Whoopsidaisies!

Rating: 10/10 (13 January 2005)

I first saw this film when it was released in May of 1999. I saw it as an instant love comedy classic combining the taste of Noel Coward as well as the subtle wit of Four Weddings and a Funeral. There was something original about this tale, something that just made the entire movie-going experience monumental. I was very impressed with both the talents of Hugh Grant, Julia Roberts, and newcomer (that would eventually make a name of his own) Rhys Ifans. I loved the modern fairy-tale story that Richard Curtis created (and would soon repeat again and again with success) and felt that the chemistry between Grant and Roberts could not have been done by anyone else. America's sweetheart coupled with Britain's poster-child was immaculate. This was a near perfect film that could be rediscovered again and again.
Sadly, I still haven't bought this film, but when my wife and I chose to rent it the other day, I was curious to see if the emotions and excitement that I felt when I initially watched it would survive in the year 2005. Sometimes films have this uncanny habit of becoming dated and musty with age. The jokes seem to be less funny, the characters seem old (because Hollywood may have recycled them in other films), and overall the film just feels like 1999. As I watched this film again, the first time in several years, it became obvious early on that it did not age in any way. The jokes still had me rolling around in my chair with laughter, the quirkiness of the characters still redefined Britain, and Julia Roberts still shined in one of her best roles to date. It was impressive to see how well preserved Curtis was able to keep this body of work.
The characters are what preserve this film so well. I do not think that Hollywood has ever recreated Rhys Ifan's Spike, and if it has it was not as memorable. Hugh Grant is an awesome screen presence with his quick tongue and insecure personality. I have always been a fan of Hugh Grant's work, and am constantly impressed with the resume he has built. Julia is, well, Julia. While some will argue that she plays the same character over and over again, I would have to agree. She is a typecast character, but in Notting Hill it works. She is supposed to play herself, and she pulls it off with the greatest of ease. I did not see this film as a stretch for Julia, but an opportunity to show the world what Grant has to offer. He successfully built this multi-dimensional character that believed in love so deeply that once it was given to someone, it could never be taken back. You don't see that sort of theme in the cinema today. Even the cheesy "boy and girl" line was not as bad as other films. I thought that it fit perfectly and gave Grant a reason to continue. Nothing could be as bad as "You had me at Hello". To see a cheesy romantic comedy last through time is due to the work of Richard Curtis' screenplay and some amazing (yet simple which is why this film works so well) direction of Roger Michell.
Overall, I felt the story was bold and imaginative. The characters were played with so much respect and dedication that it felt almost real. It was a love story that has lasted the test of time due to the huge talent and simplistic themes. I laughed through this film again in 2005 just as hard as I did in 1999. That says something about a film if it can still evoke the same emotion nearly six years later. I am impressed with this movie, and with everyone involved. Go see it if you haven't yet, I know you will not be disappointed.
Whoopsidaisies!
Grade: ***** out of *****