Two Weeks Notice [DVD] [2003]

To my astonishment, I enjoyed it.

If you're expecting originality or complex plot, forget it. Like all romantic storylines since the original Cinderella (if there was ever an original version of such an overdone story that is), you know what's going to happen. These types of films seem to be more about how they get to the end than what the ending is.

If you expect a different style of acting from Grant and Bullock to everything they've done before, then forget it. These parts could have been written for these two actors, it's character concepts they're familiar with.

If you're expecting extreme sentimentality, forget it. Yeah, it's a romance film that doesn't get sappy. Maybe that's why I liked it.

So, in short, you have an eccentric billionaire boss who lives in the shadow of his older brother and therefore rather bored with his life, and like most bored people makes everyone else's life around him a living nightmare just to spice things up. He's fully aware of his faults and fully aware noone will call him on it too.

Cue the environmentalist champion of the common man who's determined to show the world non-scummy lawyers can exist, who has her own eccentric quirks and baggage and is determined to thwat his plans by any means necessary.

Good points: Along with all the character flaws both Wade and Kelson have, the film is careful to develop redeemable character traits along the way as well, making both characters human rather than unsalvageably neurotic. Very human infact, I know people in real life like these two. They're also careful to show that both characters do actually have similar interests in life so it's not completely head-scratching to see them falling for each other. Oh and the romance is never sappy, so for those who are a fan of subtle expressions, furtive glances and baffled reactions, this is the film for you. Bullock and Grant might be playing their usual roles but those roles are definitely very compatible, at least in this film. Chemistry is present and makes the film work

Bad points: one or two really weird scenes that left me scratching my head wondering what the viewer was supposed to learn from them.

So yeah, this is definitely a passable way to spend two hours if you want to kick-back, relax, not think too hard, have a few chuckles and end with a feel-good sensation. If you want your brain stretched or to be weeping into tissues, then it won't do anything for you.

But, even knowing what to expect, I decided to sit and watch it one winter afternoon, tissues in hand (for my cold I feel compelled to point out) and enjoy. Well I'm here to tell you that this rom-com, whilst still sticking with the time-honoured (some would say time-worn) template, still manages to be genuinely funny and charming - something I found lacking in the majority of both Hugh Grant films and generic romantic comedies. Hugh Grant does play himself as usual, but with what seems more assurance and confidence than the norm, and less of the bumbling and stuttering that we have come to associate with everyone's favourite quintessentially English rom-com actor who isn't Mr Darcy.

Okay, this was never going to trouble Oscar, but that's not why people want to see a film like this, neither will it be for dazzling special effects or a gripping narrative. But it's comfortable pace, simple but sweet plot and gentle comedy make it the perfect Sunday afternoon film to watch in front of the fire (especially if you have a cold - a feel-good film is just what you need, and this film fits the bill nicely).

However, there are some, (in fact, frequent) sharp and funny one-liners peppering this film. The 'com' aspect of the film is certainly superior to the 'rom', but there's not many ways that that can be original really is there? It joins the dots accurately without deviating much, and it is left to the 'com' to make the film stand out. We all know Mr Grant can deliver deadpan one-liners to perfection, and he has ample opportunity to demonstrate said talent here, and does so. The comic lines flow thick and fast, especially in the first hour, before in the final act settling down to address the 'serious' romantic issue at stake, where the laughs are pushed aside for the love. As stated before, the romance is textbook, but the comedy is a pleasant and genuine surprise. There are even a few real laugh-out-loud moments - a few more than your average Hugh Grant flick!

Although Sandra Bullock produces the film as well as starring it, it is Hugh Grant at the wheel. Ms Bullock simply plays the textbook romantic lead, spunky and sparky, bristly on the outside but sweet on the outside, and we all know what's going to happen. Does this constitute a spoiler if everyone knows before seeing the review or film? But anyway, in today's fearful climate, something light-hearted, comical and heart-warming (so good for the heart then!) is often just what is needed, and this is a fun, gentle, completely un-taxing film that fits the bill perfectly. And that's not a bad thing.