What Fun! Observing People Falling In Love

Rating: 8/10 (24 January 2006)

I have been avoiding this film, as it has been all over Central Fl's HBO 18 times a week and besides that, I was not in the mood for love, actually! However, after stumbling across Richard Curtis' (writer/screenwriter) 'The Girl In The Cafe' (limited release) I decided to give 'Love' a shot at 5:30 one morning and I am quite glad I did. (I will confess at the dénouement I was all tears.) Mr. Curtis' 'The Girl In The Cafe' is so simple (on one level) yet so complex on other levels and the main character, Bill Nighy, plays his role so understated you will not believe this could be the same actor in 'Love Actually.' Love is well enough constructed to keep together 8 'love' stories of different sorts and will pull you in, in a way you will never expect. The acting is good all the way around with some 'bright lights' shining but you will fall for them all, I promise. You do not have to be a romantic to enjoy this well crafted, surprising effort at an emotion we all suffer and welcome at the same time. You will find yourself hoping certain characters do pull it together as it changes their lives forever as love is meant to do. Where Richard Curtis draws upon his story lines in the detail he does, I cannot imagine. He observes people is the answer. Other Curtis films Americans may be familiar with are 'The Girl In the Cafe' (superb), 'Notting Hill', The Bridget Jones series, and this one,' Love, Actually.' If you have a heart and allow your emotions to surface, I promise you will enjoy this film.
Whatever you do, do not take professional critics words to heart. They all seem to have serious interpersonal problems. You know if you will like a film from the exposure you are submitted to. I'll read critics but only AFTER I view a film. This film is a good case in point. Many did not like it at all and here we have a wonderful, well acted storyline.