Sweet film amidst the serious pre-Oscar season

Rating: 6/10 (19 January 2007)

Being virtually the only 'romantic comedy' playing at the moment, I didn't go into the theater with high hopes, just a wishful thought for a light-hearted escape. I got exactly what I was expecting and a tad bit more. The premise was cute, the script was better than average and it was beautifully filmed. The ending was predictable, but what romantic comedy isn't and after all, that's pretty much why we go to see them. My only problem with the film was Cameron Diaz. She got better as the film progressed, but paired next to high caliber actors like Jude Law and Kate Winslet, her overacting was more apparent than ever. She would truly benefit from a good coach who could reign her in and give her a greater emotional range without having to resort to histrionics. Ms. Winslet is able to show more emotion without moving a muscle than Ms. Diaz is waving her arms around, stamping her feet and screaming. But her talents aside, I really did enjoy the film. It was sweet and just what was needed amidst the bigger holiday films and Oscar hopefuls.