After “Bridget Jones’s Diary” earned praise and became a commercial hit, Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Mr. Bean, About Time) worked on his next project. An ensemble romantic Christmas comedy influenced by Robert Altman’s work on ensemble casts as the main focus of story. Nearly every single character interconnected. This time, it’s a story about love featuring various characters in their everyday lives caring about their loved ones. Whether their spending time with family, seeking a gift or begin a relationship.
Released in 2003, (same year Elf came out) it received mixed reviews from critics and made enough money at the box office. Love Actually was nominated at the Golden Globes for “Best Original Screenplay” and “Best Musical or Comedy.” Anyway, I’m watching a few Christmas movies during the month of December. I wanna share my thoughs on Love Actually.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS.
Happy & Sad Qualities
Happy: Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, Alan Rickman, (may he Rest in Peace) Bill Nighy, Keira Knightley, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Andrew Lincoln, Emma Thompson, Laura Linney, Rodrigo Santaro, Martin Freeman & Rowan Atkinson all did a decent job for their respective performances.
- Fun Fact 1: Thomas Brodie-Sangster who plays Sam, is really Ferb off of “Phineas and Ferb.” Speaking of Disney Channel, Oliva Olson (Marceline from Adventure Time) plays Sam’s love interest, Joanna. She voices Vanessa Doofenschmirtz.
- Fun Fact 2: David mentioned “Harry Potter.” Ms. Thompson later played Sybill Trelawney in the third movie working with Mr. Rickman again.
- Fun Fact 3: Zack Snyder confirmed Love Actually is his favorite Christmas movie. Don’t believe? Google him.
Richard Curtis did a solid job directing. He also wrote the script.
Craig Armstrong (Romeo and Juliet 1996, The Incredible Hulk, Moulin Rouge!) orchestrated the soundtrack.
Cinematography didn’t succumb to technical issues.
Humor has some funny moments that made me chuckle. David’s dance scene was pretty funny.
Out of all the characters, Billy Macky is my favorite. He’s funny as heck.
If you wanna spice things up a notch, take a shot every time somebody says, love. I’d stick to non-alcoholic drinks if I were you.
January Jones, Elisha Cuthbert, Denise Richards & Billy Bob Thornton make brief appearances. Coincidentally, Mr. Thorton starred in “Bad Santa” that same year.
Shannon Elizabeth makes a cameo appearance.
The cue card scene became a meme.
The Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows” is played before the End Credits. “Boogie Nights” also played the song until the end. I guess Mr. Curtis’ a fan of Paul Thomas Anderson.
Sad: An early romance between two characters happened too soon. If this were real life, it’ll take a week or month for two people to get to know each other until a relationship is fully established.
David’s assistant, Natalie is often called fat. She isn’t THAT fat like Garfield. She has a nice set of thighs. I like a woman with thick curves and wide hips. Short answer, a pear-shaped body.
During a school play, Judy sings Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Whenever I got Christmas shopping, nearly every single store plays her song. I find it extremely annoying. I’d rather listen to Linkin Park’s “My December.” It would’ve earned Bonus Points if they picked that song. I always listen to it during the holidays.
The Final Verdict: B-
Rom-Coms aren’t my cup of tea, but I thought it was alright. Love Actually isn’t a masterpiece or a stinker. Just plain average. I much prefer “Elf” & Bad Santa. If you wanna watch something with your girlfriend or boyfriend, give Love Actually a try.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 