapes.

Seems to be very underrated imo , I found it very enjoyable and entertaining.

Good plot but....

[khealey-33274 · 6/10 · 3 July 2022]

...the pace was off. Perhaps it's because the storyline was predictable, but much of the film felt like things were dragging a bit. The costumes, setting, and language used (correct for the time period) were tasteful and well done.

Insipid

[tmaize · 5/10 · 11 September 2022]

Just watched this movie; it did not live up to the hype. While the costuming, sets and cinematography were really good, the plot was so derivitive, predictable and unimaginative it angered me after viewing.

One of the classifications on this film is "comedy." I'll admit the septuagenarian exchange made me laugh out loud, but there were few example of wit in this film.

Bring Georgette Heyer to cinema life, for crying out loud. Her depth of knowledge -- from Regency mannerisms, phrasing, street and sect cant, from glitz to gutter, was due to investigation and extensive research. Also, her knowledge of the social and global conditions during the Regency period were woven into her pieces with great effect.

Ms. Heyer's writing is elegant, thoughtful, and her between-character dialogue/repartee is incomparable, whether in a London drawing room, a Bath water house, a backstreet brothel or on the battlefields of Waterloo. Her characters are fully-drawn and replete.

Developers: Please provide substantive content if venturing into Regency.

Why all the hate?

[lisaeveboden-17041 · 9/10 · 20 May 2023]

I enjoyed this film. The cast were good and I liked the storyline. I don't understand all the hate. If a film is entertaining and takes you out of the real world for an hour and a half I see that as a win. It captivated me and kept me interested. That's all I want from a movie. I especially like period pieces. They are just easy to watch. I like to see the old costumes and hear how they talk. It's a really good adaptation in my mind.

I can't understand all the hate unless they are from fellas that don't like period dramas. If this isn't your genre then why bother watching it. I think most ladies would like it. It's a great escape from the real world which isn't a great place to be.

Don't believe the hate, I actually enjoyed this.

Bit of fun, a great escape!

[selinamills · 6/10 · 21 March 2023]

I can't believe how mean some of the reviews are. My husband and I just finished it and had a great laugh, good acting and yes a predictable storyline but it was fun.

With so many other movies leaving you feeling sad, anxious or instilling fear it was a delight to end the night with a laugh.

We find it hard to find movies we can both sit through with our different tastes. We both enjoyed and would recommend for those looking for some light fun.

I don't understand why a review needs to have 600 words. I could say the costumes were cheap and the paper looked too modern, the casting was diverse and ... yeah minimum word count reached! Haha enjoy.

Bad....really bad.

[lizzie13579 · 2/10 · 29 July 2022]

Oh dear. This was not good at all and I will basically watch anything that's a period drama. The casting is awful. The script is diabolical. I must admit I'm struggling with the politically correct rewriting of British history. Also why is the main heroine pregnant?? I'd advise giving this on a miss.

Sope Dirisu was an absolute dream

[daphparker · 10/10 · 7 August 2022]

This was a gem of a movie. It was a classic regency romance. Sope Dirisu is a perfect leading man with his talent and that winning smile. Freida Pinto was divine and Zawe Ashton was superb. I don't get the bad reviews. I'm very happy to see a beautiful diverse romance. I've watched many period pieces and this is now a favorite. Bravo! More please!

Cinderella, My Fair Lady and Dangerous Liaisons all in one!

[lyndaadams-643-548357 · 7/10 · 4 July 2022]

I l loved the costumes, cinematography and the acting was good but thought the casting was a stretch.

I really felt like Mr Malcom's List was a culmination of movie themes from all of the above mentioned films.

Not an Oscar contender but otherwise.

unoriginal blah

[viafilm · 5/10 · 3 July 2022]

Surely there are important, authentic, diverse stories that should be told, based on literature and history of the non-Western world.

Shouldn't those films be made?

The new thing of re-doing English period pieces with woke casting is a waste of opportunity and resources. These films and shows are like fake reality shows., though Mr. Malcolm's List is better than Bridgerton aka Gossip Girls in costume.

