Rating: 
Summary: Lovers' leap
Review: What do women want? An old-fashioned gentleman, says this time-tripping romantic fantasy, and obligingly supplies tense, disillusioned marketing executive Kate McKay (Meg Ryan) with the most old-fashioned gentleman imaginable: Direct from the year 1876, Leopold (the stunningly handsome Hugh Jackman), the Third Duke of Albany. Okay, it's creepy that Leopold's great grandson is Kate's former boyfriend of four years, scientist Stuart Besser (Liev Schreiber), who's discovered a rip in the fabric of time and hauled his own ancestor back to the future. But since Kate doesn't actually believe this handsome hunk of a well-mannered man is from the past, it never really becomes an issue. Of course, if he's not from the past, then why is he parading around Soho in britches and an embroidered frock coat, insisting he's a 19th-century aristocrat? He must be a loon! But Kate's dated cads, schmucks and losers - she's willing to cut Leopold some slack on the basis of all-around dreaminess. And so, in the tradition of TIME AFTER TIME (1979) and SOMEWHERE IN TIME (1980), true love conquers a tempestuous century's worth of cultural differences. Leopold, a forward thinker in his own day, adjusts surprisingly well to the 21st century - after the predictable trouble with toasters, telephones and the notion that lady cops have the authority to tell a gentleman he must clean up dog excrement. And the female-in-uniform part is the least of it: Leopold may hail from a time when most men liked their ladies decorative and silly, but he admires a professional woman - he once courted a librarian! Capable Kate, who thinks she's through with fantasies of perfect love, discovers the seductive allure of a man who's willing and able to unhitch a Central Park carriage horse and gallop after a purse snatcher on her behalf. He even helps her out at work and advises her goofy brother (Breckin Meyer) on the proper way to impress girls. The bad news: Leopold must eventually return to 1876, or risk permanently disrupting the proper sequence of history. Originally developed for Sandra Bullock, this soft-centered bonbon gets off to a maladroit start, struggling awkwardly to find its tone. But once it settles down, it becomes a star-making vehicle for Jackman, and a supremely polished example of the sort of swoony love story cherished by women who secretly hope that some day their prince will come. Filmmaker James Mangold appears in a cameo as a director whose movie is being test-marketed to death by Kate's company. Note: This movie was trimmed slightly after it was screened for short-lead critics, a highly unusual move so close to a picture's release date. Mangold's cameo was deleted, as were a brief shot of Kate in a 19th-century party sequence and all references to the fact that Stuart and Leopold are related.
Rating:
Summary: Hugh is fab...Meg is drab...
Review: All I have to say about "Kate and Leopold" is that it is a sweet, romantic movie that undoubtedly falls under the category of "Chick Flick". Hugh Jackman's preformance as a 19th century English duke is almost the only thing that makes this movie worth watching. He's handsome, charming, and courteous...everything a woman ever wants in a man. Meg Ryan, however, was grievously mis-cast in her role as modern-day career woman. There wasn't much chemistry between her and Hugh and you can tell she wasn't quite feeling it. But still, the movie isn't a COMPLETE loss. The idea of Hugh Jackman as this gorgeous, perfectly chivalrous duke sweeping you off your feet is enough to merit watching it. The costumes are brilliant and the sets are beautiful. The script was also nicely written, must give props to the filmmakers for that. Overall...the movie has a sweet feel to it and when it's over...it'll make you wish you had someone like Hugh to cuddle up with!
Rating:
Summary: 2 start theatrical release 4 star director's cut
Review: This is not my kind of movie. While I have seen an occasional good chick flick I would not choose them, normally too sappy and light. I saw this at the theater ( under protest ) and it was sappy and light, filled with plot holes, but mildly amusing. Don't ask me why I bothered to watch the directors cut on the DVD, I don't know, but I am glad I did. This is almost a completely different film. Many of the inconsistencies of character motivation are cleared up, the characters actually deveolop in signifigent ways, and it contines a bit more of the messiness that accompanies real relationships, even if doing so in a fantasy premise.
For example, in the theatrical release there is no reason for the motivations of Meg's ex. He is fixated on this guy, then fixated on Meg being with him. In the theatrical release the only motivation I could ascribe to him was to get rid of the pain in the butt ex-girl freind by hooking her up with someone else and sending her away. In the directors cut issues of fate, the resiliance of the tapestry of time (if one were to interfear directly in their personal history they would already be a product of that interfearence), and a very very attenuated incest theme that probably is what led to this being cut. In addiiton, Meg Ryan's character is much more fully realized, rather than a wounded woman on the rebound, she is a deeply cynical, perhaps deeply wounded, woman who reacts to the civility of charm of Jackmon not just as a " I found someone " type, but as one who is awakening to the fact that there are good people, idealism and integrity are not lies, and thus sheds her armour of cynasism.
