2002, 1 hr 35 min., Rated PG for mild sensuality.�Dir: Oliver Parker. Cast: Rupert Everett (Algy), Colin Firth (Jack), Frances O'Connor (Gwendolyn), Reese Witherspoon (Cecily), Judi Dench (Lady Bracknell), Tom Wilkinson (Dr. Chasuble), Anna Massey (Miss Prism).

Oscar Wilde knew what comedies should be: Subtle, satirical, ironic, use of rare slapstick for points, no need to put a character in a terribly embarrassing situation to make fun of them. The characters are likable, and maintain a level of adorableness even when found out to be frauds.

Only once in a while does a Wilde play succeed on the big screen, but the makers of 2002�s version of The Importance of Being Earnest managed to make it work. It�s definitely more than an insufferable bore of talking that wore down those as An Ideal Husband.

The leads, Colin Firth and Rupert Everett, certainly have plenty of experience in this type of play-turned-film. No surprise, then, that they provide plenty of spark and wit to keep the viewer rooting for more. Their love interests hold their own, in large part because they are played by Reese Witherspoon and Frances O�Connor (A.I.), a Brit with the acting talent to pull off any role.

Reese superbly supplements the classically trained actors as the sole American and a bubbly wonder to behold, which of course we�ve seen plenty in her roles on this side of the pond. You never question her accent, and her charm overwhelms even the most proper Brits.

With Dame Judi Dench in laudable support includes Tom Wilkinson, who deserved Best Supporting Actor as the mourning father in last year�s In the Bedroom, and revealed even more in The Full Monty.

Wilde recognizes the forgiving nature of people, and when other movies feel the need to tear down a character and lead them in a five minute "depression" (there's usually a walk through the rain involved), there's no need here. You forgive, and always want Reese/Colin and Francis/Rupert to get together. Even curmudgeon Dench, has her appeal, which has mostly to do with the fact that it's Dench in the role, so you know there�s a warm heart under the cold exterior.

The Importance of Being Earnest is one of those movies overlooked by general audiences at the theater, but one I hope you pick up as a rental or catch on cable someday, because it's worth your time.