Charming

Rating: 8/10 (18 July 1999)

When this movie first came out I wasn't sure if I was interested in seeing it, hence I stayed away from it for quite a while. Having nothing to do last night, I decided to go see it and I have to say that I found this movie to be incredibly charming.
The story is about how a major movie star (Roberts) wanders into an obscure little travel book shop in Notting Hill one day and becomes somewhat intrigued by the shop owner (Grant) and vice versa. Through some intelligent writing, the two meet again the same day by chance and the story takes off from there.
The relationship does not develop instantly as Roberts' character has to deal with her status as a major celebrity and keeps her guard up but little by little she opens up to Grant. The story continues throughout the movie showing the on again off again relationship and the awkwardness that exists as Grant tries to deal with this situation. The ending is predictable, as it is with most romantic comedies, but the journey that the audience goes through is amazingly more entertaining than the other romantic comedies that I've seen. As with other movies of this genre, it is endearing and humorous, but what separates this movie from the others, is the incredible witt of the writing. The humor is laced throughout very frequently and when you're not laughing, you're truely caught up in the emotions that the characters feel as they try to work out the awkward situation that they feel. The only criticism that I can state is that the ending seems to be wrapped up a little too neatly and hastily but that may more to do with time constraints than anything.
Overall, I found this movie to be a pleasant surprise that women will definately like but men will also enjoy very much....8/10.