As good as I hoped!

Rating: 8/10 (15 November 2003)

I'd seen the description of this movie about a year ago, I think, and couldn't wait until it came out! What a terrific cast...all of my favorites; Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman! The rest of the cast is quite strong, too. I was a bit worried that the cast was too large and that the stories would be hard to follow, but since most of the actors are quite well known, I didn't have any trouble at all. The story lines were smart and witty, touching held my interest! Hugh Grant is improving with age, too. There was a time that I would rather not see a movie with him in it, but he has redeemed himself in this movie as well as "Bridget Jones" and "About a Boy!" He was excellent in this, although his storyline was the most unbelievable, and his big speech made me roll my eyes, but I guess that's just the conservative in me. It wasn't enough to ruin the movie, at any rate. My favorite of the stories was probably the one with Liam Neeson and the child who played his stepson. Alan Rickman and Emma Thompson were absolutely brilliant, as usual.
I will say that the nude scenes did make me a bit uncomfortable. (Probably this was because 3 older women behind me were screeching about how it "ruined the whole movie"...yet they didn't get up and leave! hmmmm.) I almost wish those scenes had been left out of the movie as without them, it would be a fun movie that my daughters would like... I did appreciate the incongruity of the situation which has movie star stand-ins having simulated sex. The two of them are quite shy and reserved,just getting to know each other. Perhaps more creative people could have created another incongruous situation that would have been just as amusing and that would have made this a movie that young teens could enjoy as well. I don't think I'll let my 12 and 15 year old daughters see this for a few more years. It's too bad, because I thought the movie was well made and had some good messages. I plan to see this again with some friends soon. This was one definitely of my favorites this year. And looking ahead to coming attractions, it's likely to be one of the few romantic comedies coming out during November and December.