In “The Importance of Being Earnest we’ll meet two Ernest’s who will truly teach you the vital importance of being Ernest. Or was it no Ernest’s? Maybe it was one Ernest. The whole situation with names in this fantastic film can be quite confusing at times, but for the most part it helps to keep the laughs coming in bunches. Throughout this gut wrenchingly hilarious film two men will learn the vital importance of being Ernest. Perhaps if you give it watch you might as well.
To open up the movie, you see one of the leading male roles, Algernon a. . a. Ernest, running from the bill collectors late at night. He is somewhat of a laid back spirit. While Algernon is part of the upper class and is very wealthy he is bored with the half of the lifestyle which does not include any of the following; parties, women, and booze. The other leading role male character is Jack also a. k. a. Ernest. He is a little bit more uptight than Algernon and takes much more responsibility, but is also Algernon’s best friend, only Algernon knows him as Ernest. Jack is in love with Algernon’s cousin Gwendolen.
Algernon is in love with Jack’s ward, Cecily. As you are probably thinking right now, this gets interesting. Cecily Cardew, Jack Worthing’s ward, pretty, 18, and the future Mrs. Algernon Moncrieff, but not if Jack has anything to say about it. Cecily is a young very pretty, very smart girl, in love with Jack’s “younger brother” Ernest and has had a 3 month engagement with him that she only knows about. Very smart, pretty, and extra crazy, what’s not to love’she also happens to be soon to be sister to Gwendolen Bracknell, Jack’s love interest, cousin of Algernon.
Not much to say about her, but rich, pretty, and completely controlled by her slightly insane mother, Lady Bracknell. Gwendolen is in love with Jack, but as Ernest and would love to marry him, but Lady Bracknell does not approve, nope, not one bit. As previously mentioned, Lady Bracknell is a little bit crazy, but also stuck up and snooty, along with some other choice adjectives. She wishes to find Gwendolen a husband at the young women debuted and absolutely flips out when she finds out. TIOBE showcases a brilliant plot that is flawlessly scripted in a way that has you literally rolling on the floor laughing the whole time.
It’s all about two best friends, Algernon and Jack, who go bunburying as someone’s fake little brother(Ernest Worthing, false younger brother of Jack) in order to win the love of the women they love. Each girl with non-approving guardians. It just may have worked if only they both didn’t propose to the girls as Ernest. Even though their lies eventually unfolded everything somehow seemed to work itself out. Attributing to the happy ending are a crazy in-law and a long lost family friend, to go with some more lies and lots more truths.
A lot of times movies with great plots and great potential are ruined by the acting of poorly selected actors. TIOBE just so happens not to be one of those cases, thankfully. The actors in the film showcase excellent chemistry and comedic timing throughout the entire 97 minutes run time. They brilliantly displayed their abilities to deliver laughs not only in the form of hilarious zingers, but with great expression. Something else to be mentioned is their impeccable delivery of each line feeding you as much joy and laughter as possible. Overall for the acting in this film, all I can say is that it was fantastically hilarious.
Overall, I found TIOBE to be a fantastically well written film, adapted from a fantastically well written play. From the portrayal of the characters, to the fantastic plot, and the spot on acting I felt that this film was right on the money with where it stood. The only thing that could possibly beat it I feel would be a remake staring Zac Effron and Jennifer Lawrence and I don’t see that happening any time soon. So, if you’re in the mood for a comedy that will have you laughing for an hour and a half The Importance of Being Ernest is it.
