An Old Style Romantic Comedy: Worth the Ticket Price

Rating: Null/10 (3 June 1999)

This is a romantic comedy like they used to make. The plot is simple enough. Hugh Grant plays William Thacker, owner of a travel book shop in the Notting Hill district of London. Julia Roberts plays Anna Scott, international movie star, pulling down $15 million a picture. She stumbles into his book shop and he is dazzled. Minutes later he is out buying orange juice when he runs into her (literally) dousing her with his juice. From this accidental encounter their romance begins.
This a nice, clever boy meets girl, boy loses girl..... What makes this film better than most of its kind is that every time you think it's going to dump a sentimental cliche on you, it pulls back at the last second.
Another strong point to the movie is that it stays focused on the romance, not the issue of Anna's fame. Her stardom is used as a way to generate some very funny scenes, but never takes over the story.
The movie moves along at a waltz-like pace, with the couple's meetings coming only as she flies through London, shooting films, or on press tour. It is a bright and colorful film, with a decidedly light-hearted and even whimsical tone. The acting is strong all around (even from Julia Roberts) and the supporting cast of William's friends, family, and crazy Welsh roommate stand out. They all feel like real people that we just don't see much of. They have an easy comradery, a sort of group chemistry, that strikes just the right note.