Cheery fare with an upbeat Hugh Grant

Rating: 8/10 (17 February 2007)

Well, you either like Hugh Grant or you don't. I do. A lot. But even if you don't, you should try this movie. He's in top romantic-comedy form here, with great comic timing, a pleasant singing voice and convincing piano-playing skills. Drew Barrymore, sometimes sweet-unto-toxic, is actually delightful as a reluctant lyricist.
Could the editing have been crisper? Sure. Is the plot contrived? Definitely. But that's why it's a romantic comedy and not a documentary. Grant and Barrymore are incredibly likable individually, and reasonably believable as a romantic pairing. The 80's boy-band send-ups are great, and there are some wonderful zingers, all delivered perfectly by Grant. Will this movie enrich your life? Probably not. But will it be entertaining on a Saturday night? Yes. And that's what it's all about.