The film delivers a good amount of British humor and wit, while dealing with the collision of oppression and freedom in a changing world. It provides a wide variety of characters, all with very distinct personalities and desires, who play off of each other so well at times you may believe you are watching a real family having dinner, or tea.

If you need one reason to see this film it is Kristin Scott Thomas' performance as Mrs. Whittaker. As the stuffy English mother who must deal with her son's shotgun wedding to a wild and modern American she excels with her ability to appear charming and kind, while delivering lines that are laced with sarcasm and disdain.

The other lead female, Larita (Biel), has her moments where she performs very well but she comes across so stiff for the majority you never really enjoy the performance. At times, it is downright painful as she exaggerates her lines and facial expressions to the point where you want to close your eyes and cover your ears until someone else begins to speak or the scene cuts. Her only real moments of a decent performance are when she is on screen with Thomas as they do have a great chemistry together, as enemies.

Taking place in the 1920s the costume design of the film is full of pieces that are exceptional and others downright dowdy. Through the designs a great deal is revealed about the characters and their personalities, or stations in life. From the modern and sexy wardrobe of Larita to the simplicity of Mrs. Whittaker you at once know the characters by the clothing presented on them.