Miss Potter

Charming, though staid, bio of the creator of Peter Rabbit. Beatrix Potter (Zellweger) was a genteel spinster from a nouveau riche family (the film covers 1902-06). Her talents were generally dismissed until the elder editors at the Warne family publishing firm decide the project will keep youngest brother Norman (McGregor) busy. He turns out to be enthusiastic for not only the book but for Beatrix herself, and she is soon friendly with both Norman and his unmarried sister, Millie (Watson). Noonan has Potter's drawings come to life when she talks to them, otherwise this is standard fare. Watson and McGregor make a lively, charming duo while Zellweger seems rather too restrained.