Hugh Grant

Love Actually (Widescreen Edition)
$12.98
This movie is entertaining and gives enough laughs throughout to make it bearable, but it could have used a serious dose of editing as, besides being very predictable for the most part, it just rambled on and on until you couldn't care less about any of the characters.

Notting Hill (Collector's Edition)
$12.98
My wife made me watch it, but guys, it is actually a good movie with a lot of funny scenes

Music and Lyrics (Widescreen Edition)
$14.96
I saw this in the movie theater and loved it. I was happy with the price on amazon and I didn't hesitate to add it into my collection. I rated it 4 stars because I loved it but if I was going with the movie rating system then I'd say it was a three star movie.
I was never a fan of Hugh Grant before but I found him funny and charming in this movie. There was great chemistry between him and Drew Barrymore. I honestly thought Hugh Grant stole the show. He's funny as a 80s popstar has-been. The songs are all original and they're fantastic. I'm even considering buying the soundtrack which is something I rarely do.

Haley Bennet was good as Cora Corman although her acting left a little to be desired but based on her IMDB profile, this was her first feature film, so kudos for her, she held her own against Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore.

What else I can say? Yes it's true the movie is predictable, but you're in for a treat: the cast was well chosen and I knew I would like this movie the moment they showed the 'music video' in the opening credits, so see it already.

About a Boy (Widescreen Edition)
$9.99
When I first saw `About a Boy' I found myself slightly underwhelmed. I wanted to like it and knew that I was supposed to, but I just didn't really care. That was a few years ago. Then, about a year ago, I caught it on cable and, while I only caught the last half, I found myself wrapped up in it.

Then I bought it.

Now I love it.

This is definitely a film that has grown on my ridiculous amounts and I now consider it one of the best of 2002, definitely top ten and at times I even consider it top 5 (I so wish I was still doing my awards, but then again, I'm glad I'm not). It has so much depth to it, if you are willing to give it the time of day. It can, and does at times, appear to be just another romantic comedy, and it does have those elements (thank you Rachel Weisz), but there is so much more here than just a generic `boy meets girl'. The main point of this story is self awareness, and it is handled in such a fun and beautifully touching way.

That `Killing Me Softly' finale just hits me where it counts.

The film tells of selfish womanizer Will who preys on single mothers by attending single parent groups. It's at one of these groups that he meets young Marcus, who is in serious need of some male attention. His mother, Fiona, is a bit unstable (or a lot unstable) and somewhat suicidal, and her chronic depression is almost too much for Marcus. So, after making the first move, Marcus ends up finding a companion in Will. Will, who is quite aware that he is shallow and self consumed, is stunned that he is finally putting someone else's feelings above his own; but of course that is a life change that will not come easy.

Hugh Grant is a great comedian and has proven himself numerous times for me. I was not sold on him entirely a few years ago, but over time he has really grown on me. From his priceless pairing with Bullock to his nomination worthy performance in `Four Wedding and a Funeral', not to mention memorable and charming turns in fluff films like `Music and Lyrics' (such a cute albeit forgettable film), Grant has really perfected his charm. This is his finest moment, easy. He is funny and charming and even a tad sleazy, but he manages to capture this man's heart and convey this feeling of want and vulnerability that really helps sell this movie to the audience. Toni Collette is really good, but I do feel as though love for this performance in particular is a little overrated. She is wonderful always, but she isn't breathtaking here. I preferred Rachel Weisz. Young Nicholas Hoult is just `pinch me' cute here, you just want to give him a gigantic hug and tell him everything will be all right.

Like I said, that `Killing Me Softly' scene is just a tearjerker.

So, in the end I'm gushing. Give this one a try if you haven't, and if you have and you're still not sure then watch it again. One of the most beautiful lessons in life is to love and accept yourself, and sometimes it takes a child to teach an adult how to do that.