MOVIE: Little Women returns to the big screen

LET’S face it, if ‘Little Women’ was written today, its small story wouldn’t get published.

Scratch that, it would probably be self published, and yet like the other mid-19th century tale (‘A Christmas Carol’) whose Gate revival we reviewed recently, it’s a property that continues to run and run. 

In this latest incarnation of the life of four sisters growing up in New England, Director Greta Gerwig has assembled a strong cast that includes Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Meryl Streep and Timothee Chalamet, and they all perform superbly. The film looks great on screen with impressive set design and rich landscapes. Lovers of the Jane Austin type period drama will lap up the costumes and romance, but if you like your storyline with more meat, you may be left chewing your popcorn box.

This certainly does what it says on the 19th century tin, and fans will love it. We award it a review score of four little stars. 

‘Spies in Disguise’ is a family animation adventure which follows super spy Lance Sterling (Will Smith), who goes deep undercover when he’s inadvertently transformed into a furry animal.

It’s from the same studio that brought you ‘Ice Age’ and ‘Rio’, and although not as funny as its predecessors, Smith and writer Brad Copeland (‘Ferdinand’) do provide enough amusing moments to make this one a family pick over the holiday period. 

‘Long Day’s Journey Into Night’ is unrelated to the Eugene O’Neill play, and tells the story of a Chinese man who returns to his hometown to look for the woman he once loved.

It’s a visually impressive piece that wanders in and out of dream like states, and asks that you put on 3D glasses for the final hour (that may be a first!). If you can figure out what’s going on, you’ll find this indie offering a thoughtful meditative treat.  

Other movies out over the Christmas period are ‘Cats’, the cinematic adaptation of the smash hit stage musical from Andrew Lloyd Webber, and the critic proof ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’, the Disney franchise that just keeps on giving.

Paul O'Rourke