Emma (PG, 1996)

In this adaptation of Jane Austen's novel, young Emma Woodhouse (Gwyneth Paltrow) thinks she knows everything about love and deems herself matchmaker to her friends. She fixes up Harriet (Toni Collette) with Reverend Elton (Alan Cumming) and pairs her governess with Mr. Weston (James Cosmo). But Emma learns that she isn't as successful in the ways of love as she'd believed, especially when it comes to handsome Mr. Knightly (Jeremy Northam).

This romantic movie is worthy, warmhearted family entertainment. As Emma, Paltrow is stunning--funny and charming, but brave enough to give full weight to her character's occasional smallness and snobbery. Toni Collette, Alan Cumming, and Sophie Thompson ( as jabbering spinster Miss Bate) all turn in skilled comic performances.

While the story may seem a bit highbrow to attract a young audience, kids will warm to it. The mysterious behavior of Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax will catch their interest, and they'll find characters to identify with, regardless of the occasionally highfalutin dialogue. With its spectacular interiors and gorgeous swaths of English countryside, viewers with reasonable attention spans will find plenty to like. While die-hard Austen fans may cast a vote for the BBC version of Emma, this is a much more appealing version for a general audience.

Studio: Miramax
Director: Douglas McGrath
Cast: Alan Cumming, Gwyneth Paltrow, Toni Collette
Genre: Romance
Run time: 120 minutes
Theatrical release: August 2, 1996
DVD release: January 5, 1999
MPAA Rating: PG
MPAA explanation: for brief mild language