How ironic that the girl who doesn’t care much for romantic comedies would actually like what is billed as “the ultimate romantic comedy”. It’s also the ultimate palate cleanser for when you’ve overdosed on a certain horror series.
Now, I know what some of you are thinking. I know you think I only like this because a certain actor is in it, and you’re wrong! All wrong! I mean, sure, that helps…but come on. There’s more to it than that!
It’s the overlapping story of a whole bunch of folks living in London and their various stories involving love set around Christmas time. Cue the “awwww”s right about now. There’s the Prime Minister and his secretary; his sister and her husband; a man who has lost his wife to cancer and his stepson, who is in love; stand-ins on an adult film; a jilted writer and his housekeeper, neither of whom speak each other’s languages; a past-his-prime rock star and his manager; two office workers with problems of their own; a happy couple with a friend who loves the bride thrown into the mix, and so on and so forth. All stories flow in and out of each other surprisingly well. Some are very well done and others are just…so typically Hollywood romantic that I can’t get quite involved in them.
Love Actually has its problems. Like all romantic comedies, at some point I find myself spacing a bit. What makes me like Love Actually is the variety. Even though the idea of 8 million people having their own stories shoved into one movie gets very overloaded very quickly, the variety is really, really nice, especially because I can fast-forward past the ones I don’t care for.
I’ve never pinned down exactly why I don’t like romantic comedies, but I think part of it is that things like this don’t particularly appeal to me as “romantic” or make me sigh, in the slightest.
My version of a romantic comedy would never get made, because it would involve that man (maybe, he could always be recast) holding a copy of Die Hard and Die Hard II and no silly sign. My standards: they are low…I think.
It’s the less syrup-y stuff that gets me. Like Bill Nighy as the aging rocker who insults everyone and everything live – on the radio, on TV, in his videos. Or Emma Thompson, as Alan Rickman’s poor, put-upon wife.
The scene where she realizes Alan Rickman is semi-cheating on her is so god-awfully sad that I don’t even know where to start with it. She gives herself a few minutes and then just soldiers on before getting a chance to confront Rickman’s character.
As far as I’m convinced, this is what I picture in my head when I think of Bill Nighy.
Add in some nice random parts with Rowan Atkinson, who I am always shocked to see in speaking roles, and that is what makes me like Love Actually. It’s the sugar-coated stuff that kind of breaks me down a bit about the movie; if it weren’t for that, Love Actually would be farther up the Great List of Movies That I Love.
For instance:
The whole story involving Hugh Grant as the Prime Minister standing up to the President of the United States for the love of a secretary is just so inhumanely boring to me. I think it’s mainly because I’ve never quite understood the mass appeal of Hugh Grant, who plays Hugh Grant in every movie. It’s worked out quite nicely for him but I just…don’t get it.
Speaking of not getting it…
Colin Firth.
I really don’t get it.
What in God’s name is so heavenly about this man? I mean, he’s pretty ordinary to me, so I don’t get the massive swoon-fests that happen in his name. Plus, he’s like the next coming of Hugh Grant to me, so … meh. The few movies he’s been in that I’ve seen, it seems as though he’s got Hugh Grant Syndrome and he’s just playing himself. Goodness. Plus, I find the ending to his story so predictably “romantic” that I just kind of roll my eyes, move on and hit “fast forward”.
Did you honestly think you’d make it all the way through without at least SOME mention of what is also one of my favorite stories of the movie?
Awww. Neeson’s storyline is decent, with an ending that doesn’t feel like you’re being bashed over the head with true love. And his son is actually kinda adorable.
The movie needs to be trimmed. There’s at least one or two storylines in particular they could’ve thrown out completely. As I understand it, the movie’s heavily trimmed as it is, but it’s LONG — really long, and there’s just so much stuff going on that sometimes it’s hard to not necessarily keep up, but keep up caring about all the different stuff going on.
It’s good…but it could have been significantly better.
I can’t stand this movie. I find it abhorrent and offensive and I died a little knowing you like it. Okay, that’s extreme, but what a piece of shit!!! Sugar coated! You’d become diabetic watching it. It actually stimulates my gag reflex. And to think, this movie made a gazillion dollars, it’s enough to drive one to drink . . . which reminds me, it’s 8:30am. I need a whiskey.
I can’t stand this movie. I find it abhorrent and offensive and I died a little knowing you like it.
Oh my god!
What can I say, we’re all a sucker for some things. I’m sorry I made you die a little.
Sugar coated! You’d become diabetic watching it. It actually stimulates my gag reflex. And to think, this movie made a gazillion dollars, it’s enough to drive one to drink . . . which reminds me, it’s 8:30am. I need a whiskey.
