Love Actually

Starring: Hugh Grant, Laura Linney, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, Alan Rickman, Billy Bob Thornton, Rowan Atkinson, Elisha Cuthbert, Shannon Elizabeth (cameo)
Directed by: Richard Curtis
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy, Romance
2003

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Love is to be found everywhere, including a widower (Liam Neeson), the Prime Minister of England (Hugh Grant), and a mother (Emma Thompson) and her possibly cheating husband (Alan Rickman). Each character finds love in their own way.

Review:

Tim: I might have been prematurely set up for disappointment in this film after one of my friends heralded it as "the greatest romantic comedy of all time." With those lofty expectations, any film will fail to some degree. I tried not to think about that as I watched, however, and feel confident I made an unbiased review of this film.

I found it fascinating to watch characters from all walks of life all vying for love. Love Actually has a seemingly endless number of characters, each with their storyline. It was very interesting to watch. However, this also caused the movie's biggest problem- there were simply too many storylines and not enough attention is given to any single one. I do understand very well, in fact, that to a large extent, this movie is about love everywhere and each little story is supposed to blend together to show the whole big image of love being found everywhere you look. However, realizing that fact does not help us viewers when we desperately wonder if Laura Linney will in fact jook up with her potential love, or if Emma Thompson will decide to stay with Alan Rickman.

Other than that, Love Actually boasts a truly memorable ensemble cast. Each actor gives an excellent performance. It is difficult to pick one out to highlight, because each of them are instrumental to the movie. The film also has some incredible cameos, most notably Billy Bob Thornton as the President of the United States.

The highlight of the movie for me (and remember, I can be strange sometimes) is Laura Linney's "I'll be right back" happy dance, as well as Hugh Grant as the Prime Minister telling Billy Bob Thornton as the U.S. that Great Britain will not be bullied. Watch for these scenes, because they are great.

In the end, Love Actually offers an interesting take on romantic comedies, but offers too many storylines and many of the great actors get lost in the endless shuffle between them. The film is definitely worth seeing, however.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 6.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Bridget Jones' Diary, Notting Hill, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Bend it Like Beckham, Die Hard