Critical reception Bright Young Things (film)

a.o. scott of new york times said, mr. fry revels in chaos of plot, , profusion of arch one-liners , zany set pieces gives picture hectic, out-of-control feel. lose track of who, , various characters going—but then, they. subplots , tangents wander view , fade away, , in end comes , makes sense, more or less…period dramas set on eve of world war ii dime—or maybe shilling—a dozen, distinguishes 1 dash , vigor. not seem have been made sake of costumes , vintage cars. camera, rather composing action presentable pageant, plunges in, capturing madness of era in swirl of colors , jolting close-ups. , mr. fry s headlong style helps rescue movie deadly trap of antiquarianism .

roger ebert of chicago sun-times said film has sweetness , tenderness , observed stephen fry obvious choice direct material. added, has feel it; spend little time talking him hear inherited echoes characters in story. supplies roll-call of supporting actors turn long enough convince entire movies made characters .

carla meyer of san francisco chronicle called film witty, energetic adaptation thought fry, deft lighthearted moments, seems uncomfortable waugh s moralizing, , more serious scenes fall flat . added, bright young things party girl on fourth martini. had been fun , frothy turns irretrievably maudlin .

peter travers of rolling stone felt fry clever adapting waugh s novel movie make paris hilton feel @ home, although time [he] lets darkness encroach on these bright young things…the fizz gone, , reason make give damn .

derek elley of variety called film slick, no-nonsense adaptation…an easy-to-digest slice of literate entertainment upscale , older auds lacks significant emotional undertow make involving—rather voyeuristic—experience…fry s script fillets out few traces of darker underside creep through in second half of waugh s original. modern auds, accustomed more emotional payback characters earlier excesses, come away empty-handed. there s little dramatic arc whole picture. still, fry , tech team have put good-looking, smooth-running movie .

michael wilmington of chicago tribune described brilliant, giddy satiric romp discreetly moralistic viewpoint beneath high-style wit, ball watch, , incredibly entertaining film magnificent cast, , called fry splendid director capable of visual dazzle , superb ensemble work .