Review of Kate & Leopold (2001) by Lee-Ann P — 05 Dec 2009

I like the idea of bringing two different movies from either side of the genre spectrum in an effort to create one unique, and palatable, movie. We see early on, soon after the opening credits, the completion of the Brooklyn bridge, which even now, is like a monument that one lucky back-in-timer gets to photograph with his 'out of place' digital camera. Small enough to be low key. The contrasts between the modern world and 19th century New York are very much highlighted early on and pleasantly throughout the movie. The portal which is a drop, off the bridge itself is presented in a simple and realistic way in order for the upcoming story to not seem so ludicrous. An exceptional actor was also needed to pull this off. Leopolds immediate reaction to his surroundings was a riot to watch, but being a duke he slowly loses the fragile vulnerability and turns people on their heads with his overly proper, english charm and vast historian knowledge. His back to basics wisdom on how to pick up girls, and social etiquette when giving such advice is exciting to watch, givin where it comes from. Also Liev Schreibers addition to the story with the physical comedy and being ousted for his 'outrageous' claims are equally heartwarming.

'Kate' is a more than modern business woman to the point of masculine, and 'Leopold' who is the gentlemen of all gentlemen is an unlikely match but nonetheless brought together by a set of odd circumstances. With Kate learning to let her judgmental guard down, she soon sees the annoying politeness wash over her and is eventually swept from under her feet.