A very high level romcom

Rating: 7/10 (12 October 2019)

This is a great example of how a romantic comedy can stick to the formula and yet feel inspired and original. The characters are great and I found myself very soon empathizing with them. Even the supporting ones get their chance to shine and don't disappoint. The relationships between them is very good. The diner scene in Thacker's sisters' birthday was particularly tender and endearing. The main conflict of the movie is driven by the on/off relationship between the protagonists, as well as some external situations like the arrival of Anna Scott's bf, her leaked photos or the paparazzis. Aside from the natural dialogue scenes where the romance is built, the story keeps moving forward. And even then, the dialogue felt inspired. The third act was exciting and thrilling. We've seen car chases scenes before, but this one was filled with tense, perhaps product of the great connection the movie made us built with the protagonist. I could feel the urge and tension, which is what it's all about.
Notting Hill is one of the best, sweetest romcoms out there, hands down. No wonder it was the magnificent Richard Curtis who wrote it.