10 stars for the supporting roles! Brilliant performances.

Rating: 10/10 (6 July 2010)

The opening scene and song from the movie had me groaning "oh, puh-leeease." Corny right out of the gate, as were the brutal country songs mixed in after that, but that aside, the movie actually picks up in comedic pace and in story development which yields promise. The plot, dialouge and characters strongly mirror Four Weddings and a Funeral, one of my all time faves, and is worth watching for the whimsical quirky writing and the performances of the supporting cast. There really aren't any real sparks of chemistry between Julia and Hugh but it is still a pleasure to watch their interaction.
I probably would have chosen a different actress than Julia Roberts, though her performance is still excellent. I don't know who I would have cast, but someone else. Same criticism of Andie Macdowell from Four Weddings. But the key is to minimize the importance of the leading lady performances in both flicks for the real entertainment factor is to be found from enjoying Hugh Grant's character and ESPECIALLY the sparkling combination of his British friends. Both movies are absolutely made by the interaction of the supporting characters.
The ending sequence is particularly promising and is set up to make the film a real winner (one of the best laugh-out-loud scenes is toward the end)and you may find yourself holding your breath for that true heart-soaring moment. You may find it delivers - or maybe you won't. I personally found Notting Hill as well as Four Weddings to have the same "eh" endings - the kind that are set up to be so wonderful, but when the two would-be lovers don't have that moment (you know, THAT moment of explosive passion and love and connection?- it falls just a little deflated. But that is just my perception! Maybe you'll disagree. You'll have to decide for yourself.