00s Movie Review - Love Actually

Director: Richard Curtis
Genre: Comedy/ Romance/ Drama
Runtime: 135 minutes
Year: 2003
Starring: Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Bill Nighy, Laura Linney, Keira Knightley, Colin Firth, Rowan Atkinson, Martine McCutheon, Martin Freeman, Joanna Page, Andrew Lincoln, Chiwetel, Ejiofor, Thomas Sangster, Rodrigo Santoro

Description: Follows the lives of several different couples in dealing with their love lives in various loosely interrelated tales all set during a frantic month before Christmas in London, England.

Review: With “Love Actually”, the directorial debut by Richard Curtis shows that life is full of small moments of love and affection. Me not being a romance girlie, this is one of the few exceptions in the genre that I’m absolutely in love with.

Richard Curtis is mostly know for his screenwriting, having been apart of “Blackadder”, “Four Weddings and a Funeral” and “Notting Hill”, among others. “Love Actually” is as smoothly put together as the romcoms for which he alone wrote the screenplay.

The fact that Curtis managed to have the best of the best actors at his disposal also work in his favor. It’s not hard to take them to heart. We follow several storylines in this film, some of them intertwine at some. We meet David, as he arrives on his first day as the Prime Minister, falling in love with Nathalie who is in his staff. Karen is painfully confronted with her husband’s potential adultery. Daniel has just lost his wife and has to deal with his young stepson’s first time being in love. Jamie leaves for France after he finds out his girlfriend is cheating on him with his brother. Here he meets Aurelia, but there is a language barrier. Sarah has been in love Karl for over two years, but because of her sick brother she never lets herself act on it. Jack and Judy meet each other while being movie stand-ins for nude scenes. Old rocker Billy Mack is trying to reach the number one spot with his Christmas song. Mark’s best friend Peter marries Juliet. Juliet feels like Mark doesn’t really like her, finding out that that’s not the reason he never talks to her. And finally Colin, who is sick of British girls and travels to America to find a woman.

Even though not all storylines are equally successful or enjoyable, the complete package is so lovely. This film has high rewatchability and I simply can’t get enough of it. I want to watch it every Christmas. And the ending is very satisfactory as well. Sugar sweet and overly romantic, but for some reason I am totally fine with it here.  

Rating: 5/ 5

Top 10 - Favorite Christmas Movies

I love Christmas, it’s my favorite holiday. Spending time with family, having dinner, play games AND watch movies. Often the same ones me and my family chooses. And I don’t always like th most traditional Christmas movies. Here is a list of my 10 favorite Christmas (or set during Christmas) movies (not necessarily the best by the way).
 

10. Krampus (2015)
A Christmas horror film. Krampus is the devil-variant of Santa Clause, taking all the bad children. A satirical, Christmas horror, I’m so in. Full review HERE
 

9. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Always referred to as ‘that one with Chevy Chase’ in our household. My dad’s favorite Christmas movie of all-time. Even though we have seen this movie together a gazillion times, we (especially my dad) laugh so hard over all the things going wrong during the Griswold’s family Christmas. And everything that can go wrong, goes wrong. Somehow other people’s sorrow is fun to us….
 

8. Elf (2003)
Buddy grew up as an Elf, but really is not one. He is send to New York to find his real father and realizes that the true spirit of Christmas is disappearing. Will Ferrell as Buddy is just adorable and hilarious at the same time, such an enjoyable no-brainer of a Christmas movie.
 

7. A Muppet’s Christmas Carol (1992)
This had been my favorite before, but somehow I prefer 7 other Christmas movies now. The Muppets can not do anything wrong, they always bring joy to every family. It’s a musical, fille with all of our favorite Muppets, telling the classic Charles Dickens story.
 

6. Love Actually (2003)
The best romantic Christmas movie in my opinion. We follow several love stories in the weeks leading to Christmas. With a star-studded cast and many memorable scenes, this is such a lovely, heart-warming film.
 

5. Home Alone (1990)
It’s not Christmas without “Home Alone”. And still fun after so many rewatches. The young Kevin is accidentally left home alone right before Christmas. Two burglars have had their eye on the house, thinking no one is home. When they realize someone IS home, but it’s just a young boy, they think it’s a walk in the park. Think again. Super fun film, always a joy to watch with the family during Christmas. HERE you can read my full review. 
 

4. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang  (2005)
I believe this is one of those crime murder mysteries that people seem to forget about. And it’s set during Christmas, so, adding it to my list. High, because this one (and the three after this) are also on my 100 favorite movies of all-time list. Petty thief Harry Lockhart is on the run from the police and accidentally lands a role in a Hollywood movie. To gain some experience, he tags along with private detective Perry. They get involved in a murder mystery. A crime comedy, with a film noir style and a murder mystery going on. Full review HERE
 

3. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Macabre stop-motion animation that follows the adventures of Pumpkin King Jack Skelington who has had enough of his dark Halloweentown. He discovers Christmastown by chance and want to celebrate Christmas. The ongoing discussion whether this is a Christmas movie or a Halloween movie may never end, but that’s for me a reason to watch this film at least twice a year. A magnificent stop-motion film, that amazes me every time I watch it. Read my full review HERE
 

2. Die Hard (1988)
New York police officer John McClane travels for Christmas to a party in the Los Angeles skyscraper where his wife works. Unfortunately, a gang of terrorists led by the German Hans Gruber has planned a hostage-taking operation that very night. “Die Hard” is a classic action film, with the cynical, lone hero McClane. And even though Bruce Willis himself says that “Die Hard” isn’t a Christmas movie, it’s a top favorite for me and my family during the holiday season.
 
1. Gremlins (1984)
A film that is always my first choice when it comes to the Christmas movie I pick. It wasn’t marketed as a Christmas movie, but it’s set during this holiday and a big part of the film as well. A rock solid mix of dark humor and horror, with an ironic Christmas atmosphere. And with the cutest movie creature to be ever created: Gizmo.  Full review HERE
 
Honorable mentions: It’s a Wonderful Life, The Guardians of the Galaxy: Holiday Special, Jingle All the Way, The Shop Around the Corner, Happiest Season, Violent Night, Bad Santa, Scrooged, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Last Christmas

Netflix Friday - Volume 85

Some Netflix film tips for the weekend! And there is something for everyone, since I picked a movie for all the different genres.
 

Action: 2 Guns (2013)
Two hardened criminals (Denzel Washington, Mark Wahlberg) get into trouble with the US border patrol after meeting with a Mexiacn drug lord, and then revelations start to unfold.
 

Drama: T2 Trainspotting (2017)
After 20 years abroad, Mark Renton (Ewan McGregor) returns to Scotland and reunites with his odl friends Sick Boy (Johnny Lee Miller), Spud (Ewan Bremner) and Begbie (Robert Carlyle).
 

Comedy: Blockers (2018)
Three parents (John Cena, Leslie Mann, Ike Barinholtz) try to stop their daughter from losing their virginity on prom night.
 

Animation: The Lorax (2012)
A 12-year-old boy (Zac Efron) searches for the one thing that will enable him to win the affection of the girl of his dreams (Taylor Swift). To find it he must discover the story of the Lorax (Danny DeVito), the grumpy yet charming creature who fights to protect his world.
 

Romance: Love Actually (2003)
Follows the lives of eight very different couples in dealing with their love lives in various loosely interrelated tales all set during a frantic month before Christmas in London, England.
 

Horror: World War Z (2013)
Former United Nations employee Gerry Lane (Brad Pitt) traverses the world in a race against time to stop a zombie pandemic that is toppling armies and governments and threatens to destroy humanity itself.
 

Science Fiction: The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
Freedom fighters Neo (Keanu Reeves), Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) and Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) continue to lead the revolt against the Machine Army, unleashing their arsenal of extraordinary skills and weaponry against the systematic forces of repression and exploitation.
 

Crime: Thoroughbreads (2017)
Two upper-class teenage girls (Olivia Cooke, Anya Taylor-Joy) in suburban Connecticut rekindle their unlikely friendship after years of growing apart. Together, they hatch a plan to solve both of their problems, no matter what the cost.
 

Thriller: The Debt (2010)
In 1965, three Mossad Agents (Sam Worthington, Jessica Chastain, Marton Csokas) cross into East Berlin to apprehend a notorious Nazi war criminal. Thirty years later, the secrets the Agents (Ciarán Hinds, Helen Mirren, Tom Wilkinson) share come back to haunt them.
 

