Notting Hill (US v. UK)

Rating: Null/10 (30 May 1999)

I guess I had better comment on the movie, so that I actually get posted:
I saw Notting Hill when I screened it for the movie theatre I work at. Though I am not a Hugh Grant fan (don't ask me why) I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. The romance didn't annoy me, and the humor is exactly how I like it: Dry. I think the subplot involving Spike and the Sister could have been left out completely, but otherwise have no complaints. It was refreshing to see interesting supporting actors for once.
Okay, on to the -real- reason I am writing this review. Just about every comment I've read has been about the "Americanization" of this movie... I was not aware that there was such strong animosity coming from the UK regarding this issue. One of the comments said something to the effect of, Notting Hill was cleaned up to match the American view of London. First off, I don't -have- a view of London. I've never been there. Also, I can't ever recall seeing a US based advertisement that stated: "London: It's Clean... Stop by some time." I guess I don't understand. I find it odd that my taste in movies has been grouped together with the rest of America's. We are, after all, a country of individuals.
Please, if you have any insight into this controversy, send me an email with a detailed explanation. It just never crossed my mind to open up any of -my- reviews with something like... "UK film-makers incorrectly view America as the land of opportunity, where the streets are paved in Gold. Nothing could be farther from the truth." I guess I just assume that there are people with differing outlooks in the UK. Or am I generalizing too much, yet again?