Yeah, it is. But it’s the right thing I needed after all that horror, and the Liam Neeson/Bill Nighy stuff is just the right amount of sugar for me. Plus, I have mad love for Emma Thompson.
I cannot STAND the Colin goes to America storyline though. Makes me want to vomit. I just fast-forward through it.
Kevin, it’s 2:30 a.m. over here (insomnia, yay!) so I’d shove some Jameson’s your way, but I think you’re a bit far for that.
I’m an awful disappointment I know, but I have decent taste in booze and I’m fun at parties! (Kidding, kidding. Except the booze part, I do actually have decent taste in that.)
I’ve never actually seen this. You know what I like, Cait, so you know that’s fucking CONFUZZLING, right? I feel ashamed.
BUT, I un-died a little inside when I saw you liked it. ;)
BUT, I un-died a little inside when I saw you liked it. ;)
You would love it, J.D. – especially because it’s got La Linney in it.
I think it can be chalked up to the fact that there’s a metric ton of Hot Old Men in it, and Bill Nighy is funny, as far as I go.
And I am seriously confuzzled (what a fantabulous word) by the fact that you HAVE not seen it.
STAY AWAY FROM IT! IT’LL BURN YOUR EYES OUT!!
STAY AWAY FROM IT! IT’LL BURN YOUR EYES OUT!!
But…J.D LIKES those kinds of movies! And he LOVES Laura Linney!
Clearly, you have not had any whiskey yet! Dear, me.
Can’t we just all agree that Hugh Grant, and by proxy, Colin Firth, suck?
Ah, you and your “hot old men” thing. <3
I really need to get on it, I know. I’ve never seen Bridget Jone’s Diary either. I generally suck with seeing British romantic comedies, which FRAKKED UP.
And “fantabulous” is such an incrediblousitish word!
And, because I forgot to say it, LAURA LINNEY IS GOD.
Emma Thompson is also a head archangel, btw.
And I’m generally ambivalent toward Hugh Grant. Like, I get why you female people like him, but IDK. I don’t think he sucks, but I don’t think he’s good.
Ah, you and your “hot old men” thing. <3
Yes, yes, yes. I don’t know if it’s a good thing, though.
I’ve never seen Bridget Jone’s Diary either. I generally suck with seeing British romantic comedies, which FRAKKED UP.
Oh god, before Kevin sees this: RUN AND HIDE. Bridget Jones is so not worth it and is god awful. And features both Hugh Grant and Colin Firth. Bridget Jones’ Diary and it’s sequel both make me want to puke blood.
But that’s just my personal opinion. ;)
Like, I get why you female people like him
I don’t get it in the slightest. It looks like a strong wind would break him clean in half and the whole neurotic-Englishman stick is gross.
But he’s so charming! And he fumbles! And Renee Zellweger makes everything worth it!
Okay, I just threw up in my mouth a little.
Also, as long as you’re attracted to guys your OWN age (which I’m pretty sure is old anyways), I guess it’s alright to rob the grave. ;)
Also, as long as you’re attracted to guys your OWN age (which I’m pretty sure is old anyways), I guess it’s alright to rob the grave. ;)
OH, THANKS, I’m only 23, dear! It’s not like I’ve got one foot in the grave or anything!
That being said, I’m not finding retirees attractive, so I suppose it’s quite alright.
23? 23?! Jeez, grandma! *shudders*
:P
I wonder… do you find any guys younger than you (read: 99% of the population) majorly attractive?
I’m way too bitchy this morning, aren’t I?
Bridget Jones is better than Love, Actually . . . but that’s like saying McCain is better than Bush.
I am trying to think of a rom-com I like. I think When Harry Met Sally is about it.
I wonder… do you find any guys younger than you (read: 99% of the population) majorly attractive?
No. Absolutely not. Most of the time, I get insanely squicked if they’re even a year younger than me. I made the mistake of dating a guy a year and a half younger than me once, and it turned out a mess.
Lesson learned.
I’m way too bitchy this morning, aren’t I?
Well, no offense taken, but aren’t you a bit young to be posting this early in the morning? (Kidding, KIDDING. You know I like you well enough, J.D.)
23! Grandma!
You can both go “frak” yourselves. I’m proud to be a whole 27 years. Anyone younger than, I have a thinly veiled disdain for as is, so don’t draw me out or I’ll start talking about the good old days when I saw Terminator 2 in the cinema or Jurassic Park, twice! You pups don’t have a clue.
I think When Harry Met Sally is about it.
Yeah, I can never make it through When Harry Met Sally, so um… yeah.
I like Love Actually. I like Hope Floats mainly because all anyone does is be completely bitchy to Sandra Bullock throughout the entire movie.
That’s…about it.
LMAO. Well, like, I woke up 6 hours ago, so. Weekends are crazy.