Documentary: 14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible (2021)
Fearless Nepali mountaineer Nimsdai Purja embarks on a seemingly impossible quest to summit all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks in seven months.
 

Family: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
On the outskirts of Whoville lives a green, revenge-seeking Grinch (Jim Carrey) who plans to ruin Christmas for all of the citizens of the town.

Movies That Instantly Make Me Happy

With all the sadness in the world and everything you have to worry about on a daily basis, it’s nice to have those movies that can put a smile on your face and not having to worry about a single thing.  I put together a list for you, of movies that never failed to make me happy.

Love Actually (2003)
This beloved film may be a Christmas movie, but it can be watched year-round. At least I watch it any time I can. Its huge ensemble cast makes up eight different couples whose love lives are all intertwined. It all culminates in a story that will always warm your heart, no matter how many times you watch it.

The Princess Bride (1987)
This fantasy romance follows long-lost loves Westley and Buttercup, who in order to be reunited, must fight through various obstacles they face in the kingdom of Florin. When I’m in the worst of moods, “The Princess Bride” always gets me laughing.

Forrest Gump (1994)
Tom Hanks stars as Forrest Gump in this 1994 classic. His character is so endearing and it might sound cliché, but “Forrest Gump” never gets old. I have nothing but love for this film.

La La Land (2017)
A pianist and actress transport audiences back to the golden days of Hollywood, when musicals and the art of dance were used to encourage viewers to follow their dreams. The 2017 Oscar-winning film is a must-see for theater buffs, and anyone who loved bright colors and romance.

You’ve Got Mail (1998)
“You’ve Got Mail” is maybe a bit outdated, but this is such a fantastic romcom. It’s over 20 years old, but the dialogues still crack me up and each time Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks find each other in the park at the end, it makes my heart melt.

Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
This is my go-to movie whenever I’m feeling down. It’s a classic and never fails to put a smile on my face. Especially the moment where Gene Kelly sings the titular song in the rain, I can’t stop smiling.

Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Nothing makes me smile more than a quirky, out-of-the-ordinary family. If this movie doesn’t make you smile, you’re dead inside. It’s about dreams and illusions and the beauty of a dysfunctional family. Pure joy. And Abigail Breslin literally brings sun to the rainiest cold days.

Annie Hall (1977)
“Annie Hall” tells the story of a neurotic New York comedian Alvy Singer who tries to work out why his relationship with Annie Hall ultimately ended and the nature of love. When I first saw this movie, I learned that Alvy Singer is my long lost sibling, because it’s like watching myself. Woody Allen’s hilarious nervous pessimism will have you gunning for happier vibes. The lobster scene alone should make you feel better.

Amélie (2001)
The magic of “Amélie” is in how it defines us not by what we buy or what we consume but by what we do. It’s a whimsical romance, but it’s more than just a girl-meets-boy love story. Amélie attempts to fix the broken people around her even as she ignores her own happiness in the process. Random acts of kindness is Amélie’s middle name.

Intouchables (2011)
It’s a life-affirming, witty, funny and charming movie. The proportions of drama and comedy are almost perfect. The story of two friends, as different as black and white, day and night, is truly amazing.

Big Fish (2003)
Tim Burton made a movie that’s almost like a fairytale. The story of Edward Bloom says that everyone has their own universe inside of them. This is such a positive film, filled with the ‘dream big’ message.

Marry, Kiss, Cliff - Round 11

Andy Stitzer (“The 40 Year Old Virgin”), Mark (“Love Actually”) and Spock (“Star Trek”)

Marry: Mark is such a sweet guy, who knows how to sweep a girl off her feet. I think he would make a loving and caring husband. (And if a zombie apocalypse would start, he would easily kill them. Yes, that’s the same guy!)

Kiss: Andy Stitzer is the sweetest guy ever. I would easily marry him too, but I most definitely don’t want to push him off a cliff. So I would kiss him instead, because this guy has had all the bad luck one man can handle.

Cliff: Spock is way too serious for me and his haircut is just a no-no!

Top 5 Thursday: Movies That Make Me Happy

Everyone has a list like this. Movies that put a smile on your face, movies you watch to feel better. Well, here’s mine.

