(:)(:)(:) Three Snouts Up for Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself

Before I talk about the movie, I have to add and subtract some previous snouts (I’m just getting the hang of this whole movie critic thing and my snout-based rating system). 1 or 2 of you that actually read my blog will remember that I gave Dogville 3 snouts up and Japanese Story 4 snouts up (out of a possible 5 snouts). In hind(quarter)sight, that really should have been reversed: Dogville was the better, more unique, creative and enduring movie.

Now for Wilbur: I liked the movie very much–it is a small independent picture by the director of Italian for Beginners. It is sweet, well-acted and well-conceived. Despite the title, the movie is not at all depressing. You care about these people and what happens to them and you believe that these are their real lives running a down-at-the-heels book shop in Glasgow. Jamie Sives is dreamy and compelling as the magnetic yet despicable Wilbur–I wouldn’t be surprised if we eventually see him on the American screen. Even the most minor characters in the strange hospital that intersects with this family’s lives are well-drawn, well-acted and interesting. See it, and let me know what you think.