The Holiday . . .
. . . is almost like an old-fashioned romantic comedy—and I mean that in a GOOD way! I’m not sure why, but I went with low expectations. I didn’t EXPECT to like this movie, but I was surprised. It was fun from beginning to end—and I mean “especially” to Jude Law’s end. (Okay, it’s a cheap shot – but I had to take it. He is so cute!) If truth be told, I was never a Jude Law fan before and didn’t understand why everyone made such a big deal about him. Perhaps I was remembering him from his other films where he often played the “bad” guy. But I never found him that handsome or sexy. Now, I have completely revised my thinking.
Jude Law was made for romantic comedy. He is handsome, charming, adorable, and PERFECT in this film. I heard several women in the theater discussing how he reminded them of a young Cary Grant. My boyfriend responded, “No, he’s BETTER than Cary Grant.” So… it’s not just a “girl thing.” Jude Law is fabulous and adorable in The Holiday.
Kate Winslet is also marvelous sans period clothing, for a change, and playing a contemporary girl, ditched and wounded. The two of them shine. Cameron Diaz is fun and Jack Black—well, it’s nice to see him finally get the girl in a movie, too.
The best part of The Holiday—other than Jude Law—is that there are surprises! Just when you think you know what’s going to happen, it turns out it’s something else, and something better than what you thought. Nancy Meyers, writer-director, has utilized show business as a background (a supposed no-no in the biz—but it works here—and works wonderfully). I love the parts where Cameron Diaz’s character, a movie trailer producer, sees and hears her life like a trailer. I could even have enjoyed more of these! That’s about all I’ll say about the plot. I like to go to a movie knowing nothing and letting the story completely unfold in front of my eyes, so I’m not telling any of it here. Suffice it to say, you’ll smile, you’ll chuckle, and you’ll enjoy! If you miss it at the theaters, get it on DVD!
Written by Marilyn Anderson
