10s Movie Review - Late Night

Director: Nisha Ganatra
Genre: Comedy
Runtime: 102 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Mindy Kaling, Emma Thompson, John Lithgow, Hugh Dancy, Reid Scott, Denis O’Hare, Max Casella, Paul Walter Hauser, John Reynolds, Luke Slattery, Ike Barinholtz, Amy Ryan
 
Description: A late night talk show host (Emma Thompson) suspects that she may soon lose her long-running show.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2025 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 32: A FILM WITH EMMA THOMPSON
 
Review: Many late night talk shows have a rigid structure: an opening monologue in which the news is discussed in a humorous way, followed by a sketch or light-hearted interlude, and finally, a famous guest is welcomed and a pleasant conversation is held. At the start of “Late Nate”, Katherine Newbury’s program has lost some of its appeal after twenty-eight years. The station manager is dissatisfied with the declining ratings and therefore want to replace the host. However, Katherine is not the type to agree to this without a fight, so she decides to get her talk show back on track. She has a long way to go, because she knows only one of her writers by name, and none of them know her as a pleasant person to work with.

Her writer’s team, consisting of white men only, has just expanded with Molly. She is inexperienced, the newcomer, but has some fresh ideas.

Mindy Kaling, who stars as Molly, is also the writer of the film. It’s likely she drew some inspiration from “The Devil Wears Prada”, there are many similarities. But this is more an observation than a criticism. Kaling’s script takes a slightly different route in enough places, and Emma Thompson, as Katherine, is hardly inferior to Mery Streep as the cold boss. In fact, where Streep often veered toward a cartoonish performance, Thompson manages to keep her character within human limits. This is thanks in large part to John Lithgow’s wonderful performance as her husband.

What also helps is that, despite its subject matter, “Late Night” does not necessarily try to be a full-blooded comedy. Not that there is nothing to laugh about, but it aims more for a smile than for loud laughter. For the main character, humor is a fairly serious craft and therefore not something you can just whip up in a moment of cheerfulness. What I also loved, is that the romantic storyline is very far in the background, almost non-existent. Which is a fresh take as well, it’s not predictable that way
I was surprised about how much I enjoyed “Late Night”, but thanks to the great writing by Mindy Kaling and strong performances by her, Thompson and Lithgow, turn “Late Night” in a delightful comedy.

Rating: 3,5 / 5

Movie Review - Cruella

Director: Craig Gillespie
Genre: Crime/ Comedy
Runtime: 134 minutes
Year: 2021
Starring: Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Joel Fry, Paul Walter Hauser, Mark Strong, John McCrea

I WATCHED THIS FOR MY 2021 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 41: A MOVIE WITH AN ACTOR/ ACTRESS YOU LOVE
 
Description: A live-action prequel feature film following a young Cruella de Vil (Emma Stone)

Review: Cruella is not only a biography of one of Disney’s coolest creeps, but also a demonstration of the political power of fashion.
She’s every dog’s fear: if you’re not careful, you’ll become a coat. It’s a great premise for a bad guy. In the animated film “101 Dalmatians”, Cruella de Vil is at least as memorable as all those spotted puppies. In the late 90s there was a live-action remake, with Glenn Close as Cruella. Now the villain gets her own movie, which focuses on her rise as a gifted fashion designer. In the hands of Australian director Craig Gillespie, the dalmatians are just a footnote. Central to the film is the expressiveness of fashion.
“From a young age I was all about making a statement”, Cruella tells u in a voice-over. Those who wondered about dyed half-and-half hair need no longer doubt; that’s how she was born. In a jam-packed plot, her personal journey of discovery unfolds. “Cruella” is set in London mid-1970s, where anarchic punk fashion originated. Cruella grows up as Estella and is urged to put away her “psycho” side. She hides her distinctive hair with a red wig. She earns a living as a thief and sews disguises for her team of villains.
Estella’s sense of style leads logically to the world of fashion. When she joins the leading couturier ‘the Baroness’, her alter ego and sky-rocket Cruella gets wide open access. The Baroness is a symbol of the establishments. Her classic dresses clash with Cruella’s punk designs.
Fans of the cartoon will recognize some Cruella de Vil quotes and her characteristic driving style. And this movie shows what formed her and how she eventually became the bad woman she is in “101 Dalmatians”. Emma Stone is phenomenal as Cruella, perfect choice for the role. Another reason why I love her so much.

