Works on so many levels

Rating: 9/10 (17 November 2003)

"Notting Hill" is actually a very funny movie in it's own right. But that's not what it's about. Julia Roberts plays Anna Scott, a huge celebrity that can't get any privacy. This is perfect casting, because if you want someone to pull off acting and getting treated like a celebrity, cast a celebrity. It really makes the movie seem believable. She meets a funny Englishman named Will Thacker (Hugh Grant) and the two spark a romance. The scenes where they are supossed to be in love with each other are very convincing (at least on Roberts' end). And it didn't fall into the stereotype of a movie about a celebrity. Sure, we see the papparazzi chase her and stress her out. But the movie isn't about that. It's about the way an average ordinary man who can get the pretty popular girl, which in turn shows the audience that social status means nothing. And if you let it, love can help you find your perfect mate. At least that's what I got out of it. Writer Richard Curtis is a gift from the movie gods. His writing is so fresh and funny. He combines the 2 things that make life worth living (Comedy and Love) and puts it on the screen. It's hard to be funny. Try writing a funny screenplay! But he makes it look so easy. Britain should really import more movies state side.
RATING: *** out of ****