My Family and Other Animals (2005)

Pretty Good

Not sure how, but this is easily one of the best movies all summer. Multiple levels of funny, never takes itself seriously, super colorful, and creative.

It is an exhilarating, distressing, funny and profound film, with one of the more memorable film scores in years,

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

WHat an awesome film form Masterpiece theater. IN my line of thinking what a dysfunctional family, I think the only stable one is Jerry the youngest. This is a Film for the whole family to watch and enjoy with your favorite popcorn and what ever beverage you like. There is no swearing not that the average American would understand since it is a film based out of England. the only other thing is the use of a gun to hunt other then that the film is Bereft of any violence. it is a true family film it follows the life a British family who relocate to the Greek Island of Corfu because of the cold weather in London. it is a wild ride of a film with great Music throughout great acting Ten Stars at least. this is a Very Light and Airy family film full of wit and witticism and sarcasm. SO in Conclusion then I would say this is well worth a rent from your local LIbrary.

I recall being "forced" to read this book in a cold Winter in London in about 1978. The magic of the book is effortlessly transfered to this screen version. The only fly-in-the-ointment is that the book chronicles several seasons on Corfu, rather than the screen version with its perpetual Summer. That aside, it remains a solid piece of film-making and Mr Americanos (who is actually an Iranian comedian) shines as the families taxi driver. He would HAVE to have visited Greece to know that his character is perfect! Believe me, I lived in Greece for six years and people like him still exist. I lived in Crete rather than Corfu but, hey, it's a beautiful part of the world expertly shown in this film.

Very well put together & funny reminisces of Gerald Durrels adventures in Corfu with his family before the war. I remember seeing the BBC series about 15 years ago which also was very good, & was surprised to see it made again, but this was another superb production, so is a welcome addition. The acting is superb throughout, particularly his weird family members. Imelda Staunton is as good as aways, & was the boy playing Gerald Durrell. The actress who took the part of his sultry sister was also good & very attractive. Expect to see more of her. The setting also added to the experience, with all the sun & sand, making you wish you were there, instead of a cold winters day in England.Overall, certainly one to watch if you haven't already.

If you like the gentle English approach to a story such as seen in Upstairs Downstairs and All Creatures Great and Small, this film is for you. It features the young life of Gerald Durrel, a famed British naturalist, and his eccentric family while they lived on Crete in pre WW2 days. Young Gerald fills the house with animals, a brother likes to shoot while another brother feels his whole family is crazy including his younger sister who chases older men. Many oddball friends grace the storyline and a well composed comedic music score adds to the pleasure of this production. The acting is superb throughout with the young actor playing Durrel being perfect for the role. Maybe some 'Hollywood' producers might learn from this tale you do not always need exploding objects to ensure a good film.