stereotypical and fake? who cares, it's a good film

Rating: Null/10 (29 March 2004)

SPOILERS
Not sure how to begin this really. I've wanted to see "Love Actually" for quite some time. I don't know why, I just know that I remember it being released at the cinema and being sorry for not going then. I guess a combination of Richard Curtis, the fact it was British, an all-star lineup and the occasional funny joke in trailers convinced me. Anyway, I took my time, but finally I got a chance to watch it. Quite liked it too.
In "Love Actually" we're presented with what sounds like a ridiculously complicated plot. It's not really though. Anyway, the basic premise is that there are all these different people in different situations who find love. Simple enough, until the details are filled in and then it gets confusing. I'm not going to bother going into any extreme detail though.
I guess I can see why people disliked this film. Other than the fact that London is not like the film portrays, and the random coincidences linking the main actors are coincidental, there's a distinct feeling of sickness at times from how sweet it is. The thing is though, you can't take the film that seriously. I admit in the past I've done it myself. When I watched Mel Gibson's "The Patriot" I almost kicked the television in I was that frustrated by it's plot. The thing is though that "Love Actually" doesn't want to be taken seriously (whilst at times "The Patriot" felt like it did). Richard Curtis has directed a film with an allstar cast, but you get the impression none of them took it too seriously and ultimately just had a laugh. Emma Thompson in particular was superb as the betrayed wife, and I can finally see why she got so much praise. Liam Neeson is also amazing as the grieving father forced to help his son deal with first love. Ultimately though, it's Neeson's son Sam in the film, little Thomas Sangster, who deserves the most praise. Sangster is excellent as the kid, putting in a decent performance. Keep an eye out, he's got a bright future.
I suppose the film does have a few big problems with it. Kris Marshall is infuriating in it, overplaying the goofy aspect and unlike most of his work, he bugs me in this. Billy Bob Thornton is a bit rubbish too, displaying a slimeyness which I wonder if was his character or his natural self. Other than those two, there were one or two moments when the film did get a bit extreme in it's cheeseyness, especially Hugh Grant's Prime Minister standing up against Thornton's President.
Ultimately though, this film is just a good laugh. It's not meant to be taken seriously, and anyone who does, obviously needs to lighten up a bit. Sit down, put your feet up, grab a beer, and relax. Just for infuriating obvious pun sake, it's quite a good film ACTUALLY.