Unexpected Love or Soul Vacation of Two Broken Hearts

Rating: 8/10 (18 April 2020)

The film "The Holiday" 2006. Romantic comedy. And although the original name of the picture is translated as "Holiday", I am even grateful to the Russian distributors for changing the name, since "Vacation by exchange" more accurately reveals the essence of the picture. You know, after my illness, I come across, if not excellent, then at least average pictures, which I am extremely happy about. Maybe that's why I've become overly sentimental in recent months (although not, I have always been that way!), Or maybe the thing is different who knows. In any case, I would like to devote this review to the disgusting weather that has raged in recent weeks in the central zone of Russia, but I won't, because now the sun is shining outside the window, announcing the world about the descent of the Holy Fire in the holy city of Jerusalem ... Wow, where did I go, humbly apologize, because you wanted to read the review, and here I load you with lyrics. However, be patient a little more. History - the first time I looked at this picture, when she arrived at our Soyuz store along with the next delivery, was I thinking of watching the whole shift or not? Is it worth it? As a result, I looked, but the picture did not cause strong enthusiasm then, it was two thousand and thirteenth year, the eve of Catholic Christmas. Now I decided to review and decide for myself completely - was I the first time mistaken or not? Was my conclusion too hasty? Revised - and the picture is still good, though I noticed some flaws that slipped away for the first time. And here is my brief opinion - two love stories, old as the world. And now we turn on the regime of picky and cynical cattle, which will find fault with every pillar, describing both the pros and cons of this romantic comedy. The preface is over. Let's start!
So, the pros:
1. Atmosphere - here my memories let me down, because it seemed to me that there is a strong Christmas atmosphere, but there's not so much of it here, damn it, even in the film "Real Love", "Serendipity" or the recent "Last Christmas" of this atmosphere is much more. Here she hangs out somewhere in the background, reminding herself only occasionally. Strong is getting closer to the end. But it is precisely the romantic atmosphere that is strong here, with this, I think, no one will argue. The whole environment works for her: scenery, music, love itself is in the air, love is completely saturated with love, love rules everything here!
2. The story told - two girls who are unlucky in love decided to exchange houses in order to unwind from their worries and get out of the usual environment. One rich affiliate advertiser from Los Angeles goes to a remote English village, and an English journalist goes to a luxurious and spacious home in Los Angeles, where they have to spend unforgettable two weeks that will change their life forever. At first, the main characters (yes, there are two lines) didn't like me much, but gradually I didn't care what was happening on the screen. It was interesting to watch both lines, because both girls were literally in a different world, it was rather funny to watch their reaction. If my heart did not belong to the romantic comedy "Last Christmas", then the laurels of the best representative of this genre would be occupied precisely by "Vacation in exchange". What to do - love stories are not universal, only your feelings decide here. It is impossible to objectively evaluate. The local love line turned out to be excellent, I don't argue with that, but it didn't catch me as much as "Last Christmas". For the excellent story told, praise Nancy Myers, who was not only the director, but also the screenwriter of this picture!
3. Music - for which the great and terrible Hans Zimmer himself was responsible. He wrote great music, which creates the right mood in the soul of the viewer and pacifies that, at least, it happened to me. Romantic chords on the background of rapidly changing frames do not allow the viewer to break away from the screen for a second. The picture also sounds famous melodies and songs. Even George Michael's "Last Christmas" song sounds in the background at the beginning of the picture, which thrilled me since I listen to it for the third month in a row, thanks to the same picture "Christmas for Two". I think it's not even special music lovers who recognize many famous compositions that sound here. I respect Hans, respect!
So cons:
1. Voiceover - I know that it sounds funny and adds humor, but when you start to realize it, you understand how it is not needed here. All the most important things we get on the screen through dialogue, acting and so on. Even the most stupid person will guess the emotions of the heroes.
2. Humor - I won't conceal, when I watched, I wanted to sincerely neighing from embarrassing situations, funny behavior and other things, but instead I only managed to smile throughout the whole picture and laugh once. Maybe I wanted too much from the picture, but a slight disappointment remained.
And yet, I forgot to mention that this picture attracted me to the present also with the famous cast, to which we are now moving on.
A little about the main characters:
1. Iris performed by Kate Winslet is an English journalist, unrequitedly in love with her colleague, after shocking news, exchanged houses with a girl in misfortune, and ended up in the world of Hollywood, where the movie rules everything. The sentimental heroine of the beautiful Kate at first did not cause me any feelings, but the acting and well-written dialogues made me change my mind. Kate is smart!
2. Miles performed by Jack Black - a colleague of Amanda (Cameron Diaz), recording music for the movie. An avid movie fan (well, just like me) and just a cute and charming guy with a good heart. Always glad to see old Jack on the big screen!
3. Amanda performed by Cameron Diaz - an advertiser from Los Angeles, who is also unlucky in love. A little freaking, a little tear, which made me laugh at one act. Here Cameron is forced to scold a little - it's too painful for her to replay here, too much. Sometimes I wanted to close my face from what is happening on the screen. And I understand that this is due to the context, but it remains a Spanish shame anyway. And the rest - well done Cameron!
4. Graham performed by Judah Law - Amanda's neighbor in the village, the cutest and most charming hero and my favorite in this picture. The handsome Jude here is still so young and so sentimental, well, and his hero is certainly not as simple as it seems at first glance, and the scenario turn with him was not bad, you can't argue with that. Jude! You're doing fine!
And there is no vulgarity, even bed scenes were avoided - which is a rarity for this genre. My respect!
Forgive my sentimentality, but the picture is to blame. She is to blame! Only she! Honestly! She made me write all this!
As a result, we have an excellent romantic comedy about the search for true love with an excellent story, wonderful music, an excellent romantic atmosphere, with unpretentious humor and famous cast, and of course their excellent game!