Review of Notting Hill (1999) by Noah Abraham G — 04 Nov 2012

Grade: A*.

Notting Hill is one of the best romantic comedies I've seen; it's well written with great characters as is absolutely hilarious. I don't usually like Hugh Grant, but this is the one film where his samey bumbling Englishman persona pays off and he can get away with it. He was really likeable in this film and even Julia Roberts wasn't too bad and put on a decent performance. However Rhys Ifans stole the show with his witty and loveable performance as Spike, the wacky Welsh lodger. The film is about a nice and romantic guy, William Thacker (Grant) whose had his heartbroken too many times before; his luck changes when famous movie star Anna Scott (Roberts), comes into his bookshop and asks him out. William is smitten with her, but he soon discovers that she there's a downside to dating a movie star and she isnt the person she says she is. This film was moving and funny and the script was brilliantly written. There are so many great lines that just instantaneously trigger off your funny bones. I even laugh thinking about this film now; if you're in a bad mood, this film will instantly have you roaring with laughter. This film distances itself from the typical rom-coms with its charm, loveable set of characters, interesting storyline and humour. This film is ideal to see with the other half; this is a rom-com that guys will enjoy too and isnt just strictly for a female audience. My brother is the most macho guy ever and usually hates rom-coms, but he loves this film!