Laurie Reel Thing Chick Flick Review: "The Holiday"
Okay. Before I tell you how much I LOVED this movie, let me just say that my numero uno chick flick pal (my sister) and I have been seeing coming attractions for it since (and I am not exaggerating here) last summer. In fact, we saw the trailer so many times that with no sign of the actual movie by Thanksgiving, we just assumed we had somehow missed its release. (What’s up with these coming attraction people anyway? You get all excited about seeing whatever it is that is coming soon to a theater near you, only to find out that “soon” is a month for which you don’t even have a calendar or clothes yet.)
Anyhoo, the coming attractions were so relentless and the combined star power (Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Jack Black, etc.) so dazzling, that I just assumed that the actual movie could in no way live up to the pre-release hype. I am happy to go on record here that (cue the drum roll): I was wrong. In fact, I’d say that “The Holiday” is up there as one of the best examples of the all-too-often dissed chick flick/romantic comedy “genre.”
The premise? Two single 30-somethings nursing broken hearts decide to switch houses and lives; Cameron trades her to-die-for sophisticated beachside spread for Kate’s oh-so-cozy little cottage in the English countryside. (It’s not as predictable as it sounds; there are some surprisingly good twists along the way.) Both Cameron and Kate are adorably believable and Jude Law, with his absolutely gorgeous blue eyes, had me at his first charmingly British accented “hello.” And while Jack Black is not my personal idea of a hunky male lead, he won me over with his funny patter and "Yes, I know I'm not most women's idea of eye candy" ways. (Plus, as an added bit of fun, Cameron’s character is a producer of movie trailers so the action will stop every so often to reveal a fake but authentic sounding coming attraction based on what she is going through.)
Looking for a good, light, fun, but still SMART chick flick? Go. Right now. (Personally, I would leave Him at home, but only you know your own guy’s tolerance level for this stuff. As for moi, mine is still complaining about being sucked into seeing “Running With Scissors.”) After you see it, please be sure to let me know what you think. (Was I right or was I right?)
Comments
I agree. It was such a cute movie, I went to see it with my husband and even he liked it.
I cashed in my "one chick flick a year" card with my husband, and I loved it. I loved Kate Winslet- I thought she was adorable. The friendship she had with the old man was so sweet!
Thanks so much for sharing your feelings about "The Holiday." My daughter and I have been needing a break and we love going to the movies together. This one sounds perfect. We've been working like dogs, launching the new collection of her clothing line (Jahqoi) and so we haven't taken a break. Then my mom passed away a few weeks ago. So, I need something to lift my spirits. I'm glad I came across your blog, 'cause I had decided not to see this movie - for fear that it wouldn't live up to the hype.
I'm glad to know you and your sister enjoyed it.
still not taked with Jack black as a love interest... How come Cameron gets Jude law and kate gets Jack Black? Does Hollywood think that the "full figured woman" couldn't get a hottie?
great personality does make a big difference, esp day to day, but physical attractivenss has to be there too.
