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Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day
User Score
7.5 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 19
  3. Negative: 1 out of 19

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  1. ChadS.
    Mar 8, 2008
    6
    "Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day" has all the makings of a sex farce. Delysia Lafosse(Amy Adams) is involved with three men. She's loose, though the movie often pretends otherwise. Miss Pettigrew(Frances McDormand) looks like a frigid religious fanatic, or a feminist. "Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day" might've been funnier had the titular character disapproved of Delyssa's extracirricular shenanigans. Even though she needs the money, you're surprised that Delyssa's "social secretary" enables Delyssa to weave her web of deception on three unsuspecting men. That's because Frances McDormand is wrong for the part. She looks like a runaway nun. You're surprised she's not angrier at her charge's treatment of Michael(Lee Pace). The film protects the audience from the truth about Delyssa. She's a golddigger. The film protects her, quite literally, with a towel, when she emerges from the tub. Nudity and simulated sex would change the audience's opinion about Delyssa. There's a dishonesty about "Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day", or maybe it's just post-feminism(an odd fit for a period piece film set during WWII).… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. Musthtrdoc
    Mar 15, 2008
    9
    Charming, unpretentious, and well-acted, esp. by McDormand and Adams who have delightful comedic timing and chemistry. Some reviewers seem disappointed that it has "nothing more" on its mind, but why is that any less satisfying than a well-made action film?
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. Enrique
    Mar 17, 2008
    7
    Cute 'feel good movie.' Superb acting by Amy Adams.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  4. SergioR.
    Mar 10, 2008
    10
    Delightful and poignant comedy. McDormand and Adams sparkle in their roles. 1939 London comes alive beautifully on the screen, top production values.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  5. LuisG.
    Mar 9, 2008
    7
    its certainly the best hour and half you could ask for after Oscar season ... Mcdormand shines and Adam's a gem always... a rare treat.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  6. VictoriaS.
    Mar 10, 2008
    8
    Just a lovely bon-bon of a movie. McDormand, Adams and Pace are delightful, and the wonderful Shirley Henderson puts an intriguing spin on what could have been a stock villain. Sparkling production values. Think I would have liked this far more as an actual '30s movie, but as out-and-out charming froth (and there's virtually none of that around as of late), it's a winner.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  7. BillC.
    Mar 30, 2008
    0
    This played like it was written ,directed , and produced by a bunch of 4th grade silly girls. The audience at the viewing I saw was 95% female. I thought it was so stupid I left after 12 minutes. It wasn't funny,or the least bit believeable. If you have any male hormone in ya, this film will turn it to dust if you stay too long., not to mention the brain cells that will scream and comit suicide. Francis McDorman is a good actress, why she involved herself in this time waster is a mystery.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  8. StanG
    Mar 8, 2008
    7
    What a nice way to spend a miserable rainy afternoon. Amy Adams is our 'star' of the future...now.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  9. Nathanl
    Apr 2, 2008
    7
    A fish out of water movie that's warmhearted without being sentimental, and the fish out of water premise never gets boring. again, amy adams excells. it does admittingly get a bit dull after a while, bull still worth your while
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  10. JayH.
    Aug 13, 2008
    7
    Delightful old-fashioned comedy with a terrific cast, especially Frances McDormand. Fine score, good costumes and art direction. Decent attention to period detail. A fun movie.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  11. ElizabethC.
    Mar 11, 2008
    9
    This film made me smile from the silly beginning to the touching ending. The romantic song in the middle was a throwback to the golden age of cinema.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  12. PatR.
    Mar 16, 2008
    9
    A really charming film due to the great chemistry between the two leads, McDormand and Adams. English by has a nice touch. What else has he done?
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
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Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
63 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Kirk Honeycutt
    80
    Sustains itself through terrific forward momentum and two glorious star turns by gifted actresses Frances McDormand and Amy Adams.
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  2. Variety
    Reviewed by: Todd McCarthy
    70
    McDormand's performance slowly builds a solid integrity, and contrasts well with Adams' more flamboyant turn.
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  3. ReelViews
    Reviewed by: James Berardinelli
    88
    Adams shines brightly, reinforcing the image she projected in Junebug and enhanced in Enchanted and Charlie Wilson's War. At this time of the year, it's tough to find a more diverting way to spend 90 minutes in a multiplex.
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