Tulip Fever

It has a rather dull premise, with a focus on tulip economics in the 17th century.

Such a fascinating moment in Dutch history is deserving of a far better vehicle than an episode of Hollyoaks produced by Harvey Weinstein.

The film's centre doesn't hold.

It's all instantly forgettable. Except for the tulips - which, for the record, look stellar.

Director Justin Chadwick and screenwriter Tom Stoppard can't find a pulse, let alone set the heart racing.

There are worse movies than Tulip Fever. There are also, inevitably, better ones.

You don't get very far into Tulip Fever before feeling that something is not quite right.

Perhaps if this film had been crafted as a screwball comedy it would've been more effective.

Parts of the plot make the tulip buyers themselves look positively restrained. Worth a look for the costumes (and how they are used), Christoph Waltz and Holliday Grainger -- otherwise save your money and buy your loved one a bunch of garage flowers.

The quality of the cast and the level of craftsmanship ensure a superficially entertaining film, but you suspect it could have been so much more.