Well put together romance...

Rating: 8/10 (20 August 2010)

1st watched 8/17/2010 -- 8 out of 10 (Dir-Garry Marshall): Well put together romance is one of the better ones in this genre, in my opinion. The story is about a rich man, played by Richard Gere, who's personal life is falling apart and picks up a hooker, played by Julia Roberts, on Hollywood Boulevard initially just to get directions but then ends up keeping her around for a week and of course pays for it. He's the type of person who is married to his job and does it well, and Julia's character works a job where love is out of the question with her clients(no kissing on the lips, basically). They are both hard nuts to crack in different ways but each helps the other to overcome their issues. Although the story is somewhat like a prince rescuing a princess story, it varies in that both parties are really rescuing each other. Garry Marshall, the director, does a good job of telling the story without adding too much cliché-driven jokes or side stories but instead just lets the story happen. Gere and Roberts bring their natural charms to the roles and they are a perfect fit for their characters. I usually don't like sappy endings but this one was really well written and it lifted the movie up to classic status, in my opinion. Bravo to Marshall and the gang for making this movie tasteful yet still for adults.