Vanity Fair

An orphaned lass from humble beginnings vows to leave her roots behind and become a success - and soon manages to claw her way up London's social ladder. Marriage to a wealthy husband is a step in the right direction, but she is unprepared for his weakness for drink and gambling. Period comedy drama, that may struggle to cope with the novel's sprawling plot, but does benefit from a quality cast and impressive production design. Reese Witherspoon, maintaining an impeccable English accent, is on fine form as the scheming heroine. Also starring Romola Garai, James Purefoy, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Rhys Ifans and Bob Hoskins