Kate et Léopold

Kate and Leopold is a diverse little romantic movie about a Duke (Hugh Jackman) from the 19th century, and modern day wanderers, including a love-depressed Kate, (Meg Ryan), her ex-boyfriend, Stuart, (Liev Shrieber), and her brother, Charlie, (Breken Meyer). Jackman and Ryan are two star-crossed people searching for love, and all's they get is a little push from the people around them, and a little thing called a time portal. This movie is refreshing, with a new type of concept, and all of the writing and acting was wonderfully done! 8.5 out of 10.

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.

"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.

For those whose comments show a serious lack of humour, get a life! Why find picky details to criticise when this movie is here to enjoy! Those not hung up with identifying finer points of historical inaccuracy, go ahead and enjoy the movie. It is a comedy, not a PhD thesis. A good 2 hours of fun (but I must admit Meg Ryan's hair is a bit scruffy)