Kate & Leopold

No denying the fact that hugh jackman makes this movie. He is charming, gallant, and everything a 19th century duke should be and more. His character Leopold has the perfect "fish out of water" charm and curiosity without being repetitive or annoying . While I usually like Meg Ryan, her character Kate is quite bland and lacks depth. The Kate/Leopold romance feels forced there's no real chemistry. But overall it's different, fun, and at least worth one watch.

I usually don't watch romantic comedies for the simple reason they are predictable. But I watch everything Hugh Jackman...

I've seen 'Kate & Leopold' a few times now and enjoy it every time. Yes, it is predictable, but it is really funny. Hugh Jackman is just so incredibly charming that he can be as credible in a romantic comedy as he is in a fantasy action movie. Jackman stars as the titular Leopold, a Duke from 1876, who is accidentally transported to present time New York through a porthole. The person to blame for this mishap, is Stuart (Liev Schreiber), who discovered the porthole.

Stuart is Kate (Meg Ryans)'s ex-boyfriend, and they still live in the same apartment building. I enjoyed the fact Kate and Leopold didn't fall in love straight away. For once Hollywood got it right. This is a film about romance (and not lust!), where two people fall in love over a period of time thanks to moments they share together. This was far more realistic than so many of the romantic comedies out there.

'Kate & Leopold' is also a wonderful illustration of how customs have changed; costumes, speech, traditions, etc. I liked the characters and the set-up of each character. The character development was also very good. The film's visual effects - especially back in 1876 - are good. Yes, the ending is predictable and cheesy, but it is oh-so-wonderful. I really do enjoy everything about 'Kate & Leopold'.

"Kate & Leopold" is not a top quality film, but has some seriously funny and entertaining moments. Most of those were delivered from Breckin Meyer, who plays Kate's brother. For example, the part when he keeps talking in the background and nobody is listening to him. I also enjoyed when he said "we have a saying in our household 'shake and bake the chicken'" or something of that sort.

The best part of this movie by far is Hugh Jackman. Not only is he devastatingly dashing and handsome, but his performance shows off his acting chops quite well. However, he and Meg Ryan had little on screen chemistry.

If you like silly romantic comedies, or if you just like Hugh Jackman, I would advise you to check out this film. You also shouldn't expect much plot wise. The script lacks continuity and has a few plot holes and many inconceivable ideas (well, so do most films, but others do a better job of making you believe it).

**1/2

If you can accept the totally ridiculous premise of KATE AND LEOPOLD and enjoy romantic fantasies of this sort, you'll find yourself drawn into the plot because of the very charismatic HUGH JACKMAN. He is the main reason for watching and carries the film on his sturdy shoulders, so adept is he at being a "knight in shining armor".

As for MEG RYAN, she is giving her usual Meg Ryan schtick--a sort of slightly brighter version of Goldie Hawn--but here it doesn't matter because Jackman manages to steal every scene he's in. BRECKIN MEYER is excellent as her boorish brother who learns a few things from his 18th Century friend about manners and etiquette. But it's the time travel aspect of the story that is its weakest link.

Highly recommended as a romantic comedy that owes much of its charm to the performance of its leading man--an actor of remarkable skill whose hunky presence dominates much of the movie.

It's the sort of romantic fluff that would have starred JEAN ARTHUR and GARY COOPER had it been made in the '30s. The New York location photography is excellent.

This movie wouldn't really be anything to write home about. You could call it science fiction because it's about time travel, but any serious science fiction buff would know better. But, there's something absolutely extraordinary about this movie that has me watching it again and again. I wasn't a big Hugh Jackman fan when I watched this movie. I suppose I'm still not. I'm too old for that kind of thing, but the character Leopold has a stillness, a quality of listening and putting other people (man or woman) first. He demonstrates an etiquette that is not at all stiff, that is less about precise forms and rules than about a genuine care for other people. I go back and watch Kate and Leopold when I wish I knew somebody who cared that much for me.