The addition of these things create drama in what was otherwise poor fluff ( but I must complement all the actors. )
The most interesting scean, however, was one in which Meg, playing a marketing expert, tells a director that main character in the movie they are screening is unlikeable etc, and she points out that they are killing cinema. I notice several reviews note this as hypocracy. Maybe, I don't know what was in the directors head when he filmed that scean. However, it also could have been a brilliant backhand slap at the fools that released the theatrical cut, surely based on such focus groups rather than doing it as the director wanted. They got what they deserved and he has his little laugh. He clearly demonstrated his point, not by makeing a great film, but makeing one what was solid, interesting and enjoyable that they turned in to schlock.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful, heartwarming movie!
Review: My husband and I both loved this movie! The characters are all wonderful and, although I have always enjoyed "Somewhere In Time", the added dimensions of humor and excitement in "Kate and Leopold" make this movie, for me, much, much more enjoyable! Bottom line: It's a terriffic romantic comedy. It'll make you laugh, gasp, wish, and hope. Kudos!
Rating: 
Summary: "Kate & Leopold" provides enjoyable light entertainment
Review: This is a light-hearted romantic comedy that is entertaining if you don't take it too seriously, especially considering the blatant omissions of time travel details. Hugh Jackman is superb as the fish-out-of-water Duke of Albany who finds himself accidentally in modern-day New York. Jackman demonstrates great depth and range of emotions, and his exceptional acting truly deserves a better movie than this. Meg Ryan's character is actually quite unlikeable - I couldn't figure out why Leopold liked her in the first place - and her awful shaggy haircut is very distracting. Fortunately, the interesting plot, strong acting by Jackman, and comedic talents of Liev Schreiber and Brecken Meyer save this movie from being an otherwise patchy love story and elevate it from being only mildly entertaining to being an enjoyable piece of fantasy.
Rating:
Summary: Patchy
Review: To put it simply, this is a love version of "Back to the Future". Instead of concentrating upon the technicality of bringing people from the past to the future, and vice versa, this movie devoids of the time travel sequence completely. Perhaps, this would save cost upon the special effects. Hugh & Meg are likeable characters, and it's hard not to vouch for them to fall in love with one another. In some ways, this movie is kind of ironic when Meg's character is a researcher, getting feedbacks from the general public to produce movies, ads that the mass public would accept. This movie is no different from that, stick to the premise of the Prince sweeping the Princess off her feet and living happily ever after. The gags about Hugh's character getting used to the contemporary setting is funny but forceful. I'm sure that after a while, it wears thin. This is not really a bad movie, but it's simply too well-rehearsed and too predictable. Sting music is worth mentioning too. Recommended for a rainy day.
Rating: 
Summary: Marvelous!
Review: "Kate and Leopold" is a marvelous and whimsical romantic comedy blessed with an ensemble of gifted actors who demonstrate a great flair for sophisticated, light comedy. The story concerns Leopold, Duke of Albany (winningly portrayed by Hugh Jackman) who is transported from the 19th century into the 21st century via a "portal in time" discovered by Kate's ex-boyfriend, Stuart (neatly played by Liev Schreiber). Kate McKay (played by Meg Ryan) is a smart, industrious advertising analyst whose career is on the upswing while her love life takes a dive since breaking up with Stuart. But her personal life gets a boost when Stuart introduces Leopold to Kate, although it is not love at first sight for Kate. Kate initially believes that Leopold is a nutcase since he insists that he really is a 19th century Duke. But Leopold's gallantry and earnestness eventually soften the cynical Kate's heart. Love and complications ensue. Hugh Jackman is pitch perfect as the Duke. Jackman wears nobility effortlessly. And Meg Ryan is appealing and convincing as a career woman who discovers that there is more to life than work alone. I must comment on some of the negative remarks made about Meg Ryan by some reviewers here. While I respect those reviewers' opinions, I wholeheartedly disagree with their displeasure over Miss Ryan. Meg Ryan is a gifted actress who makes comedy look easy (and it isn't). And she has a pretty face which sometimes produces a goofy, endearing smile. Meg Ryan cannot help the fact that she is cute, even adorable at times. It is also not her fault that she has a girlishly youthful demeanor. Because beneath her lightheartedness, Miss Ryan is able to convey through her expressive eyes a world-weariness and wisdom gained from life's sometimes harsh experiences. To me, she is totally convincing as an intelligent, ambitious modern woman trying to balance a burgeoning career with a decent social life. "Kate and Leopold" is worthwhile because its characters are so likeable and identifiable. Their longing for love and acceptance is universal. This movie is a witty and insightful homage to longings fulfilled.
