Love
actually works.
I read
through the other reviews of this film on
various
sites...I was immediately struck by the number of
"A" range ratings for this little jewel of a
film from Richard Curtis, who brought us
"Bridget Jones' Diary" and "Notting Hill." I
agreed with so much of what was said regarding
this film, but I simply can't bring myself to
put it in the "A" range. I think I would
consider that 85% of the film works beautifully,
and for me an 85% is a "B" to "B+" film. I jump
this up to a B+ primarily due to its wonderful
spirit, tremendous heart, organized storytelling
and tremendous performances. "Love Actually"
follows the lives of 8 different couples, along
with some other folks, during the time leading
up to Christmas in London, England. These
couples, while not fully fleshed out (and how
could they be in this 129 minute film?) do
provide us with laughter, tears and insight
along the way. Some scenes work better than
others, but all work on some level.
Curtis is rapidly becoming one of my favorite
writers due to his ability to bring laughter &
love & innocence to the screen in such an
entertaining way.
First off...what works?
Emma Thompson...oh my, Emma Thompson. Yes, I
love this woman...I find her stunning, gifted
and simply able to add so much to so little role
after role after role. She does it here again in
a role that could have been so one-dimensional.
Her line delivery, her facial expression...so
poignant and powerful. One can't help but feel
her experience and yet her determination to
remain dignified and present for her children.
Thomas Sangster, in the role of Liam Neeson's
son...what a young find we have here. He also
seems to have brought out an exemplary
performance from Neeson, an actor whom I have
never cared for but is simply tender & hits all
the right notes here. I didn't care for the "get
over it" approach to grief that seemed present
here, but I loved the scenes with Sangster
throughout the film and in the closing moments
as Neeson urges him to follow his heart.
I, for one, loved the aging rock star played by
Bill Nighy. It was a silly sort of add on, and a
uniquely resolved clip BUT Nighy brought such a
nice energy to the role that I couldn't help but
want to see him get his #1 hit.
Hugh Grant was good, but not quite up to his "Notting
Hill" and "Bridget Jones's Diary"
performances....Keira Knightley does well with
limited options and Billy Bob Thornton makes a
nice appearance here along with a fun cameo from
Rowan Atkinson.
"Love Actually" features several other small,
wonderful performances. It made me laugh, made
me cry in a couple places and generally was well
paced. It's a tremendous romantic comedy that
far outshines most American comedies. I
recommend it as a date flick or simply for those
of us who need a reminder that love is actually
all around us.
©
Written by Richard
Propes
TC Candler's Comment
N/A
Jacob
Hall's Comment
N/A