The set-up of the movie is tiresome. Among other things, Zawe Ashton and Freida Pinto are old for these period piece characters, Ashton's character is mostly unpleasant.

It was hilarious and adorable

[kurlykolly · 5 July 2022]

I loved the characters. They were adorable. Definitely appreciated Sope and all that! He's gonna be popular! Very nice to see Theo James as well. It's my first time seeing Zawe acting and she was very funny. Overall a cute film. It gave what it was supposed to give.

I liked Selina and Mr Malcolm...

[twilightreader100 · 6/10 · 4 July 2022]

...but I didn't like that so-called friend of hers, Julia. With friends like that, you definitely don't need enemies. She was such a {insert terrible word}. I don't think I could handle watching this again.

Pure Relaxation

[88Sunflowers · 7/10 · 7 July 2022]

Beautiful music, beautiful people, and classic Jane Austen-esque scenery! (And, it's so rare to be able to enjoy a clean PG movie these days!!) I had to open my mind to the varied casting, but there was true chemistry and opposition that made the romances believable. I liked all the actors, laughed out loud, felt noticeably relaxed as I watched, and appreciated the positive messages!

Leaning towards a 6.5, cozy film

[coolfatemah · 6/10 · 4 August 2022]

I personally found this movie quite charming. Sure, I quite dislike how some aspects/plots in the regency era are somewhat limited, and frankly people have not been the most creative in this genre but this movie is refreshing. There is a mix of some originality and repetitiveness (refering to P&P 2005 obvious influence: opening scene proposal to Selene, ducks/geese walking around, the popular use of the word 'ardently', etc) which I wish directors would stop trying to copy and embrace their orginality, for the most part this film is.

The side charecters stole the show for me, especially Julia & Cassy! Compared to the main leads who were a bit bland but tolerable. I do enjoy diverse casting as it makes the movie somewhat more relatable but I am able to understand why other people do not, seeing as it casually erases all emphasis with respect to history and I would not want, say, a white man representing my culture as others have stated below. No racism, just consider the fact that a british guy leads the role of a chinese emperor in a historical adaptation, doesn't fit does it? Or an arab bedouin haha. But somehow with the HR genre becoming more popular, add bridgerton to the equation and the representation seems to be normalized....?

Utterly tedious

[bombasticvolcanos · 3/10 · 4 August 2022]

I feel like we keep being force fed characters we're being told we're supposed to like and yet personally I wasn't given many reason to.

Frankly, I didn't really find myself wanting the two main characters to get together. Malcolm was judgmental, arrogant, and deserved to be brought down a peg or two and I really couldn't find it in myself to feel sorry for him. And Selena just didn't have much personality other than being nice. In fact, the only time I found myself liking her was when she was telling Malcolm off.

The most interesting characters to me were Lord Cassidy and Julia.

I would've much rather seen Malcom and Julia end up together after all and Selena and Lord Cassidy and I could've done without the Captain. His character just felt expendable. There were already enough main characters.

Overall, I was just bored and irritated at how blatantly they stole material from Jane Austen's works. I will say in its favour that I did very much enjoy it aesthetically.

A Delicious Meringue of Manners

[dianahwynter · 8/10 · 1 July 2022]

Novelists who adapt their own work to the screen sometimes run the risk of being unable to "kill their babies." Fortunately, Ms. Alain's had no such qualms. Her screenplay is a delight. Director Emma Holly Jones maintains the scope and literary scale of the novel, as well as the wit, charm, and romance expected of Regency-era productions. Taking a cue from the wildly successful Bridgerton series, casting is inclusive and revelatory. Who isn't thrilled to see the lovely Ms Pinto in Austeneseque attire and a plot rife with scheming intrigue? Twenty-first century novelists are enriching a beloved genre with new stories. Here's to the women behind the camera and the women behind the pen.

