This Beautiful Fantastic will make you dig in your garden again

Grade: B

Rating: PG, 1 hour 32 minutes

In a Nutshell: Garden metaphors about life and friendship grow as this quirky “modern fairy tale” develops in this limited release.

Uplifting theme:

Things I liked:

I loved the magical score throughout the film.
Jessica Brown Findlay does a great job as the odd protagonist who has a Keira Knightly quality about her.
The Nazi librarian, her signs, and her garden name (Bramble) were hilarious, played by Anna Chancellor.
Andrew Scott was entertaining as Vernon.
You’re probably going to want to go outside and work in your garden or create one.
Luna was lovely.
I loved the last scene.
Clever, witty dialogue.

Things I didn’t like:

So, the title….ummm
As a landlord, I wasn’t amused by Bella’s lack of interest in taking care of the property she was renting.
As a former employer, I also wasn’t amused by how Bella was shocked about being fired after showing up late for work every day.
Pretty predictable.

Funny lines:

“I’m not a religious man, but I believe someone sent her here to test us.” – Alfie
“Don’t worry, tea is on its way.” – Milly (Eileen Davies) Such a British thing to say.
“Slavery was abolished in 1834, just so you know.” – Vernon (Andrew Scott)

“This country has been going down the drain ever since.” – Alfie

“I think that’s what Hitler said about Europe.” – Alfie

“If only that were true.” – Alfie

Interesting lines:

“You should doubt only a man who changes his story. I only repeat myself in vague hope that one day somebody will actually hear me.” – Alfie
“Look! These monkwoods, so beautiful and poisonous they’ll kill a man. That’s an interesting contradiction, isn’t it?” – Alfie

Tips for parents: