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Rating:  - zzzzzzzz Oh Okay I'm awake.......zzzzzzzzzzz Yeah Ok...zzz
I would like to say that I agree with some of the previous reviewers on this forum that Julia Roberts is not much of an actress. Just a pretty face. I rented this and went into it with a open mind. I haven't seen Julia Roberts in any other movies. This is the first. Julia Roberts did not add anything to the part. Hugh Grant was okay. I haven't seen him in any other movies either. So this was a first for me to see him. Now, as for the film. The story was pretty much bland and it was difficult to hold my interest. The film is very much a boy meets girl/ boy loses girl etc.... and you're basic light, fluff love story. The only humorous portion was Hugh Grant's slob/eccentric roommate and even that was only mildly funny. From what I understand, this is the formula film that Roberts generally is in and she does not change much from that formula. There is not any pretty scenery, vistas or even witty/clever dialogue. I think women would enjoy this film more than men. After watching it, you come away from it feeling like you haven't watched anything of substance. The film does touch on the difficulties that Roberts (who plays a famous movie star) has being famous and contending with the press and gossip in the London newspapers. I think most people would be satisfied to watch this film once and leave it at that. Others might really find it a waste of their time, while I know some people will turn it off after 15 minutes. It's not the worst film I have seen, but it is far, far below the standards of a really good film. I wouldn't recommend this as a film to keep in your DVD library. It is a toss away film. Not bad, just sub-standard all the way around. (I don't see what all the fuss is about regarding Julia Roberts as an actress. I see just a pretty face. There's a lot of prettier women out there in the real world). Two stars folks.
Rating:  - Well- at least this time she's in the right role
I've been waiting forever for a critic or reviewer to expose Julia Roberts for what she is- a talentless, over-estimated, freak of nature--- but the culture is so heady with celebrity buzz that it will never happen. So I'll have to take matters into my own hands:
Roberts has been getting away with simply playing variations of herself since the days of Mystic Pizza. Her same shrill laugh (it's actually a barking shout- look for it) can be heard in any one of those forgettable roles from Flatliners to the Pelican Brief. Her academy-award-winning (yes- I know!!!) Brokovich character was Roberts again, only this time dressed like a trailer park refugee and spouting a little more anger and sarcasm than normal. God help us- Pretty Woman was such a smash that we'll never be rid of her. Unfortunately, when not playing one of those personal variations, she's lost because she honestly can't act. Take a look at her poor attempt in Michael Collins, for example, and there you'll find someone out of her depth. The role was not difficult, just not a variation of herself (am I making the point?)
Now for the review of Nottinghill: This is not a bad movie. The script is witty, the story is a bit charming, and some of the scenes are very entertaining. Even Julia's performance is appropriate. Indeed, according to the words of a professional reviewer, "True, Roberts doesn't really have to stretch very far to play a big-time actress who makes $15 million per movie . . ." Well, that nails it, doesn't it? For once, Roberts can be forgiven for being herself, because that's what the role calls for: a famous, over-paid, self-consumed, Hollywood celebrity. But as well-cast as Julia is here, even she can't resist going over the top on occasion, as in the scene where one of Grant's friends discovers she's an actress. He very sincerely comments that it's a tough occupation in which to make a living. When he then asks what she got paid for her last work, however, our "pretty woman" enjoys the moment entirely too much as she startles him with an enormous figure. Then again--- I guess I can see her gloating in the same self-satisfied manner in real life. Nonetheless, in contrast to this kind of affirmation, notice how Alec Baldwin's cameo portrayal of the male star counterpart later in the film is more tongue-in-cheek. He's clearly comfortable laughing at himself. Julia, on the other hand, is far too relaxed (and serious) playing the pompous, condescending star. Gee, by Jove, it's actually her!
Overall, though, as enjoyable as parts of this film can be, even while overcoming the overdone romantic comedy formula, the real killer is the fairy tale ending. I don't intend a spoiler here, but it just wouldn't have happened this way, no matter what we want to believe. If by some strange quirk of fate, Roberts' character was somehow faintly drawn to this guy and married him, it would have been only as a passing diversion, then annulled 2 weeks later (any real life analogies?). There are good performances by Grant and most of the supporting cast, and Roberts doing herself (there it is again), but it's simply not enough. Even though the film is not a disaster, it just doesn't work. So, it's not entirely a waste of time but probably not worth the cost of a DVD rental. Spend your money on the popcorn for another video instead.
By the way, will someone also please finally admit that Julia Roberts is not attractive? With that mouth, she looks like she could consume a '56 Buick whole in one bite.
Rating:  - A Funny British/American Comedy
I personally do not think that Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant are the absolute perfect on screen power couple. The movie however is sweet and will definately be remembered as a romantic comedy classic. The acting is good but like I said I just didn't buy the on screen chemistry. The story is a brilliant concept escpecially in today's society. The music is good and there is good ol' British comedy that gives the audience comic relief. This is a very good date movie and it is one of Julia's and Hugh's best films. I reccomend it.
Rating: - Nothing Special
A by-the-numbers romantic comedy, "Notting Hill" is however one of the most overrated movies of its genre. Sure, the lead stars (Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts) have some charisma, Roger Michell`s directing is smooth and subtle, the story has a couple of funny scenes and most of the (very british) cast delivers highly convincing performances. Still, this modern fairy tale about a love relationship between a movie star and an ordinary, middle class guy is not only unrealistic but also almost 100% predictable and unsurprising. The plot shows little original ideas, offering a set of cliches and "been there, done that" situations. "Notting Hill" is definitely a well made, professional product nonetheless, yet the overall result doesn`t rise above average and uninspired material, a rehash of old ideas and concepts. It`s an alright saturday-afternoon innofensive flick, providing a mildly entertaining cinematic experience that helps to pass the time. A competent Hollywood piece of fluff, but very far from a classic achievement.
An ordinary feel-good movie.
Rating:  - Great Acting
I judge movies by how real the actors make the events on screen seem real. Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant did a great job with this movie. I actually felt like I was watching THE REAL THING! The filming, the cast, and the storyline are perfect; just the right touch of humor, the right touch of drama...great job by everyone around them, too!
I'd have given it six stars, but that wasn't an option. Buy this movie! It's great.
G.B.
www.therunninggirl.com
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