FilmSnobReviews

Title: Catherine Called Birdy
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: Lena Dunham
Starring: Bella Ramsey, Andrew Scott, Joe Alwyn
Runtime: 1 hr 48 mins

What It Is: Young Catherine (Ramsey)(nicknamed Birdy by those close to her), has no interest in men and marriage but her house is failing and losing money. That being said her father Lord Rollo (Scott) is trying to work with the only asset he has…his daughter. Now he’s welcoming suitors for Birdy’s hand, in hopes that that will save their house. Only one problem…Birdy has no interest in getting sold off and married to some guy she doesn’t know. She’s a wild one and not looking to be tamed.

What We Think: Lena Dunham finally made something that wasn’t absolute garbage. I never liked Girls. Sharp Stick was insultingly bad and her overall demeanor I’ve always found quite off-putting. That being said this doesn’t even feel like something she made. Her script is clean and comprehensible. A rarity. Bella Ramsey is charming as are Billie Piper and Andrew Scott. That kinda the thing. The characters are super likable that’s never ever been the case for a Dunham project. Often she’s too up her own ass when it comes to character and world building. Perhaps it’s the source material that reign her in. Either way this was a fun medieval roll through that period and time.

Our Grade: B-, This is exactly what it should be. A fun, funny period piece that at some points has you rooting for the character and for the outcomes you want. That’s one of the biggest issues I have with the film it’s sorta predictable. But as I’ve often said about a lot of romantic comedies sometimes convention has a place. I recommend it is you just want something easy to watch that is actually great for everyone in your family. Big surprise really.