Rating: 4/ 5

Movie Review - Men in Black: International

Director: F. Gary Gray
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 115 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson, Rebecca Ferguson, Rafe Spall, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson

Description: The Men in Black have always protected the Earth from the scum of the universe. In this new adventure, they tackle their biggest threat to date: a mole in the Men in Black organization.

Review: As a child Molly managed to escape the “neutralizer”, the device that the Men in Black use to erases your memory about the existence of aliens. Twenty years she searches for the agency that protects the earth from the scum from outer space. Molly wants to become one of them! One day, she manages to infiltrate the agency in New York. Agent O is impressed enough to recruit her. Molly, now Agent M, starts her probation in London.
The movies doesn’t start out that bad. But the first signs of this film lacking substance is when Molly’s training starts, which is nothing more than deciding which suit to wear and which weapon to choose. There is no need to further expand the introduction of the universe, because that’s what the previous films did.
“Men in Black: International” is for the most part a repetition of the other films. Visually it’s not very different and the formula is almost identical. The are hunting for an object to secure the future of the universe, there is some friction. There are some new elements, which make it a nit more interesting. Like the main duo is now a man and a woman. I liked the dynamic between Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson. Not an old wise man and a flashy rookie, but an arrogant top-agent who has to acknowledge his hero status is crashing and he is surpassed by an enthusiastic newcomer. And it’s not because of them that this film isn’t good, because they are good together and their dynamic is the best part of the film. It’s just sad that they have to work with such terrible writing.
It's an uninspired spin-off, which the good cast couldn’t even safe.

Rating: 2/ 5

Movie Reviews - Last Christmas

Director: Paul Feig
Genre: Comedy/ Drama/ Romance
Runtime: 103 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Emilia Clarke, Henry Golding, Emma Thompson, Michelle Yeoh

Description: Kate (Emilia Clarke) is a a young woman subscribed to bad decisions. Her last date with disaster? That of having accepted to work as Santa’s elf for a department store. However, she meets Tom (Henry Golding) there. Her life takes a new turn. For Kate, it seems too good to be true.

Review: If there’s one genre that works perfectly with the holidays, it’s the romantic comedy. A good mix of laughs and tears, fortunate misunderstandings, delightful actors and predictable storylines. You are instantly in a better mood with a romcom. But there is a big difference between the disposable romcom that will waste your time and the romcom you will recommend to your friends.
The British film “Last Christmas”, by director Paul Feig, falls in that last category. Feig knows his way around a comedy. He directed the very successful “Bridesmaids” and was also the man behind “Spy”. This time, a little less jokes and a bit more romance. And the most funny moments come from leading character Kate, portrayed by Emilia Clarke.
At a young age, Kate fled Yugoslavia with her mother and sister. Later, she had to undergo a heart transplant and since then she has had a struggling relationship with her family. Kate lost all her ambitions, sleeps on couches of friends and works in a Christmas store in London. One day, she sees Tom and from that moment on Kate’s life takes a turn.
The film starts like any other romcom, with opposites and attraction. Kate isn’t really looking to take walks with Tom. But later she can’t wait to see him again.
At first, you feel like it’s going to be a sugar sweet film, filled with cheesy romance. But Feig keeps his characters realistic, by portraying Kate as both charming and egocentric.
There is a huge twist in the film, but somehow I saw it coming. The film has predictability and clichés, but they didn’t really bother me. Overall, “Last Christmas” is a joyful and easy watch. Due to the twist it’s different from most films in its genre.

Rating: 3/ 5

00s Movie Review - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Director: Alfonso Cuarón
Genre: Adventure/ Fantasy/ Family
Runtime: 142 minutes
Year: 2004
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Robbie Coltrane, Michael Gambon, Gary Oldman, David Thewlis, Richard Griffiths, Fiona Shaw, Oliver Phelps, James Phelps, Chris Rankin, Bonnie Wright, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Matthew Lewis, Tom Felton, Timothy Spall, Emma Thompson, Julie Walters, Warwick Davis, Mark Williams, Pam Ferris, Julie Christie

Description: It's Harry's (Daniel Radcliffe) third year at Hogwarts; not only does he have a new "Defense Against the Dark Arts" teacher, but there is also trouble brewing. Convicted murderer Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) has escaped the Wizards' Prison and is coming after Harry.

