Sprawling Rom-Com

Rating: 9/10 (14 February 2012)

I admit, even though I'm a die-hard action/ horror/ scifi fan, there's also a little part of me that loves the occasional romantic comedy (or rom-com as it's known in the movie world.) While admittedly most rom-coms are pretty formulaic, every once in a while one will come along that tackles romance in a unique way. Amazingly two of my personal favorites share several things in common: both are set at Christmas time (so they also count as Christmas movies), both feature a good number of British actors, and they portray most (if not all) their characters in a realistic light. The first is THE HOLIDAY, featuring a charming cast that includes Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Eli Wallach, and a very nuanced Jack Black. The second is this film, which quickly becomes a roster featuring all the talented, and uprising, stars in London. Hugh Grant, Bill Nighy, Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, and Andrew Lincoln (THE WALKING DEAD's Rick Grimes) are just some of the noteworthy roles. The whole cast gives 110 percent. The movie covers a multitude of stories also, I believe somewhere around a dozen. And it shows how all of these seemingly random people are connected. All the stories explore certain aspects of relationships: between parents and children, siblings, married couples, friends, co-workers, etc. The most wonderful parts are quiet little poignant moments that appear throughout the film. For instance in most rom-coms, a guy proclaims his love for a woman who's with someone else. As he's walking away, the woman runs after him and kisses him. Followed by a short little pause as the guy is conflicted. Then they kiss a second, longer time before the music swells and the scene fades. In LOVE ACTUALLY, when this same situation arises, the two kiss for one tender moment before the woman walks back inside the apartment. And the guy walks away, happily determined, saying "Enough." At another point, Emma Thompson's character excuses herself from her family's Christmas celebration and ducks into her bedroom where she silently cries to Joni Mitchell. A few minutes later, she composes herself and rejoins her family, with a brave smile on her face. Moments like that happen in real life, and that's what is so great about the film. Clearly the makers were interested in capturing real human interaction, feelings and emotion, even in the most awkward situations. With this film, you will laugh and cry and become teary-eyed. And you'll leave the movie feeling a sense of hope and maybe even love as you discover that there are other flawed, hurting, lonely, caring, passionate, and loving people in the world. So enjoy this heartwarming tale!