Nice comedy and romance

Rating: 8/10 (16 May 2005)

I went to movie theater without great expectations for this film. It exceeded my expectations. It seems that winning formula for good(great)romantic comedy is the one from Notting Hill: British environment, British leading and support actors and an American (girl called Anna;just joking) lead actress. This combinations always has a charm which is most important for the atmosphere of the movie. Paul Bettany as a leading actor drives the movie. His charm is irresistible; it's very cogent that any American girl would fall for him. Kirsten Dunst is on the other hand charming too; she poses some sweetness which even when she is speaking bad words allow you to think she doesn't mean it. Of course, this is probably merit of character she is playing in film, so what I meant to say is that she knows her acting. Other supporting actors are helping this drama rolling on. Bernard Hill (king Theoden;LOR)and Eleanor Bron as Paul's(Peter's) mother and father are in moments very funny; as is his brother (James McAvoy who looks like a younger brother of Russel Crowe) brings funny stuff too. Visually movie is very HiTech. Because of this, it was possible to make a lot of exciting tennis points with a little actors effort. Seems that they were playing in front of green screen most of their tennis scenes;cause some of the plays are worthy of best tennis plays in history of tennis. Even so you don't see this cause CG effects are so good but you only think if Paul or Kirsten are so well playing. Assuredly CG doesn't compromises story telling; it's in service of it. At the end I didn't tell anything about Sam Neill performance. I will agree with that he, "a brilliant and completely lovable actor, is totally wasted in this role". Despite that the film doesn't lose anything on this fact. So to conclude take your sweet heart or some friends a go and enjoy in movie. As some American newspapers would say - thumbs up!