5. Pride & Prejudice

It’s based on my favorite book. Doesn’t every woman want her own version of Mr. Darcy? The most romantic story of all time and one to sweep me off my feet every time. A movie that is good for my mood.

 

 

4. Love Actually

Secretly I’m a hopeless romantic and a movie like “Love Actually” gives me exactly what I need in my non-romantic life. Sugar sweet, but oh so good for me.

 

 

3. Amélie

I love random acts of kindness and Amélie takes that very seriously. She actually still believes in the goodness of people and little things make her happy. I want her to be my friend, because she always brightens my day.

 

 

2. Little Miss Sunshine

This family is just too quirky to function, but that’s what’s so great. No matter what other people think, they will stand together. And that dance scene is just something that will curl up the corner of your mouth. Any mouth.

 

 

1. Singin’ in the Rain

There’s just something about Gene Kelly singing in the rain. First, rain always makes me smile for some reason and I always love it when others do. So this is the perfect film to make me happy. It always cheers me up!

 

 

They Almost Made the Top 5: Happy Go Lucky, Julie & Julia, Intouchables, Elf, Juno

Best Alan Rickman Performances

I honor of Alan Rickman, who passed away January 14th 2016 at the age of 69, I decided to make a list of his best performances. Here are Alan Rickman’s best roles, in no particular order.

Sense and Sensibility

In the adaptation of Jane Austen’s brilliant novel “Sense and Sensibility”, Rickman portrays Colonel Brandon. That makes him part of the love triangle for Marianne’s affection, putting him in competition with John Willoughby. Rickman’s performance is one of measured restraint. It’s a more warm role then we’re used to seeing him in.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

The very best actors have range and don’t back away from a musical either. Okay, singing might not be Rickman’s strength, but his character Judge Turpin is one to remember. Just a supporting role, but Rickman’s the man you remember.

Love Actually

“Love Actually” is a collection of loosely linked stories, set a few weeks before Christmas. One of the stories involves Harry and Karen (Alan Rickman and Emma Thompson), a husband and wife with a fractured relationship. This segment works because of the actors.

Harry Potter

Across eight films, Alan Rickman had a chance to develop the character of Severus Snap into someone far greater that the outright villain that he initially appears as in the Harry Potter story. The trick to his performance as Snape is that, in both his heroic and darker moments, he never lets us really like him that much.

Galaxy Quest

Alan Rickman does have a real flare for comedy as well and his performance in “Galaxy Quest” is there to proof that. “Galaxy Quest” is the film where a bunch of actors from a once-popular television series are doing the convention circuit. Where they encounter real aliens. Rickmans’ character gets a catchphrase, which he spits out with weary reluctance. That Rickman’s character continues to get pissed off by this more and more as the film progresses only adds to the comedy. Proof?

 

Die Hard

No matter how many sequels this franchise will have, there will never be a villain like Hans Gruber. The antagonist was perfectly portrayed by Alan Rickman and is without a doubt one of the best villains in movie history. An intensely clever man.

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves

This movie holds a special place in my heart. I’ve seen this movie so many times I’ve lost count. And the reason I love it so much, is partly because of the awesome villain role played by Alan Rickman. I think in fact the main reason people are still talking about this movie is because of Rickman. “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” is brilliantly entertaining and Rickman steals the show with his overly dramatic acting as the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Top 5 Thursday: Movies from 2003

The beginning of the years wasn’t great, but later on this year brought us some fantastic films. Some of my favorites. Here are the best movies from 2003.

5. Big Fish
I love this fairytale like film, it just makes me happy every time I watch it. And that field full of daffodils, where is my field of daffodils?

4. Love Actually
Somewhat of a guilty pleasure, the ultimate Christmas feeling for me. All those intertwining love stories, I actually love it!

3. Kill Bill Vol. 1
Although the second film is my favourite of the two, this deserves a place on my list. Tarantino hardly ever disappoints and The Bride is kick-ass!

2. Mystic River
Such great acting and a very good story. Even after watching it a couple of times, the suspense is always there. Perfect casting too.

1. Lost in Translation
One of my all-time favourite movies. Who thought that Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson would be a match made in heaven? I certainly didn’t, but I just love them together.

They Almost Made the Top 5: Old School, Identity, Finding Nemo, 28 Days Later,