"The Importance Of Being Earnest" is a most entertaining farce of mistaken identities which takes place in 1980's England and which is based on the famous play by Oscar Wilde of the same title.   The writer and director of this film is Oliver Parker, who also did the equally marvelous (An Ideal Husband).

      The story centers on two conniving best friends who have invented imaginary people in order that they can put excitement into their lives.  Jack Worthing (Colin Firth) has invented a brother called Earnest whom he uses as an excuse to leave his dull country life in order to visit the love of his life, Gwendolyn (Frances O'Connor), who lives in the city and who only knows him as Earnest (who Jack has pretended to be when he has been with her).  Meanwhile, his good friend Algy Montcrieff (Rupert Everett)  has invented an imaginary dying friend whom he uses as an excuse whenever he feels the need to escape his boring life in the city.  One day Algy decides to secretly visit Jack's country estate when Jack is away and quickly falls in love with Jack's ward Cecily (Reese Witherspoon) and pretends that he is Jack's brother Earnest, who Cecily has secretly been in love with from all the make-believe descriptions which she has heard from Jack.  Things really start to unravel and go awry for Jack and Algy when Jack unexpectedly comes back sooner than expected from his trip and when Gwendolyn decides on a lark to visit her love Earnest at the estate, all at the same time.  They both can't be Earnest.  Soon, the two friends deceptions are discovered which threaten to spoil their romantic pursuits.  To make matters worse, Gwendolyn's mother (Judi Dench) who refuses to let the two lovers marry, comes to Jack's estate to retrieve her daughter.

      Does the story sound confusing?  As in most great comedy-of-errors films, many events do seem confusing but are cleared up cleanly in the end.  This film is no exception.  Many times during this film, you think you know where it is headed, only to be confronted with another twist or a new surprise.  One lie or pretense only leads to another difficult dilemma to get out of.  The dialogue is so smart and witty with one liners coming out of the characters' mouths at every turn.  I also have to mention the magnificent costume design in this film which I predict will garner an Oscar nomination next year.

      But the greatest attraction to the movie is the cast.  All put in humorous, believable, and engaging performances.  Reese Witherspoon is not only most charming in her role, but uses a perfect and believable English accent.  Judi Dench plays the protective mother and high society lady to perfection.  However, I don't think the film could have succeeded to the degree which it does without the  performances and chemistry between Firth and Everett.  Everett was so great in (An Ideal Husband) and it's no wonder why the same director decided to use him again in this film.  Firth plays his role so effortlessly and proves once again that he is a most talented actor.  Both of these actors seem to be born to play these type of characters.

      The "The Importance Of Being Earnest" is a delightful film to watch on the big screen.  It's a farce, a comedy of errors, a romantic comedy, and a mystery all rolled into one.  It's not a deep film with dark characters or depressing themes, but you will will laugh and go home feeling happy. What more can you ask for?