Review of Notting Hill (1999) by Robert M — 31 Dec 2009

I'm going to discard that blanket of machismo that typically surrounds me, and make a startling admission. I simply love this movie.

The premise is well worn. Can two people from different worlds - in this case, a simple man and a superstar actress - really have a lasting relationship?

I suspect my rugby-playing buddies would enter the theater to see this with paper bags over their heads. I mean, this does have "chick flick" written all over it. But it is much more than that. It is funny, sentimental, sexy, and outrageous. It is well written and perfectly casted. And a beautiful musical score tops it all off.

Notting Hill blends toned-down British humor with the style and beauty of one of America's finest leading ladies, Julia Roberts. I would not have guessed that Hugh Grant had it in him to pull off the somewhat klutzy, short-on-self esteem type character like this. Rhys Ifans is wonderful as the comic relief, and the rest of the supporting cast can do no wrong as far as I can tell.

Any of you steel workers or brick layers looking for a great DVD to share with that new lady in your life? Pick up Notting Hill. Neither of you will be disappointed.