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Notting Hill (Collector's Edition)

Notting Hill (Collector's Edition)

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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Romantic
Review: I am a Julia Roberts fan, but not particularly a Hugh Grant fan. In this film, he is totally charming and sweet, very similar to his character in "Four Weddings and a Funeral". Julia Roberts carries herself with ease in a role that I am sure is very similar to her own life. The supporting cast of characters was stupendous - they're rough and tumble, yet totally loveable. I recommend you see this film, just make sure you have someone to cuddle up with!

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Are You Sure It's Not NODDING Hill?
Review: This movie was B-O-R-I-N-G! Sure the movie was sweet(I guess) and it gets you thinking (kind of), but it was a million paces too slow and I would generalize it as weird in an "oh, come on..." kind of way. But hey, if your into semi-romantic, unrealistic movies and enjoy looking forward to the end...go for it!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Rule Britannia
Review: For me, the best thing about NOTTING HILL is the way in which it argues the other side of the point begun in FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL. Though that film, essentially made by the same people, ultimately condemns the so-called "British reserve", NOTTING HILL shows the charming upside of understatement and indirectness.

In many ways, the plot of the movie is secondary to its dialogue on friendship. It's utterly absorbing seeing the way in which the characters communicate with each other about truly tragic events without losing their sense of humor. NOTTING HILL is, perhaps, the clearest, least patronizing filmic expression of the difference between British and American conversational styles captured in a major motion picture. If you're a non-native English speaker trying to gain real conversational fluency, I highly recommend this film to understand basic British linguistic etiquette.

I also recommend the film to anyone looking for a lighthearted good time. It's a film at least of the calibre of YOU'VE GOT MAIL or SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE, but with a more ensemble feel. Clearly, Grant and Roberts are given well-dimensioned roles, and they both play them with a combination of relish and reserve. But what sets NOTTING HILL apart from other romances is that the supporting characters have true scope as well. There are fascinating things going on in the background that never make it to the trailer. NOTTING HILL says what we know to be true in real life, but that which movies often forget: we discover someone at least as much through their friends as we do through them alone.

And this is the major difference between this and writer Richard Curtis' other collaboration with Hugh Grant, FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL. Basically, the two films have the same plot. A British bachelor's collection of friends help him decide how best to approach a mysterious American woman who has, quite by accident, dropped into his life. The difference is in the qualities of the American women. WEDDINGS' Andie MacDowell played little more than a muse to Hugh Grant's paralyzing British reserve, trying to get him to find a more direct way of communicating. She's not that curious or involved in the lives of his friends, and seems more of a mentor than lover. In NOTTING HILL, by contrast, Julia Roberts is very much attracted to Grant as he is. We see her fall in love with him as she (and we) get to know his circle of friends. Consequently, the "Britishness" that was rejected, or at best deemed "sweet", in WEDDINGS is positively celebrated in NOTTING HILL.

[DVD NOTES: This is an amazing Collector's Edition which truly uses the medium to best effect. I really enjoyed the commentary, and the fact that it included writer Richard Curtis, most famous for his authoring of the BLACK ADDER and THIN BLUE LINE television series. It's one of the few examples of a writer being included on a commentary track, and shows just how important the script was to this production. I also enjoyed the deleted scenes, and the unique inclusion of information about the real Notting Hill itself.]

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: THe BEST romantic comedy around!
Review: I really love this movie. I have watched it at the movie theatre but I love it so much that I went to buy movie.

The story is so romantic. Besides that, there is humour throughout the show. The dialodue is witty enough to make anyone roar with laughter. Julia Roberts played the role of a big shot movie goddess (Anna Scott) and Hugh Grant played the role of a small travel bookstore owner (William Thacker). Both of them met when Anna stepped into Wialliam's bookstore. He could not believe that Anna Scott was actually in his small bookstore, browsing. They met another time when William bumped into her with a cup of coffee (I think?). He then invited her to his house to change. Anna accepted the offer even though she was still a bit suspicious of him. The story progresses faster after this.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: The readers of Horse and Hound would be so proud
Review: Who said they didn't make 'em like this any more? It's curious that someone with the satirical genius of screenwriter Richard Curtis, who has brought us such bitingly mean and brilliant English staples like Black Adder should have such a gift for charming romantic comedy. Following up on his Four Weddings and a Funeral success, he goes 2 for 2 with Notting Hill, the story of two people falling in love, Hugh Grant, just an ordinary guy, and Julia Roberts basically playing herself but with admirable restraint and vulnerability.

We are surrounded by the traditionally colorful supporting cast, similar to "Weddings..", with special mention going to the delightfully ignorant Bernie, played by Hugh Bonneville, and Spike (Rhys Ifans), colorfully stealing scenes with personal-hygienically challenged eccentricity.

It's well acted, Grant is likeable and self-depreciating as always, Roberts gives her best performance in a comedy since Pretty Woman and the plot is surprisingly plausible given the premise. Highly recommended.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Romantic! Humorous! Superb!
Review: Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant at their best! This is more than your usual "boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy wins girl back" formula movie. An excellent script and tight writing show us lovers from two different worlds weaving their way to each other through a maze of difficulties, mis- perceptions, and mis-understandings. You may find yourself alternately laughing and crying. The actors sparkle. The dialogue is crisp. Set in England. It is superb entertainment.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Fun but not spectacular
Review: I gave this movie 3 stars, being my rating for a film that I liked while watching, but have little desire to see again. I would recommend renting it but not buying it (sorry Amazon!). There are some good laughs, and many more smiles. Unfortunately, you know what's going to happen throughout the entire movie, so there's little excitement. And there's one too many obstacles in between the lovers-to-be. It simply goes on a little too long.

On the whole the acting is very good. I especially liked Alec Baldwin and Gina McKee in supporting roles, and Hugh Grant in the lead. Julia Roberts was dissappointing, especially since this is the kind of part she plays so well (the type of person you love half the time but don't like the other half, a la My Best Friend's Wedding). Her performance was flat for the most part, when what the script wanted was reserved. It's a fine line, but she doesn't quite get on the right side.

The DVD has a number of interesting bits. The cut scenes were interesting - for the most part the movie was better off without them, except the dinner at with William's parents, which would have been a fine addition. The director's commentary (with the writer and producer) was informative and interesting. The travel guide to Notting Hill is also ideal for those that want to see the locations. And the "Movie Tips" with Hugh Grant was very entertaining. A good set of extras.

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: 4 weddings warmed over
Review: I just sat down and watched Notting Hill again to try and see what I missed the first time. Result: Nothing. It is a warmed over (well slightly overdone) Four Weddings and a Funeral. However the latter film had better writing and casting. I am not a huge fan of Julia Roberts anyway, but the sister in Notting Hill was a feable attemt as was the "Bernard" Character. The only asset Notting has over 4 weddings is the soundtrack. That was a greatly missed opportunity.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Charming,lite romantic comedy
Review: I was hesitant to see this film at the theater.I enjoy Hugh Grant but never cared much for Julia Roberts.Well,being a DVD and home theater nut,I decided to check this out..PLEASENTLY SURPRISED! ..First Hugh Grant is just fantastic.In a way,his character can be discribed as the thinking mans Mathew Perry.Actually,their humor derives from similar delivery of lines..This is a delightful tale of the ever so polite,but aloof, British male,winning over the, seen to many shallow male actor movie star..Julia pretty much plays herself,with both touching honesty and charm..Tired of the world that incorporates her hollywood life,on a trip to England she finds herself drawn to Grants simple yet honest and gentle sincerity...Along the way,the typical trials and tribulations that would surely plague such a relationship appear..Yet,this movie demonstrates that regardless of our superficial world around us,something as age-old as love can lead to true inner happiness...A great British supporting cast make up this movie,and the scence stealing Spike is hilarious...Guys,this is not just a chick flick! Give it a shot with that special someone and you both will be the better off for it..!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Julia Roberts is awesome!
Review: Notting Hill was the best romantic comedy that I have ever seen! It had the perfect combination of romance and laughter. Hugh Grant's roommate, Spike left me in complete stitches. Absolutely fab!

Even though I am a huge Julia Roberts fan, I would have enjoyed the movie if it starred another actress-just as long as it wasn't that skinny and quite plain Renee Zellweger. If you love romantic comedies---Notting Hill is a must!


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