Notting Hill [M]

William Thacker is the owner of a bookshop in Notting Hill in the heart of London. Anna Scott is one of the world’s most famous actresses. One day, by a miraculous one-in-a-million chance, Anna comes into William’s shop and William watches in amazement as she buys a book, leaves, and he thinks he’ll never see her again. But as fate would have it, the two bump into each other again on Portobello Road, and so begins a romance that takes both romantic leads on a surreal but nice journey. 

I love the work of Richard Curtis, from Four Weddings and a Funeral to Love Actually to The Boat That Rocked, and Notting Hill is one of those oft-mentioned romantic comedies that never seems to tire. Having now finally sat down and watched it, I have to admit that although it’s not without its warmth and charm, it really was nothing all that rave. 

William Thacker is the owner of a bookshop in Notting Hill in the heart of London. Anna Scott is one of the world’s most famous actresses. One day, by a miraculous one-in-a-million chance, Anna comes into William’s shop and William watches in amazement as she buys a book, leaves, and then he thinks he’ll never see her again. But as fate would have it, the two bump into each other again on Portobello Road, and so begins a romance that takes both romantic leads on a surreal but nice journey of the heart. 

I cannot deny that the story was lovely. It was charming, and nice, and a fine little tale of love, but ultimately I felt that it could only be pushed so far. The film does belong to the dialogue, rather like Four Weddings and a Funeral, but unlike the aforementioned film, there is no real sense of passion or love. Not even a sweeping romantic gesture or kiss at the end. At least Four Weddings has that wonderful kiss in the rain. That was hugely romantic. But this film, nothing but camera flashes that give you a headache. 

Hugh Grant is back playing the reserved and awkward role of a man who has had bad experiences with love and does not really know how to go about the entire thing, and fair play, he does the part well. 

Julia Roberts is Anna and I will say that she was rather radiant. I would imagine that it could actually be rather tricky playing a character that could so easily be related to. So, fair play Julia. 

Also starring Rhys Ifans (who was hysterical), Dylan Moran, Emma Chambers, James Dreyfus, John Shrapnel, Tim McInnerny, Gina McKee, Hugh Bonneville, and a young Mischa Barton, Notting Hill was a charming little film that was filled with comedy, romance, and the occasional bit of drama. I will say that it is definitely worth watching as it does afford some laughs and some moments of contented sighing, but ultimately I believe that Curtis has done some much cleverer things.