BARNEY'S VERSION Review

What a great little film this turned out to be. It's the story of Barney Panofsky, a hard drinking, hard smoking, outspoken, passionate man, we follow over about 30 years of his life, mostly dictated by his marriages. There are three!!! It is based on a book written by Mordecai Richler.

The film jumps back and forth in time, but once you work out who everyone is, and which hairstyle fits which era, it is easy to follow. Although Barney is not the most likeable of characters, his charms win you over, and you become a friend!!! Paul Giamatti, best known for SIDEWAYS, plays BArney superbly. And it is truly a superbly cast film and the reason why I ended up loving it so much. The best moments are the ones shared by Barney and his father, played by Dustin Hoffman. These are great scenes and a treat for the viewer. Rosamund Pike is truly beautiful as his true love, but it is Minnie Driver that steals scenes as barney's 2nd wife(she remains nameless in the film!), the jewish princess. She was born for this role!!

'Felicity' fans are in for a treat. Scott Speedman plays Barney's best friend Boogy, a drug addicted writer. well hello dishevelled Scott!! He is great in this, and kinda hot!!!!

Paul Giamatti won a Golden Globe for his role in this film, best actor in a comedy/musical, and deservedly so. It's funny, heartwarming, interesting and a great story. Tears and laughter, brilliant performances and a great story. Go see it!!!