Review of Love Actually (2003) by Kenneth B — 22 Dec 2012
***SPOILERS*** Love Actually is a multi-strand narrative film and as is often the case there are some strands that work better than others. They range from drama (that of Rickman and Thompson) and downright lighthearted fantasy (Kris Marshall).
My personal favourite is Bill Nighy's over the hill rock star vying for one last stab at fame with a Christmassy version of Love is All Around. Nighy steals the show as Billy Mack, but as usual he does it by basically being himself.
The Billy Mack thread also produces the most touching moment in the film between Mack and his manager. "It turns out the people I love, is you". There is something unexpected about the scene that doesn't feel anywhere near as contrived as Colin Firth's proposal in bumbling Portuguese.
Love Actually is a film that I have seen twice now. The first time around I didn't like it at all, at least I took something from it this time. There are genuinely funny scenes such as Rowan Atkinson's rather excessive gift-wrapping routine and a few good moments from Hugh Grant as the bumbling yet genial (okay he is always those things) Prime Minister.
It's not a Christmas classic but it at least a solid comedy, even if it is borderline schmaltz.
This review of Love Actually (2003) was written by Kenneth B on 22 Dec 2012.
Love Actually has generally received positive reviews.
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