More equal, not sequel

Rating: 7/10 (7 June 1999)

This film is over-long. A dull 45 minutes could have been edited from the second half and none of us would have been any the wiser for it. So very formulaic: Boy and girl meet, fall in love, break up due to misunderstanding(s), and you can guess the last bit. But you're not watching for the plot (I hope).
The script is sharp, but could be trimmed, as mentioned above. Funnier than Four Weddings, with a better cast. Hugh Grant has suddenly gained a smidgen of acting ability, since I found his character quite likeable and amusing. Julia Roberts was as charming as she's ever been. Rhys Ifans was brilliant.
As for the direction - two great moments spring to mind, a change-of-seasons stroll through a market, and a splendid ascending top-down shot of a park. Nicely done, Roger Michell.
Overall - funny, charming, but a little too stereotyped and over-long. At times I wished I was watching the space film Julia Roberts's character was promoting, but then again, you are bound to see plenty of films this year worse than Notting Hill.