Review: “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” is the third movie in the series and a darker film then the previous two. The film is a lot more intense and can be scary for younger viewers. The film is very different from the book, director Alfonso Cuarón focused more on the action then the exact story in the book.
After an unfortunate accident with aunt Marge, 13 year old Harry Potter flees the Dursley house. The way to Hogwarts is already very eventful, but the real problems start when he arrives. A dangerous wizard, Sirius Black, has escaped the prison of Azkaban and he is looking for Harry. The Dementors, the scary guards of Azkaban, also guard Hogwarts but they also seem to be focused on Harry. The new professor, Remus Lupin, teaches him to defend himself against them.
Lots of introductions in “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”. The monster book, the magical Hippogriff and the Grim. Two new teachers: Sibyll Trelawney and Professor Lupin. And again exciting adventures where Harry is joined by his friends Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and Hagrid.
Harry Potter is growing up. And I don’t mean just the character, the film too. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint are four years older than the first film. And the film doesn’t feel like a kids movie anymore.
Director Chris Columbus has been replaced by Alfonso Cuarón. The books by J.K. Rowling get more intense and heavy and you can see that in the film. The movie lost his light touch and there aren’t as many funny moments like there were in the first two films. Rowling asked Cuarón not to copy the book to film literally, but capture the essence and spirit of the Potter universe. And that’s exactly what he did. Some essential elements where left out and the ‘die hard’ Harry Potter fans might not like it.
The movie is a visual spectacle with great décor and beautiful special effects. The acting is also good. Special mentions are newcomers Gary Oldman and David Thewlis, as Sirius Black and Remus Lupin. Michael Gambon replaced Richard Harris as Albus Dumbledore, after he passed away. Good choice, but I still miss Harris a little bit.
The film is meant for the family, but it can be a bit scary for the younger ones. Although the books is my favorite of the series, the movie isn’t. Yet it’s another great film in the Harry Potter franchise.

Rating: 4/ 5

10s Movie Review - Bridget Jones's Baby

Director: Sharon Maguire
Genre: Comedy/ Romance
Runtime: 123 minutes
Year: 2016
Starring: Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, Patrick Dempsey, Jim Broadbent, Gemma Jones, Emma Thompson

Description: Bridget's (Renée Zellweger) focus on single life and her career is interrupted when she finds herself pregnant, but with one hitch ... she can only be fifty percent sure of the identity of her baby's father.

Review: After an absence of twelve years, the clumsy and most awkward single woman of all-time is back: Bridget Jones. The previous two films, “Bridget Jones’s Diary” and “Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason”, were based on the books by author Helen Fielding. For this movie, the inspiration came from columns Fielding wrote for ‘The Independent’. The third book, where Bridget is a 50-year old widow, remains untouched. The result: a somewhat happier story that takes place ten years before that.
When we first meet Bridget in this film, she is celebrating her 43rd birthday. Alone. On the couch. In her pajamas. Singing to 90s music. At the end of “Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason”, she claims to have found true love and happiness with Mark Darcy. But she is once again single and Bridget doesn’t really mind that.
Her lonely, happy and seemingly uncomplicated life comes to an end when it appears she is pregnant. Who the father is, she is not sure of. In a short period a time, she had ‘relations’ (her words) with two men: Handsome American Jack Qwant and her old flame Mark Darcy.
Jack appears to be a billionaire, who earned a fortune by working out algorithms that calculate if you’re right for your partner or not. But can love be based on that?
“Bridget Jones’s Baby” is definitely not new and original and it has some really predictable moments. But like the first two, the main element is fun. They are such a joy to watch, as is this third film. Renée Zellweger still does a great job portraying Bridget and the moments between Jack and Mark are really funny. My favorite part was actually Emma Thompson, with only a small but very memorable role. All her scenes are gold.
Bridget’s new boss is a downside of the film. She is an annoying character and doesn’t really add anything to the story. And the fake twist. Didn’t like that either. We all knew how it was going to end and they led us to believe something else first and then make the ‘big reveal’. That’s thinking the audience is dumb.
Overall, I really enjoyed this comedy and the return or Bridget Jones. There are hints to a possible sequel, but I think they should leave it here.

