The charming “Miss Potter,” a biopic that serves as the perfect role model for pleasantly ambitious girls, disappeared quickly down a rabbit hole earlier this year.
Renée Zellweger’s winning performance as revered children’s author Beatrix Potter took forever to open here, and many people got tired of waiting. After debuting in the U.S. on Dec. 29, 2006, it didn’t show up in Denver until March 9; despite favorable reviews, it took in only $3 million in its North American run.
That’s a shame, but your family can catch up with the scampering rabbits on DVD. “Miss Potter” wisely employs the on- screen chemistry of Zellweger and Ewan McGregor, as well as the animation skills of “Babe” director Chris Noonan.
Potter was a well-loved child who eventually had to break the confines of her family to seek a printer for her duck and rabbit stories. Well-to-do young women just didn’t work, an attitude Potter fought with good cheer – to spectacular results.
Noonan smoothly externalizes the ramblings of Potter’s creative mind. One day in a bedroom strewn with her favorite natural treasures, Potter’s drawings start moving on the page and making mischief for the author. The animation serves as both a window into Potter’s mind, and a reminder to the audience of the iconic look of Peter, Tom Kitten, Jemima Puddle-Duck and others.
“Miss Potter” goes on to chronicle the author’s groundbreaking publishing success, and her romance with one of the printers, played by McGregor. The appealing animals will also whet your appetite for “Babe,” which we’ll talk about in a future column.
Michael Booth’s book, “The Denver Post Guide to the Best Family Films: 52 Great Movies to Fill Up Your Year,” is now available for order online and at local bookstores. Reach the author at 303-954-1686 or mbooth@denverpost.com.