“Well enough”? :'(
Anyone younger than, I have a thinly veiled disdain for as is, so don’t draw me out or I’ll start talking about the good old days when I saw Terminator 2 in the cinema or Jurassic Park, twice! You pups don’t have a clue.
HEY! I saw Jurassic Park twice in the movie theater myself – well, once at the drive-in, once in the theater – and my parents wouldn’t let me go see Terminator 2.
And good Lord, 27 is positively YOUNG. If you were 40, then we could be going on and on about how OLD you are.
27 is a fantastic age, poor Kevin. I look forward to the days when I’m 27! As it is, doesn’t matter much – I’m pretty much 23 going on 65.
J.D., I think you know what it means.
Wait until you can no longer say you’re early twenties, or mid-twenties but late twenties. Late twenties are the end of your youth. FOREVER. Then . . . death. Eventually.
Okay, fine, 23 isn’t old whatsoever Cait.
*trying to keep a straight face* ;)
Kevin: Ew, death? That doesn’t sound so hot. I hope you have a flamethrower to keep that bony bastard Death off your trail.
Then . . . death. Eventually.
Well, I believe it was Schopenhauer who said, “You can view life as an unpleasant interruption before a blissful nonexistence,” or something along those lines. So, yay, death!
Kidding.
There are some of us out here who very much prefer people in their thirties and onwards. *cough* So you’re not quite dead yet. Youth isn’t everything! :D
Whiskey.
Whiskey.
Please don’t poison yourself, dear.
(J.D., I think we might have killed Kevin. Oh, no.)
People, GAHHHH. You’re both old only compared to me, and I WISH I WAS OLDER. So.
I need vodka. Caitlin, do you have some?
I need vodka. Caitlin, do you have some?
You’re underage, so…nope. :)
You’ll get there, J.D., trust me. I wished when I was a teen to be drastically older, really fast, and then one day I woke up and realized I was bitching about “kids these days”. It happens sooner than you think.
You’re making it sound like a horror movie.
WAAAAAAHH, I want vodka!!!!! *tantrums*
You’re making it sound like a horror movie.
That’s because it IS. :D
Well, I’m scared.
What is some old people stuff you recommend for when the time of walkers and Medicare and nurses who steal things comes?
What is some old people stuff you recommend for when the time of walkers and Medicare and nurses who steal things comes?
I baked raspberry jam scones this weekend, does that count?
Other than that, crocheting is good. Or perhaps knitting, because then your needles can double as DEADLY WEAPONS. So you can at least be an exciting old person!
The great thing about being older than you both is I lived the good old days and sadly today is not as good as yesterday. When I was a kid, we didn’t have cell phones or internet as mad as that sounds. We had tons more freedom and so much mischief to get involved in. The ’80s were awesome. Just look at our movies, The Breakfast Club, Lost Boys, Ferris Bueller, Adventures in Babysitting, Uncle Buck, The Goonies. I’m sorry kids, but I wouldn’t trade my childhood with anyone elses. So suck it.
That sounds like a good idea. Hmmm…
Let’s talk about Laura Linney now. She’s immortal!
The 80s also had Fanny and Alexander!
So I guess they win.
Just look at our movies, The Breakfast Club, Lost Boys, Ferris Bueller, Adventures in Babysitting, Uncle Buck, The Goonies. I’m sorry kids, but I wouldn’t trade my childhood with anyone elses. So suck it.
You do realize I, at least, lived through this? A life without Uncle Buck is a life not fully lived! My god, man, I’m on your side!
Adventures in Babysitting was the shit!
I cannot believe you left out Pretty in Pink, old man. COME ON.
My childhood was also a bit odd, considering we watched an awful lot of public television, which meant an awful lot of older British comedies that we got long after the Brits. So if you want to talk about OLD, let’s talk about me as a child utterly adoring Mr. Humphries from Are You Being Served?
At least you have whiskey. *grumble* I don’t even have that!
“I’m FREE!”
It’s very odd you guys watched that show. I used to watch reruns of Land of the Giants and the Time Tunnel and lots of Aussie, British and American TV in Ireland.
I’ve never seen Pretty in Pink, either. :-(
“I’m FREE!”
I really, really *heart* you. Love it. Loved Mrs. Slocum.
It’s very odd you guys watched that show.
Fawlty Towers was another favorite in my house, and I remember watching Only Fools and Horses and One Foot in the Grave, as well. Erm…Keeping Up Appearances, as well. And if that wasn’t weird enough, then we got Absolutely Fabulous for a time, but not very long.
Nowadays they don’t run that much, and we get…EastEnders and Coupling on BBC America. Blech.
lots of Aussie, British and American TV in Ireland.