Rating: 3/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 53: Beauty and the Beast

Director: Bill Condon
Genre: Romance/ Musical/ Fantasy
Runtime: 129 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Josh Gad, Kevin Kline, Ewan McGregor, Emma Thompson, Ian McKellen, Stanley Tucci

Description: An adaptation of the fairy tale about a monstrous-looking prince (Dan Stevens) and a young woman (Emma Watson) who fall in love.

Review: As a little kid, I was never a girly girl. Wasn’t into princess stuff. But the animation “Beauty and the Beast” was an obsession. I love how intelligent, well read and kind Belle was. She saw past the looks, wanted to see more of the world and didn’t settle for mediocre. So I was super excited to see “Beauty and the Beast” being turned into a live-action film.
The film isn’t an exact copy of the animation, but it kept the essentials. But director Bill Condon also added some new characters, songs and scenes. And normally, for nostalgia sake, it would bother the hell out of me. But is surprisingly didn’t. The magic is still present, the main characters feel familiar and the songs are beautiful.
The casting is perfect. Emma Watson is a wonderful Belle and Dan Stevens does a very good job as Beast. Luke Evans is a very convincing Gaston and I really enjoyed Josh Gad as Le Fou. Kevin Kline as Maurice is also a very good choice and all the voice actors (like Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Emma Thompson and Ian McKellen) were chosen perfectly.
While watching this adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast”, I had a smile on my face from beginning ‘till end. I love it!

Rating: 4,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 84: Dead Again

Director: Kenneth Branagh
Genre: Drama/ Thriller/ Romance
Runtime: 107 minutes
Year: 1991
Starring: Kenneth Branagh, Emma Thompson, Andy Garcia, Robin Williams, Wayne Knight, Derek Jacobi

Description: An amnesiac (Emma Thompson) and a private eye (Kenneth Branagh) find they might have a past life connection.

Review: In a convent nearby Los Angeles, an unknown woman is brought in. she doesn’t know who she is, doesn’t speak and has the most terrible nightmares. Private detective Mike Church is called to find out who this woman is. Because Mike can’t find any lead, he decides to put her picture in the paper. The only one that responds is an eccentric antique store owner, who says he can discover her past by hypnotizing her. And it works.
“Dead Again” was the first Hollywood production by director Kenneth Branagh. He mixed up romance, thriller and humor. And he gathered a good cast. Branagh himself takes the lead with his then girlfriend Emma Thompson. We also see Andy Garcia, who is underused by the way, and a smaller role for Robin Williams.
The film has an interesting plot, but somehow the movie comes off as somewhat cheesy. And the music, which should add some tension to it, is way too present. Even in scenes where hardly anything exciting happens, there is this bombastic and overwhelming music. I just didn’t love “Dead Again” as much as most people did.

Rating: 2,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 122: Saving Mr. Banks

Director: John Lee Hancock
Genre: Comedy/ Drama
Runtime: 125 minutes
Year: 2013
Starring: Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, Colin Farrell, B.J. Novak, Paul Giamatti, Jason Schwartzman, Rachel Griffiths, Bradley Whitford, Ruth Wilson, Kathy Baker

Description: Author P.L. Travers (Emma Thompson) reflects on her childhood after reluctantly meeting with Walt Disney (Tom Hanks), who seeks to adapt her Mary Poppins books for the big screen.

Review: Walt Disney tried to get the movie rights for the book “Mary Poppins” for twenty years. Author P.L. Travers was afraid that Disney would turn her beloved book into a musical. When she has money trouble and might lose her house, she decides to meet with Walt Disney in Los Angeles. But the happy Walt and the unfriendly Pamela are like water and fire.
To make a film based on a story which outcome we all know, is always a risk. The question in “Saving Mr. Banks” is if the movie “Mary Poppins” will ever be made. We all know that it was a huge success, but not a lot of people know how this movie actually happened. Travers didn’t want to give her character to anyone. Why she has such a special bond with the nanny is something we learn along the way. We see how a young Travers grow up in rough Australia. Her father, a beautiful role by Colin Farrell, is a loving man but he has a drinking problem. Their relationship is very strong, but a tragedy makes sure Travers will always be traumatized.
A movie about Disney, made by Disney. It surprisingly has a lot of self-mockery. For instance the scene where P.L. Travers arrives at her hotel in L.A. which is filled with enormous stuffed Disney animals. Emma Thompson has perfect comedic timing.
We all know that Thompson is a great actress, but in “Saving Mr. Banks” she really excels. She turns a rather unpleasant women into a women you love. Tom Hanks doesn’t look like Disney, but he brings a certain nuance to his role. Disney isn’t only a big kid that makes dreams come true, but also a businessman. Hanks does this very well. Colin Farrell plays a role like never before. I never saw Farell like this and I loved him in “Saving Mr. Banks”. Also Paul Giamatti and Jason Schwartzman were great in their roles.
“Saving Mr. Banks” is a lovely film carried by a fantastic cast. Although we all know how it ends, how “Mary Poppins” was made is such a wonderful story. Humor and emotion are very close and Emma Thompson played one of her best roles of her career.

