The Holiday

By Gavin Hope -

8 out of 10

I enjoyed this film. I knew I was going to like if from the beginning - it had that typical feel good film feel to it, which was just what I was in the mood for. It also helps that I'm a big fan of Jack Black and Kate Winslet.

The 8 out of 10 is kinda relative to the genre. Can a romantic comedy really be a great film? I don't know. I do know that there aren't any films of this kind that spring to mind when someone asks me for my top 5 films. But, as far as rom-coms go, I thought it was very good. Given that, the 8 may be a little generous, but this is my first review here, so that's what it's getting.

I thought all four of the main characters were good (Black, Winslet, Law and Diaz), real enough, and believable, in the romantic comedy sense. Watching each pair develop had its own rewards: two people hopeless with romance finding each other and a women who has been unable to attach herself to happiness finally letting it happen. That said, there were one or two moments when Jude Law was quite cheesy.

The double romance idea itself was something a little different, as was the setting for the film - a home swap. Refreshing. Add in a pretty good soundtrack and the whole thing produced a good package. Good sunday night viewing.

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