pleasantly surprised because I thought it might be too sappy

Rating: 10/10 (22 October 2003)

When I read the cast list I knew I wanted to see the film, but the title put me off a bit. It seemed like it would be too sappy or sugary.
I liked Notting Hill, but didnt LOVE it. I liked Bridgett Jones quite a bit, but this sounded too commercial and middle of the road for my tastes. I am glad we went to see the sneak, because my husband and I both LOVED the film. We don't often agree on films either.
I do have some small complaints which I will get to next, but the good is way above the bad. The characters are wonderfully expressed and played, and the storylines are very unique and even sometimes surprising. It moves fast so you are never bored, but there is meat to it as well. I really cared about the characters I was seeing. [ except for 1 or 2] I felt as if I knew them for the most part.
Liam Neeson and Thomas Sangster are incredible in this film. They were so funny and moving. That kid is going to be a big star soon. He is so realistic and endearing without being smarmy.
And speaking of smarmy, Bill Nighy is a fantastic character in this film. He got and deserved most of the real laughs here. I would see it again just for his scenes.
Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman moved me to tears and my criticism would be that I would have liked to see more of them. There are a few characters that are so briefly seen , just for quick laughs basicly, and they take the time from ones like Colin Firth and Alan Rickman, whom I would want more of.
I would say to people, do not let the title or the boring trailer keep you away from this fantasticly funny and moving film. It almost kept my husband away and he ended up loving the movie afterall.