It always amazes me what other countries do and do not get. On mainstream TV, we never got anything other than American programming, but often programming ripped off of other countries. Weird.
I’ve never seen Pretty in Pink, either. :-(
Both of her love interests are complete idiots, but it’s worth seeing for the dress Molly Ringwald’s character “makes”. God, it’s awful.
Plus: James Spader.
Chick flick, it’s always seemed.
There’s very little TV I can stomach anymore. The Wire, Lost, Family Guy, American Dad, Friday Night Lights, Always Sunny in Philadelphia . . . not much else.
But I’ve seen every show you’ve mentioned. Absolutely Fabulous was funny. But the best of the lot is/was Father Ted. Holy shit that show was hilarious.
http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=aHh3ykPQEl4
And this always cracks me up: http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=3GL2Jpv4jt4&feature=related
Absolutely Fabulous was funny.
I own Series 1 – 3. It cost an arm and a leg to buy it over here, but it was worth it. Beautiful stuff.
Loved Bubble, she always made me laugh:
http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=-4n5zHkL4dY
I’m so pissed that we missed out on Father Ted. Seriously. BBC America reran it for a while, but I always missed it. I just laughed my way through both those, so I’ll have to Netflix it.
Just want to say that I, unashamedly, love Hugh Grant and always will no matter what he gets up to on screen or off…Colin Firth, on the other hand, makes me want to gag, spew and vomit upon the mere mention of his name.
Just want to say that I, unashamedly, love Hugh Grant and always will no matter what he gets up to on screen or off…
Awww! Even if I don’t love Hugh Grant myself, I wholeheartedly understand the sentiment.
Colin Firth, on the other hand, makes me want to gag, spew and vomit upon the mere mention of his name.
May I ask why? I’ve never met a fellow Colin Firth disliker before, and I’m curious to know!
First of all, I’m writing the 42nd comment??? Sweet damn, Caitlin!
Here are a few things about me and this movie:
1. I love it.
2. It’s the best post-80s rom-com ever made.
3. I really, really love it.
First of all, I’m writing the 42nd comment??? Sweet damn, Caitlin!
“Sweet damn” is a good one, Scott.
3. I really, really love it.
Even the Hugh Grant parts? And the Colin Firth parts?!
I can’t help but like it for the reasons stated above, but you know that. Also, I like the introduction for some reason, even though Hugh Grant narrates it.
Caitlin, have you seen About a Boy? It’s my very favorite Hugh Grant movie and I think it’s because he’s a little less Hugh-y in it than in most things. He’s actually kind of acting! I know! And it walks the fine line between being sweet and TOO sweet very well, I think. One of my favorite movies of the last number of years easily.
I don’t find Hugh particularly appealing physically but I do like him more than I dislike him.
That said, my favorite part of Love Actually is definitely the Liam Neeson/stepson storyline.
Heather, I have NOT seen About A Boy but I will gladly do so since you recommend it.
One of my favorite movies of the last number of years easily.
Such praise from Heather! I have Netflixed it. :)
That said, my favorite part of Love Actually is definitely the Liam Neeson/stepson storyline
If you like that, watch the deleted scenes – there’s a ton of stuff involving them that the filmmakers had to cut out that’s awesome. :D
About a Boy is my favourite Hugh Grant film by a country mile. In fact it’s the only Hugh Grant movie I like come to think of it. Great film all the same.
In fact it’s the only Hugh Grant movie I like come to think of it.
Wow. I just always have flashbacks to Four Weddings and a Funeral, which gives me nervous tics.
Goodness, well, it’s been Netflixed at least!
The airport scene at the end? MELT. The silent sign display? MELT AGAIN. My introduction to Martine McCutcheon? I’m in love. I love every part of this movie.
I’m in love. I love every part of this movie.
Hee! Well, I guess I’m not, but I’m glad you love it so much, Scott!
(Seriously, the silent sign display is so WTF to me that I never know what to think of it. But I’m glad you like it! Heh.)
I consider this my “Relax, it’s not yet Christmas” movie. Mostly because I can never manage to actually watch this around Christmas.
When it comes to romantic comedies, I have to give this one props. It’s not nearly as formulaic as others, simply by showing all of the different kinds of love. Just one of those Sleepover Movies, I’d say.
Oh God, I just remembered that the last time I watched this was in French to help me with AP tests…
Oh God, I just remembered that the last time I watched this was in French to help me with AP tests…
Did you watch a dub version, then?
I took nine years of French and I loathe dubs – once I got a very cool French teacher, I was no longer subjected to the Little Mermaid in French over and over again.
[…] 7, 2009 by Caitlin I’ve reviewed Love Actually before (see here) but I went back and watched it again for Reader’s […]
[…] reviewed Love Actually before (see here) but I went back and watched it again for Reader’s […]