Notting Hill

Starring: Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant
Director: Roger Michell
Genre: Comedy
Year: 1999
Rating: 4 / 5

The phrase "chick flick" has existed in modern lexicon for some time now, and it is drudged out time and again in the cinematic world. Reviewers know that women will swarm to such films, while men everywhere cringe at the mere thought. Their testosterone-clouded memories hark back to the days of Thelma & Louise and When Harry Met Sally, and they are overwhelmed with a sense of pending dread. Understandably, I was shaken to the core when I heard the phrase bandied about in reference to Notting Hill, Roger Michell’s romantic comedy starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. Upon first catching glimpses of this film months prior via previews, I found myself eagerly anticipating its arrival. Imagine my fear when this highly-touted film arrived with the afore-mentioned damning moniker attached to it. I am happy to report, however, that I gave the film a whirl in spite of that fact, and it was definitely worth the price of admission.

It is commonly suggested that Julia Roberts is in the midst of a career resurgence, and that this is merely another illustration of that fact. Personally, I was unaware that such a resurgence had been underway. By my tally, prior to the release of Notting Hill, she had produced one hit in recent years (My Best Friend’s Wedding), amidst a string of flops (Conspiracy Theory, Mary Reilly). That being said, if a career resurrection is what Roberts needed, she may have found it here, as Notting Hill possesses a unique blend of humor that has appeal for both males and females. And while she does shine as movie starlet Anna Scott, it is Hugh Grant that steals the show.

Grant (Four Weddings & a Funeral) is William Thacker, the owner of a small travel book shop in tiny Notting Hill. Business is anything but bustling, so when beautiful Anna Scott strolls mindlessly into the store one day, William cannot help but notice. Instead of being awe-struck be her fame, however, he treats her as he would treat any other guest, which is to say, kindly and with respect. While trying to remain calm and composed, William invariably stumbles over himself numerous times, and it is the clumsiness, along with his frank honesty, which endears him to Anna immediately. As we would assume would be the case when a “goddess” dallies with a “mere mortal,” complications inevitably arise, as their blossoming relationship shifts gears time and again. Will fate allow them to be together? Or will fame and fortune produce a chasm too vast for these two characters to cross?

Hugh Grant impressed me to no end with his dry, sarcastic delivery of countless hilarious lines. His character William is often set opposite outlandish characters, most notably roommate Spike (Rhys Ifans), an offbeat chap who seems to inhabit his own colorful world. Grant excels playing the straight man to these quirky characters, and his stability and easy-going attitude hold the film together. The audience sees in him a regular fellow, trying to find a niche in life for himself. He is not blessed with dashing looks or money, yet he has his priorities straight in life, and his good humor and sincerity shine through at all times. After all, Anna Scott is a movie star at the top, and William Thacker is a lowly shopkeeper. Something must keep her interest, just as something must keep ours. Julia Roberts may bring the audience to the theatres to see Notting Hill, but Hugh Grant will keep them laughing long after the movie’s conclusion.

Cast:

Julia Roberts..........	Anna Scott
Hugh Grant..........	William Thacker
Rhys Ifans..........	Spike
Hugh Bonneville..........	Bernie
Emma Chambers..........	Honey
James Dreyfuss..........	Martin

Certification: Rated PG-13 for language.
Running Time: 123 minutes.

Additional Info: Internet Movie Database
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