Simply brilliant

Harvey review

Rated - 4.0 stars

By James Frost from Hereford, England Avatar image

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Harvey

Director Henry Koster
Genres Comedy
Run time 107 mins Certificate U

23rd March 2004

I wasn't sure what to expect, when I rented Harvey. I'd seen it in a local shop, but hadn't wanted to buy it without seeing it first! I was attracted by the fact that some aspects of it almost seemed to resemble Donnie Darko (which is fantastic).

Well, now I've seen it, I can say that it's nothing at all like Donnie Darko, other than the fact that the main characters have large imaginary (or are they?) friends who are rabbits. Harvey is a charming film from start to finish, with James Stewart doing an outstanding job in the leading role.

Harvey tells the story of Elwood P Dowd who has an invisible friend - Harvey - a 6 ft tall rabbit. When his antics begin to get to his sister, Veta, she decides it's time to have Elwood committed. The consequences of this are funny, moving and though-provoking. Elwood is possibly one of the nicest people you'll ever have the pleasure to meet, and the rest of the characters are brilliantly played.

This film also looks great, considering it was made in 1950 - the picture is crisp and clear and nice to look at.

If you're expecting an intense, disjointed, psychological film like Donnie Darko, Harvey's not it. Harvey's fun, lighthearted, and just... really really nice. Give it a go, I think you'll like it.

See all Harvey reviews (61 in total)