A Scientist at the Movies Reviews by Greg Paris

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Title: Notting Hill

Date Viewed: 5/31/99

Details:

Julia Roberts

Hugh Grant

Rhys Ifans

Emma Chambers

Hugh Bonneville

Gina McKee

Director: Roger Michell

Score: +

The Review: Romantic comedy. Great fun. See it!

Hugh Grant is a small shopowner (travel books, and only travel books) slowly going broke in the cozy Notting Hill district of London. Rhys Ifans is his flatmate, a veritable "roommate from hell" with all the odd habits you might imagine (and many you cannot) wrapped up into one. And Julia Roberts is the world famous movie star -- not much of a stretch here -- who happens one day to pop into the travel bookshop. With suitable lubrication with orange juice, the (occasionally rocky) romance develops from there. Brimming with a marvelous wit, the movie (and the leads) sparkle. Good support from Emma Chambers (as Grant's sister), Hugh Bonneville (his best friend), and Gina McKee (his best friend's wife).

From the producer (Duncan Kenworthy) and screenwriter (Richard Curtis) who brought you Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill has much the same feel: situations that begin simply and transform into surrealistic complexity; a feeling of family, drawing you into the personal relationships; and a deft touch with humor.

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