Rating: 4/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 77: Men, Women & Children

Director: Jason Reitman

Genre: Drama

Runtime: 119 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Rosemarie DeWitt, Adam Sandler, Jennifer Garner, Dean Norris, Judy Greer, Emma Thompson, Ansel Elgort, J.K. Simmons, Dennis Haysbert

Description: A group of high school teenagers and their parents attempt to navigate the many ways the Internet has changed their relationships, their communication, their self-image, and their love lives.

Review: Fifteen years after “American Beauty”, little has changed with the relational problems of seeking teens and their disillusioned parents in the suburbs. Only nowadays many of it goes through social media. At least for the characters in “Men, Women & Children”. Director Jason Reitman zooms in on a small group of American men, women and children and how they deal with the temptations of the internet.

Supported by the narration of an ironic Emma Thompson, an above average cast including a very modest Adam Sandler, the movie shows us a disturbing image of the effect of the new media. On sexuality in the modern society: boys grow up with internet porn, girls want to live up to a certain standard and parents that commit adultery. Reitman shows us how today’s teenage life integrates with the smartphone. It’s like real life doesn’t matter anymore, when the real problems happen in real life.

“Men, Women & Children” wants to tell a lot of stories in two hours’ time. For themes like gaming addiction and anorexia there is just not enough time. And because we follow multiple storylines, it’s hard to focus on all of them. Some characters are also in contrast too much. When Judy Greer’s characters publicly ‘sells’ her daughter by posting promiscuous pictures of her daughter online, so she can have a career in Hollywood, Jennifer Garner’s character is obsessed with the incoming and outgoing computer data of her daughter. The acting in the movie is good, it’s especially fun to see Adam Sandler in a more serious role again.

“Men, Women & Children” is not bad, because the concept is good. The movie is just a little to melodramatic, has too many storylines and lacks subtlety.

Rating: 2,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 38: Beautiful Creatures

Director: Richard LaGravenese
Genre: Drama/ Fantasy/ Romance
Runtime: 124 minutes
Year: 2013
Starring: Alice Englert, Alden Ehrenreich, Emma Thompson, Emmy Rossum, Jeremy Irons, Viola Davis, Thomas Mann, Kyle Gallner

Description: Ethan (Alden Ehrenreich) longs to escape his small Southern town. He meets a mysterious new girl, Lena (Alice Englert). Together, they uncover dark secrets about their respective families, their history and their town.

Review: Supernatural teen romances are a real hype and young fans of dark fantasy get exactly what they want. If the whole film was better executed it would have reached a broader audience.
Teenagers Ethan and Lena are the beating heart of the story. Ethan lives in a small community in the state of South Carolina. He doesn’t want to be there and doesn’t want to belong to the petty community. Then he meets Lena who, as an unconventional newcomer, doesn’t belong there either. Lena has magical powers which puts the love between the two in jeopardy.
The two leading characters, although not very well known, are the power of the film. They are convincing together and it never gets too ‘sweet’. The supporting roles are less successful. Jeremy Irons and especially Emma Thompson don’t seem to belong in this film. Where Irons, as Lena’s eccentric uncle Macon, gets away with his portrayal at times, Thompson is sometimes more caricatured.
Another weakness is the background of the ‘casters’. Although director Richard LaGravenese has simplified it, it’s still a bit confusing. Especially when you never read the book it’s based on. And Lena is supposed to be the mightiest caster in progress, but she doesn’t really show that.
“Beautiful Creatures” isn’t a bad movie but with more guts it could have been a more intelligent version of “Twilight”.

