Delightful with a couple of flaws...

Rating: 7/10 (26 March 2006)

The story line and setting are engaging and fun.
The ensemble cast of friends and their subplots is delightful.
Hugh Grant rolls out another one as the hesitant, but charming Englishman.
The script is fine...except - what's the deal with Julia Roberts? I normally like her just fine, but she doesn't get much to work with in this one. She's either a complete boor or she's standing around staring at people in what is probably supposed to be a "meaningful way". But it doesn't work. She's supposed to be the romantic lead girl, and she's not particularly lovable or endearing, and it really stretches one's ability to suspend belief to buy the plot line. Poor Anna - she could have been worth loving, I'm sure. Eventually, I guess.
There's a lot good about this movie, and it's worth a rent. The only really glaringly annoying thing was the soundtrack, which threw the mood of the entire movie, and seemed complete unassociated with anything going on it. Nothing wrong with it by itself, but simply not right in this movie.