Utterly formulaic, mindless pap

Rating: 2/10 (10 December 2003)

If you've seen any other films written by Richard Curtis -- Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, etc., then you'll know what to expect of this.

Except it's nothing like as good; Curtis knows how to write stories that tug at your heartstrings, but his direction lacks the necessary discipline -- there's no real unifying plot other than that implied by the film's title, and the overriding impression is that it's a flabby, lazy effort.

Most of the admittedly stellar cast cruise along on autopilot, rehearsing roles they are already well known for or even typecast in. The few exceptions include Bill Nighy, who puts in a creditable performance, and Martine McCutcheon, who is awkward and unconvincing.
If you do decide to go and see this, remember to check your critical faculties in at the entrance to the auditorium.
2 out of 10