Shallow Love Stories and Left-Wing Feel-Good Nonsense

Rating: Null/10 (20 November 2003)

The love stories in the film were shallow, and almost entirely superficial. While one of the couple's love story had slightly more depth than the others (and I do mean, SLIGHTLY), it was interrupted by the fact that they were always in a rather stupid ongoing simulated sex scene (sans clothing).
The one scene I found most offensive was when Billy Bob played the role of a U.S. President, found groping the Prime Minister's (Hugh Grant) love interest. While images of Bill Clinton come to mind, this President seemed to be a Texan. Even Bill Clinton, from what we know, didn't engage in forced sexual acts. To suggest that our "Texan" President might behave in such a way is equally ridiculous.
In any event, whether they meant to suggest Bill or George, their message is clear: America Sucks. What's even more offensive is that this "America Sucks" message really had no relevance to the film other than to give the Prime Minister a soap box upon which to stand. I'm sure they could have come up with about 1000 other ways to allow the Prime Minister to show character, other than slamming America.
Once this tone was set, I knew the rest of the film would equally as meaningless and I was right. Most of the relationships were built upon appearances and crushes. There are scenes of families reuniting at Heathrow as a backdrop to illustrate that love is all around us. These fragments were the only scenes that presented genuine love....actually.