First things off, the book is such a wonderful work, however it is also a mammoth and sprawling one. The film is a valiant attempt but doesn't work entirely. It does have some good points, especially the luscious cinematography, sets, costumes and location work, and the superb support playing of Bob Hoskins, Eileen Atkins, Rhys Ifans and Jim Broadbent, while most of the music was a delight to listen to and there are moments of well-written dialogue. However, there are other moments of dialogue that don't ring true, especially with that of the lead character. Reese Witherspoon does try very hard in the role, but, more the fault of the writers, she comes across as too charming and too likable. The story doesn't seem to have a structure either, if anything it is a series of scenes that succeed one another, while the film at various points feel both rushed and draggy. While I did like the music, there is a dance scene that feels so anachronistic in style(musically and choreographically) and how it was placed in the film it feels like a different movie altogether. All in all, lacks conviction and is disappointing, but at least the film looks good and has a cast that give their all. 4/10 Bethany Cox

VANITY FAIR is a well-mounted adaptation of the classic William Makepeace Thackeray novel, a story which follows the life and loves of Becky Sharp, a girl who rises from nothing to become the cream of society. Unfortunately it turns out to lack the wit and flair of an Austen novel or the drama of a Bronte book, although whether this is due to the author or not I can't tell as I haven't read the book.

Still, VANITY FAIR is a lavish costume drama in any respect, and it's absolutely packed to the rafters with familiar faces beloved to those who watch British TV and film. My only complaint is, alas, a central one: Reese Witherspoon. Her British accent is acceptable, but her acting is hollow, and I wonder why a British actress wasn't cast in the role instead. Romola Garai is much better than Witherspoon and she's only in support; a shame she didn't take the lead role.

The film has an episodic feel to it and it feels a little flabby in places, although the talented cast help bring the tale to life. Highlights include James Purefoy as a romantic interest and Bob Hoskins as an eccentric Baronet, with Elaine Atkins and Geraldine McEwan shining as a pair of sharp-tongued spinsters. Rhys Ifans gives the best performance I've seen from him yet, and Jonathan Rhys Meyers is fine too. The scenes dealing with war and conflict are fine, but Indian director Mira Nair is obsessed with shoehorning needless Indian content into the production, which spoils it somewhat.

In 1802 London, the Marquess of Steyne (Gabriel Byrne) buys the last picture of young Becky Sharp's mother. After her painter father's death, she is left orphaned. Becky (Reese Witherspoon) grows up to be a country governess. Her best friend Amelia Sedley (Romola Garai) has a self-obsessed boyfriend Captain George Osborne (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) and a secret admirer in his best friend Captain William Dobbin (Rhys Ifans). Amelia's brother Jos is taken with Becky but George convinces him to not pursue the commoner. Becky starts work for the crude Sir Pitt Crawley (Bob Hoskins). He has two sons, awkward Pitt and dashing Captain Rawdon Crawley (James Purefoy). She brings the rundown mansion back to a high class standard. The older Pitt is visited by his wealthy half-sister Miss Matilda Crawley (Eileen Atkins) who takes Becky with her back to London. Becky discovers that the Marquess of Steyne is her new neighbor. She marries Rawdon and gets thrown out.

I'm not familiar with the book and won't make any comparisons. Director Mira Nair fills this with a luscious flirty beauty. Witherspoon is a charismatic lead. There is a lot of story with many characters to fit into a movie even with its over two hours running time. This may fit better as a mini-series which could accentuate the ups and downs. The cast is good throughout. This is a fine production.