The best parts are warm and clever--the worst parts you can live through, so do it!

Rating: 7/10 (14 December 2011)

Notting Hill (1999)
At first I though this was going south fast--the narration by Hugh Grant as the intro got going was straining too hard to be funny, and taking too long to click into gear.
But then it switched to a more usual romantic comedy, the kind that Grant has made his bread and butter (lots of both--he's really good at this). Later, when the narrative voice-over returns, it works just fine. He's the consistent charming low-key Hugh Grant that we've seen in many films before, and if you don't like him, you should steer clear. If you do, here you go!
Of course, there's Julia Roberts, too, and I find her completely fine, the dependable Roberts who really can't quite "act" but who is always likable and so acting isn't the issue. And to make it even easier, her role here is to be a huge mega-star actress. Which she already is. Voila, a perfect fit.
The magic and romance that is meant to spark between the two leads isn't always convincing, but there is a sparkling kind of dialog between them, and among extended family, that keeps it going. There is some really sharp writing here.
And there is some really stupid acting. The goofy roommate is just too goofy and caricatured for the rest of the cast, and he is given some of the weakest script to read, as well. The first appearance of Grant's family might strike you as forced, as well, but they gradually work their way into the film and are actually warm and very funny. I wish they had been larger and the roommate smaller in the plans.
Director Roger Michell has a short resume, including a well-regarded "Persuasion" which didn't persuade me (I like Jane Austen too much, I think). But there is a sensibility in that film that carries over here in some of the family scenes. Well done, as far as the script takes it.
Don't expect a great movie. It's entertainment, pure and simple, but enjoyable, and with some shining moments.