Le come back

From the moment the movie started it was apparent that it was going to be cute. The opening sequence is a hoot and must have been incredibly fun for Hugh Grant. I, as well as the most of the audience started laughing as soon as the movie came on. First time watching a movie that I didn't even notice the opening credits. I really liked the chemistry between Grant and Barrymore. They played well against each other. I could do without the woman from Third Rock From the Sun. I find that she acts a tad too cartoonish in her show/films and this one is no exception. Nice to see Brad Garrett in a straight role. I love the fact that actors and actresses are doing their own singing. I like movies that don't stop at the end of the movie, but have fun things to watch during the closing credits. I suggest you stay for them.

There are already 222 reviews of this movie, so the chances of anyone ever reading this are slim. However, I'm a sucker for a longshot. (so if you read this review, please give it a thumbs up or a thumbs down...I'm curious to know if anyone will ever read this, buried under more than 200 other reviews)

When a friend suggested we rent this movie, my initial reaction was, "NO!! It's a chick flick. And besides, it's got Hugh Grant in it. Those are two really big strikes against it." However, and remember my fondness for longshots, the movie also casts Drew Barrymore in the other lead role. I couldn't resist.

To my complete surprise, both actors were excellent, and Hugh Grant doesn't have a bad singing voice. To be honest, if he and Drew Barrymore wanted to record an album of pop songs, I think it could do quite well. Her strength is that she is perky and funny, and that compensates for lack of trained vocal talent. Sometimes you DON'T want to hear Barbra Streisand.

Here's the quickie plot summary: Hugh Grant was in a popular band of the 1980s, and now he's reduced to playing for embarrassing venues like shopping malls, amusement parks, and High School reunions. When a Britney Spears-type singer wants him to write her new single, his life changes completely, but only due to Drew Barrymore's help.

I now judge movies in part by how my European friends would react to them. I have to admit that some American movies are a little corny, but this movie passed the test with flying colors. A friend from Slovakia not only loved the movie, he insisted on watching the trailers and special scenes.... twice! It was a welcome relief to actually be proud of a Hollywood movie.

I now have new-found respect for Hugh Grant, and my admiration for Drew Barrymore is higher than ever. She sure has a lot of talent for playing someone with pluck and a little bit of endearing wackiness.

Love the film. But, it has one scene (breakfast) which must have been filmed when the continuity person was terminated and before the new person was hired.

Watch the scene. It was shot at least three times (possibly four) and cut together. Watch the plates, glasses, hands, sitting forward or sitting back, etc. All of this is screen center and by the primaries, not atmosphere. Seriously funny to watch. The largest number of continuity errors I have ever seen in a single scene.

Other than that, the overall film is a fun watch.

Oh, and don't stop watching... the story continues through the credit roll.

I'll admit it, I love this film! OK, the plot line is thinner than paint stripper, the lines more mildly amusing than witty, and the acting isn't going to win any Oscars, BUT...

it's one of those movies that just makes you feel good.

Right from the hilarious opening, showing Hugh's make-believe band "Pop" in their "MTV/VH1" hit video "Pop Goes My Heart", you can't help but smile. Obviously it is especially amusing for those of us who lived through the pop excesses of the 80s, but I have to say the teens in the audience seemed to enjoy it too.

All the songs are pure cheese (and incredibly infectious), which coupled with some amusing lines, a very lovable Hugh Grant, a very cute Drew Barrymore, and fabulous supporting roles from Kristen Johnston and Aasif Mandvi make this movie a great romantic comedy for those of us who actually enjoy a "bit of fluff".

This is a nice rom com as lighthearted as mesmerizing. First, we feel an alchemy between the two main protagonists, Alex Fletcher and Sophie Fisher, even if these two people seem diametrically opposed, at first glance. This is not a love at first sight, but we see them taming to each other, as the fox and the little prince written by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry in 1943. Then, I like this constant self-mockery about the cheesy band called Pop, the introduction and last scenes, and the manifold hilarious references of the Battle of the 80's Has-Beens. Finally, the dialogues are excellent with a permanent British humour. Oops... I've almost forgotten: the cast is globally excellent, especially Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore.