The trailers slant this film as a family adventure despite the fact that it's really more of a traditional love story. Only occasionally do the whimsical drawings of author/illustrator Beatrix Potter come alive. Those brief moments of hand animation are sure to spark a smile, though their inclusions would have worked much better hadn't the previews spoiled some of their surprise. Prancing bunnies notwithstanding don't expect this to be some sort of hybrid production blending live-action with animation. It's no "Roger Rabbit." It's strictly a live action British English film with a dash of animation accents. And strictly speaking, young kids may not be all that interested in what is primarily an adult love story.

I absolutely loved "Babe" (also directed by Chris Noonan) and I'm a fan of Zellweger and McGregor, so I expected to enjoy this film. And I mostly did -- until the third act. Maybe I should grow up and take bad news like a man. But, I felt tricked. The picture is so charming and delightful, I felt it simply wasn't fair to change that ambience and stall the well-earned momentum. Yes, I realize it's a bio-pic, but filmmakers have a great deal of license (and they use it) to mold and shape. They didn't have to bake the first two acts so sugary sweet, but they chose to. And I chose to enjoy that, even though many a viewer will find these caricatures scampering off into the land of trite.

Still, the picture kept a smile on my face for the entire first majority. That's definitely worth something. I'm torn between a B and B+ for the grade and will settle by rounding up.

This film screened at a Laemmle Theatre.

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