Christmas Actually

Rating: Null/10 (12 December 2008)

Until now, "It's A Wonderful Life" was my favourite feel-good Christmas movie. But that will all change now.
¤ Billy Nighy segment:: The character has lots of shades of Austin Powers. So its either you love him or hate him.
¤ Prime Minister/ Natalie segment:: Hugh Grant is usual self, nothing new. There has been Cinderella'isque stories made in the past and were well justified (viz. Pretty Woman). But this one doesn't seem right for there seems somethings' really-really missing. Better writing might have tied the loose ends. And yes, the patriotic lines w.r.t to US was a bit OTT.
¤ Colin Firth/ Sienna segment:: Poor guy must be thinking that he was tricked into the movie. The meat in the middle is missing. Again better writing warranted.
¤ Keira Knightley segment:: Appears force-fit to cash-on her new found success. IMO the segment should have been completely edited. Not enough Epilouge and hence leading to craters in the plot.
¤ Father/ son segment: Sugar-coated but well handled well. Liam Neeson & Thomas Sangster do a good job.
¤ Alan Rickman/ Emma Thomson segment:: My favourite. Amazingly done  just sheer brilliance in terms of performance and narration. And the deep voice always will remind of Snape.
¤ John/ Judy segment:: Another favourite segment of mine and probably the shortest of all. Great chemistry between Martin Freeman and Joanna Page, fairy-tale'ish but very convincing and sweet.
¤ Karl/ Sarah segment:: Again the prologue is missing but had immense potential. Good performance by Laura Linney.
¤ Kris Marshall reprises his Nick Harper. BTW  Colin getting lucky in US conveys a very serious message about this country.
Its as if each segment is a full-blown movie and the editor has taken joined the parts from each of them to make "Love Actually" (and missed out a few best parts in the process).
For a moment you feel that the entire British Film Industry is in the movie especially when you see cameos by Rowan Atkinson, Ant & Dec.
There are indeed a lot of sweet moments in the movie. At the moment I can think of the Prime Minister singing the carols. Hilarious!
I have been wanting to see Love Actually for a while now, since there were two Bollywood movies which adapted from the source. Best watched during the Christmas fever  and guess what, so was the case with me albeit 2008 (5-years late, but he ho!).
A very-very British movie, unique concept and fantastic handling. Seriously a must watch.
PS:: London looks beautiful in the Christmas lights!!