Rating: 
Summary: 2 stars is generous
Review: I think 2 stars is generous here. As dumb romantic comedies go, this one was really really dumb. While I love romantic comedies in general, and often quite like these 'time traveling' films, I don't think they could have come up with a more stupid idea than jumping off a certain spot on a bridge to go back in time. Come on! If that wasn't bad enough, they have Meg Ryan's character falling in love with the 19th century guy (Hey, I'm not giving anything away, this was all in the commercials for the film) just because he opens doors for her. Give me a break. For a good romantic comedy, see:
WHEN HARRY MET SALLY
ANNIE HALL
HOLIDAY (Katherine Hepburn/Cary Grant)
SABRINA (the original w/ Audrey Hepburn)
TO CATCH A THIEF
THE APARTMENT... or... for a time-traveling comedy:
BACK TO THE FUTURE
PEGGY SUE GOT MARRIED
Rating:
Summary: YOU MUST SEE this GREAT movie!
Review: Yes, you must see this movie if you're a fan of romantic, timetravel or funny movies. I, fortunately, love all of those, as long as they are made well. This one IS, and that goes for all elements mentioned.
Of course, it is MY opinion. That's why you should see it. Chances are that you'll agree with me after seeing it. It would be terrible not seeing it after reading one of the one-star ratings. Well, indeed, Meg Ryan gets older. We all do. This makes this movie absolutely not less good! Up to now 'Time after Time' 'Somewhere in Time' and 'Heaven can Wait' were my TOP movies. Now, finally, I'm happy to add 'Kate & Leopold' to my list :) Sander Kiesel - NL
Rating:
Summary: ...AND THE WINNER IS...HUGH JACKMAN!
Review: Hands down, this romantic comedy is a Hugh Jackman vehicle, as he totally steals the show from Meg Ryan. Jackman plays the role of the Duke of Albany, Leopold Mountbatten, an English nobleman visiting his uncle in New York in 1876. At his uncle's behest, Leopold is to find a rich socialite to marry, so that he may replenish the family's depleted coffers. While at a ball in his uncle's New York house, awash with rich and eager heiresses, he notices a stranger who had earlier caught his attention. He follows the stranger and finds himself in the year 2001, as he falls through a portal in time. Landing in the apartment of Stuart Besser (Liev Schreiber), the stranger whom he had followed, he soon meets Kate McKay (Meg Ryan), Stuart's former girlfriend of four years and a modern day everywoman. Let the games begin. What follows is nothing earth shattering. In fact, it is pretty predictable. Leopold and Kate fall in love, though the big question is why, as there is nothing to suggest why they should. Meg Ryan does her usual Meg Ryan thing, though she is starting to get a bit little long in the tooth to be playing the brash, cutesy ingenue. She is, in fact, getting to be quite tiresome in these sorts of roles, as she plays them all exactly the same, making them virtually indistinguishable one from the other. She needs to extend her range, before her adoring public stops adoring her. Jackman, however, does a star turn with his gently effective and ingratiating portrayal of Leopold. He is simply sensational. Charming, handsome, and warm, with a light British accent that rings true, he is totally believable as a chivalrous gent from another time. Jackman totally upstages Ryan without meaning to do so. It is a good thing that he does. Were he not to have done so, the film would most likely have totally tanked. Clearly, Hugh Jackman is big time, leading man material. Liev Schreiber is unappealing as the film's erstwhile time traveler and Kate's ex-lover, Stuart Besser, who, it turns out, is the great, great grandson of the Duke. Moreover, it is not believable that Stuart and Kate would ever have dated, much less have been lovers for four years, as there is no chemistry between them. Still, it is more believable than the relationship which blossoms between Leopold and Kate. The happy ending also makes Stuart's and Kate's former relationship somewhat distasteful, if not downright incestuous, in retrospect.
The rest of the supporting cast is fine with an excellent performance by Breckin Meyer in the role of Charlie McKay, Kate's somewhat goofy, but lovable, cute, younger brother. Bradley Whitford of West Wing fame also gives a winning performance as J.J. Camden, Kate's smarmy boss, who ultimately has second thoughts about what constitutes professional behavior and lets the cream rise to the top, so to speak. All in all, this is a moderately entertaining film, all but forgettable, but for the memorable performance of Hugh Jackman.
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