Funny and uplifting... and I don't usually like romantic comedies

Rating: 8/10 (29 August 2005)

The simplest story you could ever think of... and quite unrealistic at the same time, isn't it? Nice but anonymous guy meeting by chance the most famous actress in the world, and a relationship - somehow - starts. Romantic comedies aren't my thing, usually, so when a friend asked me, a few years ago, to go to the cinema with her and watch *this*, I was very skeptical. Two hours later, I got out of the séance with a smile on my face, feeling refreshed and uplifted. As regards romantic comedies, and comedies in general, you'll hardly find anything better than "Notting Hill", at least in the last twenty years.
The simple and unrealistic story - yes, that one - turns out to be handled with such skill and talent from screenwriter Richard Curtis that, very early in the movie, you find yourself *captured* already. From the "Rufus-the-thief" scene on, you smile, you laugh (softly - the humour of the many memorable quotes in this movie is too nice and... well, British, to laugh out loud), you smile again, until the press conference climax is reached. You care for every single character, just because they are making you smile. Julia Roberts' Anna and Hugh Grant's William, despite their being a representation of two categories of stereotypes, turn out to be someone you want a good final of the story for, and the two actors are perhaps the two more suitable actors for their respective roles (Grant in particular, even if he can be irritating in some other roles, he is really created for this one). But the honorable mention is actually deserved by the supporting cast, William's circle of friends, everyone of them would deserve a screenplay for his own character only. Very enjoyable.
"Notting Hill" isn't a masterpiece, neither has it any deep meaning... but come on, don't be snob. It's cute, it's cheerful, it's smart and it deserves your staying at home and watch it on a quiet TV evening.