A Jane Austen-esque story... but not quite satisfying for me

[shalimarsubagja · 7/10 · 23 August 2022]

I like the whole story tbh. The casts play their role respectfully. The only problem is Mr. Malcolm itself. His list is quite make sense, but his action is not. There's not much scene to make audience believe that he likes Selina for what she is not what she 'acts'. The Mr. Darcy factor is stuck for just being arrogant. Too one note. He doesn't really change (except his view about his list) and it disappoints me.

TJ?

[sarah_sle · 1/10 · 22 July 2022]

Is this what Theo James went to instead of doing a second season of Sandition?! What was he thinking!!??? Crazy! SMH.

That show was a ton better than this was!

A Glamorous Romantic Adventure Transporting Us Into The Regency Era

[rannynm · 8/10 · 7 July 2022]

Mr. Malcolm's List is the glamorous adventure of the year! The film transports fans into the Regency era for a tale filled with romance and exquisite music.

Mr. Malcolm's List is set in 1818, where the most eligible bachelor, Mr. James Malcolm (Sope Dirisu) looks for a wife. He meets Julia Thistlewaite (Zawe Ashton) who he believes isn't worthy of his courtship because she does not meet his list of qualifications for a wife. Julia is embarrassed in society's newspaper so she plans her revenge on Mr. Malcolm. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Suzanne Allain.

This film shows how Regency era pieces have taken the world by storm. The movie is lighthearted, overflowing with gorgeous dresses, beautiful ballrooms and witty comedy. There was a short film based on Mr. Malcolm's List previously released, with several cast members returning for this feature. It's wonderful to have the entire story fleshed out, taking its time to tell the entire tale without feeling rushed. Sam Heughan reprises his role as Henry. Audiences can see that he feels more comfortable with this role, which adds to the greatness of this character. The story itself is unique and keeps viewers on the edge of their seat. With the series Bridgerton giving fans several love stories with people who are head over heels for each other, it's refreshing to have Mr. Malcolm's List be the complete opposite. A woman taking revenge on a man for embarrassing her in society is as comedic as it is powerful. The writers have given Julia such power in proving herself worthwhile and she ends up finding love under unlikely circumstances. The film gives personality and color to our ideas of what people were like in the early 1800s. Two friends spending their free time pondering on how to ruin the life of the most eligible bachelor in London, just because they think it'll be fun, is exciting and totally unpredictable. Every second of this film is compelling.

The moral of this story is to honor yourself. Julia never lets anyone degrade her. Whereas some women during this time period would have let a man embarrass her and move on, Julia gives James a taste of his own medicine. She is never upset about not meeting his requirements, but instead becomes furious that he has a list to begin with.

I give Mr. Malcolm's List 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The film releases in theaters July 1, 2022.

By Heather S., KIDS FIRST!

Unmitigated failure

[paullywog-11680 · 1/10 · 15 January 2024]

This convoluted, lifeless, wish.com version of Pride and Prejudice offers NOTHING to viewers. It is the worst movie I can think of. Characters are explained rather than exposed, relationships change capriciously, and dialogue is stale, cringy, and poorly delivered. I won't describe the historicity of the film, because for many viewers that isn't a major concern--suffice to say none of the costumes, customs, or characters are accurate depictions of the 19th century setting. Every character is a limp, wet noodle. On your deathbed as you tabulate the regrets accrued throughout your life, you will think of this movie and weep bitterly at the memory of two hours wasted watching this in your prime.

Terrible writing, boring movie

[cubmom04 · 1/10 · 29 August 2022]

I really wanted to like this movie because I love costume dramas. Welp, it was one of the worst and I've watched a lot of movies/shows in this genre. The plot is contrived and the writing is lame. If you're looking for a great story with a beautiful backdrop and costumes, there are plenty of amazing choices available for free. The actors do the best they can with the lackluster material, but there just isn't enough to do with this screenplay. It's based on a book, and I'm in shock that the filmmakers couldn't cobble more of a plot and story together. With only 254 pages, maybe there wasn't enough in the book to make a movie. It's obvious that since Downton Abbey everyone is desperate to make a show that will rival its success. This is sadly not the one.