Rating: 2,5/ 5

In the Picture: The Characters from "Love Actually"

"Love Actually" is the perfect film for the holidays. Christmas is coming near so it's time to take a look at this film again. There are so many characters, that I had to cut a little bit. Here are the characters from "Love Actually".

Harry
Played by: Alan Rickman
Harry is a manager at a designer agency. He recently got a new, young assistant. Harry feels attracted to her, but he’s also very happily married and the father of two. He buys his assistant an expensive necklace for Christmas. He later admits his foolishness.

Karen
Played by: Emma Thompson
Karen is Harry’s wife and she’s busy dealing with her children Daisy and Bernard. She finds the necklace in Harry’s pocket, assuming that it’s for her. When she’s opening presents, she realizes that the necklace wasn’t for her, but she doesn’t want anyone to know that she has been crying over it. Karen does confront him.

David
Played by: Hugh Grant
David is Karen’s sister and is the recently elected Prime Minister. He’s a young and single man. He meets his household staff and has an instant click with Natalie. Because of his position, he thinks it’s inappropriate to have feelings for her.

Jamie
Played by: Colin Firth
Jamie walks in on his brother, while he’s sleeping with his girlfriend. Crushed by this, Jamie retires to his French cottage where he meets Portugese housekeeper Aurélia who speaks only her native tongue. There’s an instant attraction between them and when he returns to England he realizes how much he loves her. For her, Jamie learns Portugese and visits her to ask her to marry him.

Juliet
Played by: Keira Knightley
Juliet is a happy newlywed woman and got married in a lovely ceremony to Peter. Juliet doesn’t get along with Mark, but she has no idea why he doesn’t like her. She tries to bond with him, but he never talks to her. When Juliet visits him, she find out that Mark has actually been madly in love with her all that time.

Daniel
Played by: Liam Neeson
Daniel is Karen’s best friend. He just lost his wife and is left behind with his stepson Sam. Daniel wants to help Sam with his mission to win over the girl he’s in love with. With that he also tries to deal with losing his love and tries to move on.

Sam
Played by: Thomas Sangster
Sam has fallen in love with his classmate Joanna. He found out that there’s only one way to win her over: become a musician. He starts to play drums to impress her at the school Christmas party. When she’s leaving for America, Sam follows her at the airport to tell her about his feelings.

Billy Mack
Played by: Bill Nighy
Billy Mack is a worn off rockstar with only one more goal: He wants to score the number one Christmas single. His longtime manager Joe is the only one who always stood by him and he realizes that he’s been ‘the love of his life’.

Natalie
Played by: Martine McCutcheon
Natalie is one of the members in David’s household staff. She appears to be very nervous while meeting him for the first time, because she starts rambling and swears a couple of times. David finds it endeering. Natalie is pushed into a corner by the American president, who’s tried to seduce her.

Mark
Played by: Andrew Lincoln
Mark is Peter’s best friend and is secretly in love with Juliet. He never talks to her because of self-preservation and out of respect to his friend Peter. Mark does take a moment to truly confess his feelings for Juliet, which she acknowledges with a kiss.

Sarah
Played by: Laura Linney
Sarah works for Harry and she has been in love with her co-worker Karl for years. At a Christmas party, the two dance and eventually Karl drives her home. Sarah invites him in, where they start kissing. They are interrupted by Sarah’s mentally ill brother, which effectivly ends things between Sarah and Karl.

Rufus
Played by: Rowan Atkinson
Rufus is a minor but significant character. He is a jewelry salesman and is obsessed with gift wrapping things. With that obsession, Harry almost gets caught while buying the necklace. Rufus is also the distraction at the airport, so that Sam can run to Joanna.

Favorite Character: Mark

Movie Tip #3 - Love Actually

Director: Richard Curtis

Starring: Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Bill Nighy, Liam Neeson, Keira Knightley, Laura Linney, Colin Firth, Rowan Atkinson, Martine McCutcheon, Andrew Lincoln, Martin Freeman

Description: We follow the lives of eight different couples in dealing with their love lives in various loosely and interrelated tales all set during a frantic month before Christmas in London.

Review: This movie stands for the perfect Christmas feeling and each story gives you different emotions. I especially like the story about the Prime minister (Hugh Grant) and the one with widower Daniel (Liam Neeson) and his stepson. This movie will probably be on TV during Christmas, so go watch it, because it's funny, sad, heartwarming and very romantic.