love pleasantly, not actually.

Rating: 7/10 (20 November 2003)

This movie starts off with a bad Hugh Grant voice over, but a good idea. That being the Heathrow airport, and comings and goings, welcomings and goodbyes, of course, just as this moment forgets the time oriented indiscretions of the airport, it forgets reality for a good portion of the film.
I have to admit that I'm ok with the irreality of this film. We've chosen a Richard Curtis, we know what we're in for. despite my penchant for subplots, this was a few too many. Some of the more interesting points are left undeveloped while we are brought to others that would be better dropped: for instance the adult film performers. Prime Minister is a stretch, too.
Bill Nighy is great, and the film despite it's romanticness does sustain a fairly good level of humor. Colin Firth is at his great uncomfortable best as usual.
The ending is a bit long winded and demanding on the viewer, but if you're in a sentimental frame of mind, this film won't fit you too poorly. I'd take a good friend and not my date though, or in my case, mother.