'notting Hill' proves perfect date-night movie

Editor’s Note: The writer wrote the following movie review as if the movie were currently showing in theaters. Reading the writer’s column, “Meals, munchies and more,” under the opinion section should help to clarify the point of this article.



If you’re looking for the perfect date movie, don’t pass over the hill—“Notting Hill,” that is.


For others, this is a must-see for anyone who simply enjoys feel-good, romantic comedies.


Starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, the film tells the story of two lonely people whose paths unexpectedly cross. From the moment Roberts and Grant first appear together on screen, their chemistry is electric.


I can’t believe someone hasn’t cast them together before now. Let’s just hope this won’t be their last pairing.


Grant portrays William Thacker, who also narrates the film. Thacker owns a small travel bookstore in Notting Hill’s marketplace in west London.

A divorced man, Thacker’s love life is as stagnate as his shop’s business.

He lives with a wacky Welsh roommate in a flat within walking distance of his bookstore.

In the opening scene, Thacker is plodding along through the busy marketplace to his shop.

“And so, it was just another hopeless Wednesday, as I walked the 1,000 yards through the market to work, never suspecting that this was the day that was going to change my life forever,” he said.

This was the day the beautiful Anna Scott (Roberts), the world’s most-famous movie star, entered Thacker’s bookstore and, more importantly, his life.

The victim of her own celebrity, Scott’s every move is followed, reported on in the news and splashed on the covers of most magazines.

Despite her success, she appears to be unhappy as though something is missing in her life.

At first, Thacker doesn’t recognize her. He doesn’t realize who she is until a customer asks for her autograph.

Although he is obviously star-struck and eager to help her select just the right book, there is an immediate and visible attraction between the two.

After friendly chitchat, she leaves only to bump into him again later that day.

Rounding a corner, they collide into one another, causing him to spill orange juice down the front of her clothes.

He apologizes profusely and suggests she go across the street to his flat to clean up. She agrees.

After her tidying up, flirtatious conversation ensues. Then, she says she had better be going, thanks him for his help and leaves.

Forgetting one of her shopping bags, Scott returns a few moments later. After Thacker hands it to her, she leans in, planting a long kiss on his lips.

While they are chatting, his roommate Spike comes through the door and walks right past them, not recognizing her at all. She tells Thacker it is probably best not to tell anyone about this. He agrees to tell no one.

“I mean I’ll tell myself sometime; but don’t worry, I won’t believe it,” he said.

They say goodbye, and then she leaves again. Eventually, they go on a date, but her glamorous life and movie-star boyfriend complicate things.

If the movie follows tradition, the audience already knows whether things will work out for Anna and William in the end.

Moviegoers know the underlying plot to most romantic comedies is boy meets girl, boy looses girl and boy gets girl again.

Despite that knowledge, it’s all about the journey—the ebb and flow, the give and take, the opportunities taken and lost—that make this movie entertaining. Also, moviegoers tend to cheer for the underdog and hope for a happy ending, all the while getting lost in the characters’ plight.

In addition to the stars’ chemistry and smart, witty dialogue,  a loveable bunch of characters help to make this film enjoyable.

A superb supporting cast brilliantly portrays William’s circle of family and friends.

They are comprised of his ditsy sister, Honey (Emma Chambers); his wacky Welsh roommate, Spike (Rhys Ifans), whom some might call the roommate from hell; his best friend, Max (Tim McInnerny); Max’s adored wife, Bella (Gina McKee), who is in a wheelchair due to an accident; and his friend, Bernie (Hugh Bonneville), who is a boring stockbroker. Alec Baldwin plays Anna’s obnoxious movie-star boyfriend.

No stranger to romantic comedies, Roberts, a former fashion model, skyrocketed to fame in “Pretty Woman” (1990), opposite Richard Gere.

Her other films include “My Best Friend’s Wedding” (1997), “Conspiracy Theory” (1997) and “Runaway Bride” (1999), in which she reunited with Gere.

Born in London and educated at Oxford University, Grant made his screen debut in “Privileged” (1982), considered to be the first student-feature film made at the university.

Not until starring in “Four Weddings and a Funeral” (1994) did he gain movie-star status. His other films include “Sense and Sensibility” (1995), “Extreme Measures (1996) and “The Remains of the Day” (1993).

New Zealand-born British screenwriter Richard Curtis wrote the screenplay. An accomplished music producer, actor and film director, he is best known for his British TV programs, such as “Blackadder,” and the movie, “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” starring Grant.

Roger Michell, who directed the film, first achieved fame in Britain as an award-winning play director. His ventures into movies and television were just as successful. He is best known for directing Jane Austin’s novel, “Persuasion” (1995).

Running Time: 125 Minutes. Rated PG-13 (For Sexual Content and Brief Strong Language).