A cross between Close Encounters and Jean de Florette.

Rating: 6/10 (16 February 2002)

As a thirty-something male, I don't expect I was in the key demographic the producers were thinking of when they made this movie. I'm supposed to be the guns, cars and action brigade. I do have my sensitive side and I do like to indulge it occasionally. Besides I do see a niche for films to take women I fancy to. This all might explain how I've come to see this film on three separate occasions.
And lovely it is. Julia Roberts has fun playing herself. Hugh Grant has fun playing Hugh Grant again. Richard Curtis has fun writing for Hugh Grant again. The plot meanders its gentle way to the conclusion you paid for when you bought the ticket. Everyone smiles and thinks how wonderful true love is as the credits roll. Warm feelings inside all round.
That's just it though. This film sticks to an established formula and rakes in the cash. It does so in a stylish manner with well-rounded corners and lots of polish. It's the rom-com equivalent of Soderbergh's Ocean's Eleven. It does exactly what it says on the tin, no more, no less. Maybe I'm being picky for pickiness sake. If I am, so be it.
I'm glad to see that Hugh Grant is moving on to less Hugh-Granty roles. I'm really looking forward to seeing him in About A Boy soon. I hope Richard Curtis can move on to, he can be brilliant (cf Blackadder) and I would hate to see him stuck in a rut.
Go and see for smiles, romance and Rhys Ifans in his pants.