Review of The Holiday (2006) by Michael Y — 16 Mar 2011

I don't know what everyone's problem is with this movie. It's doesn't just have a star studded cast, but the story splits into two stories. That's two romantic comedies for the price of one, people!

2 woman who do not know eachother, one from L.A. and another from England, both with their own personal dilemmas with men and relationships, swap houses for the Christmas holiday. (and I checked, apparently this is a real thing, despite how crazy it sounds to me) Now that both woman are vacated from their own lives they are able to grow personally, and even find love. (which they were trying not to do in the first place) As seperate movies, they're both quite charming, but as one movie, The Holiday becomes even better. It's a romantic comedy that's all romance and comedy. The drama isn't huge, but to me, that's a big possitive. The two stories are cute, not amazingly original, but what really sells this movie are the actors. Kate Winslet (one of my favs) is absolutely adorable, Cameron Diaz plays a strong role in complicated situations, Jude Law is always handsome and Jack Black, JACK BLACK, his role is more suttle than his other roles, but he makes it suites him wonderfully. The stories might not be big, but the writing really is one of a kind. Much better than in your regular rom-com.

The whole movie's position lies so much on how perfect the new houses and lives are for the 2 women. And this movie certainly hits the spot. Opposite living conditions, one being a huge house on Hollywood, the other a small little thing in the countryside, but both are just breathtaking and beautiful. Not only are these great shooting locations, but the details and prop ideas in the house just makes the movie so romantic. Various different lighting in various different settings is achieved with great fashion. And of coarse Hanz Zimmer and his brilliant sence of music composes yet another great score that sets the mood perfectly.

No one can possible enjoy sickeningly sweet and girly romantic comedies on as many levels as I do. The Holiday hits that part of me right on the bullseye. Not only does this movie have an irresistable and talented cast, but the dialogue isn't as bad as one would expect. The Holiday is a respectable and heartwarming rom-com that I love to watch.