Great Expectations

Starring: Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes, Jeremy Irvine
Director: Mike Newell
Rating: ●●○○○ - Below expectations

Maybe one of novels with the highest numbers of movie adaptations (I counted at least 7) is again out in its 2012 version directed by Mike Newell (director of Four Weddings and a Funeral and Donnie Brasco among others).
It his hard to say how much this version can add anything more to what has been already done, because I admit I have not watched all the previous versions. Let's say therefore that we are watching this movie for the first time, and let's say that we haven't even read the book first so we don't have a clue of the story.
Among the good things of this movie there is a credible 1800s setting (apart of the haircuts of the young gentlemen that seem too much 2012 hipster style), taking you back to the streets of London in the Victorian era and its city vs. countrymen differences.
The acting of Helena Bonham Carter and Ralph Fiennes is really good, as you would expect from these two excellent actors.
The plot, on the other hand, is a bit confusing in the first part where you ask yourself why certain things are happening. As the movie goes on, it eventually provides all the answers, but I was left with the impression that the story was rushed.
I felt in the end like I have not been able to get into this movie, well crafted but somehow cold.