Actually Good!

Rating: 10/10 (15 November 2003)

Very few times does a little film have a big message. LOVE ACTUALLY actually does. The meaning behind this film is that love is all around. It may be hard to find sometimes but it is out there in its many forms. The beginning of the film starts out like a documentary, with the voice of Huge Grant talking about love. He speaks about how even in the saddest of times love is there in full bloom. Love is a very powerful word, but in this film it seems to go above and beyond its normal principles. Here, love is a simple word that overtakes the lives of the characters in the film. As hard as love is to understand lovers around the world still seem to wish and hope about one day finding that special person. The characters in LOVE are very interesting. The ranges of personalities that make the characters come to life are excellent. An outstanding cast that includes, Huge Grant, in his usually comic timing, pitch perfect performance. He plays David, a man who is in love but doesn't express his feelings right away. Although it seems like we have met Grant's character before in any of his films, here he is very fresh and funny. Colin Firth turns in another fine performance as Jamie, the loveable writer. One of the finest living actresses of today is Emma Thompson; here she only justifies this statement. She is very funny in a role that could have been upstaged by the other actors. She plays Karen, a woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown. She is exceptional in this film and deserves some type of recognition. Keira Knightley plays Juliet. Although she has a very simple part in the film, she plays it very well. The love triangle that she is in also makes the even better. The scene where her admirer comes to the door is actually one of the most romantic film scenes in a while. Bill Nighy turns in one of the funniest performance of the year. Bill as Billy Mack is actually one of the best aspects of the film. His comic timing is genius. He is in fact the scene-stealer. Every time he appeared on screen the audience started to laugh. Liam Neeson plays Daniel, a man deeply involved with his son after the death of his wife. The relationship between the too is very strong. He does a very good job; it's nice to see Neeson playing someone likeable. Laura Linney plays Sarah, another complicated woman. She is one of the best up and coming actresses today. She is very funny in this role, but also delivers a very soft character that is in love with one of her co-workers. The thing that makes her life so complicated is that she has to care for her brother who is sick. It's a decision that plagues her love life as well as her every day life for that matter. Linney plays Sarah the way not too many actresses could; she is complex, soft, and likeable. Alan Rickman plays Harry, a man who many may find hard to like. He does a very good job balancing a mean character with a likable personality. Martine McCutcheon plays Natalie. She is very funny in this role. A pretty new face in the film business, she looks to have a bright future. And last but not least another major player in this film is the always-funny Rowan Atkinsin. Even though he is only in the film for a few minutes he still turns in one of the funniest performances as Rufus. The film has a great supporting cast and includes a few top-notch cameos. There is a great sound track that accompanies. All in all, it's a feel good, funny as hell film that will leave you rolling in your seat. Love Actually is actually one of the best films of the year! 4.6 out of 5: A-