This is a simple modern fairytale, where the poor prince (Grant) manages to gain the attention of the beautiful ’princess of Hollywood’ (Roberts). Is there a frog involved?
If you are still looking for a quick movie selection, and you want a modern romantic comedy that will touch your heart without leaving a bitter aftertaste, then Notting Hill, may be just what you’re after. If you’re into special effects and actions, look elsewhere.
The Plot
William Thacker, a boyishly handsome but reclusive owner of a small bookstore in the picturesque London community of Notting Hill, is in his bookstore, when a celebrity comes in browsing, and buys a book. The celebrity is the austere, cool, beautiful and incredibly famous, film star, Anna Scott. As fate meets Buster Keaton, distracted Will is heading back to the shop and smacks dead on into the actress again spilling his orange juice on her pristine white T-Shirt, and offers his house for her to change. He is obviously tongue tied and smitten. There is a spark in their touch...which brings about a first ’’date’’.
The ’’date’’ is at Will’s sister’s Honey’s birthday party, and here we meet the community that support and love our hero. There is his best friend Max, a level headed guy who cooks, Belle, married to Max and in a wheelchair, Bernie, a stockbroker, Honey, the baby sister. They are all intelligent, spontaneously wonderful, occasionally zany, and always entertaining. You couldn’t ask for better friends, but you’ll have to see the movie to hear and see the best of it.
The Cast
Hugh Grant as William, Will Thacker. Grant is at his handsome boyish best, lovable, and a good guy. He had been married, but his wife left him. He is shy, and adorably awkward. He maintains the ability to laugh at himself, a most endearing quality. He wasn’t looking for love when love walked in. Is he in love with the ’’idea’’ of the actress, the mystery, or is it a simple love story? Guess you’ll have to decide for yourself.
Julia Roberts as Anna Scott, the movie star from America. Her performance is actually extraordinary. She plays as a mystery, and we are never sure whether she is worthy of our Will. Yet she likes and is liked by the community that supports our lonely hero. Fame has indeed twisted her outlook on life, though, and prospects seem bleak. At heart, her loneliness may be far greater than our hero’s. On watching this movie the seventh time, I am once again, impressed by her performance. Pay attention to the ’’movies’’ she is ’shooting’- a healthy jab at Hollywood.
Tim McInnery as Max, the best friend. A solid middle class guy, who values his family and friends, and has a heart big as his oven. He is the matchmaker, the peace keeper, the cook, and is made of better stuff. Slightly balding, his eyes tear up with love when he looks at his wife. How can you beat that for a performance?
Gina McKee as Bella ’’Belle’’, wife of Max. She is the oracle of the group, the cool interpreter, calm, dignified and beautiful. In a wheelchair, she exhibits no self pity.
Emma Chambers as Honey, ’Hon’ the baby sister. Bubbly, vivacious, innocent, sweet and totally willing to put her feelings out there for all to see, she says what the others feel.
Hugh Bonneville as Bernie , the world’s loneliest man, a stockbroker who seems as awkward socially as anyone, yet is also very lovable.
Rhys Ifans as Spike, the flatmate. This guy is hilariously funny in every scene, an eccentric who creates his own place in the world. His first scene, dressing for success, is among my favorites.