Notting Hill

1999, (US DVD)

Director: Roger Michell

Hugh Grant, Julia Roberts, Rhys Ifans

At last a romantic comedy that will appeal to both sexes. Notting Hill is a breath of fresh air to the tired romantic comedy!

William Thacker (Grant) owns a Travel Book shop in London's Notting Hill whose life is turned upside down when Hollywood starlet Anna Scott (Roberts) walks into his store and they fall in love.

Okay, all of these things pretty much follow the same 'painting by numbers approach' to the genre. What makes this one better than the rest is the characterization and the situations that they are put in before it reaches it's inevitable conclusion.

When Anna and William fall in love, not only are William's friends watching but the world is also. This makes for some interesting and at times hysterical humour.

With a great ensemble cast including Blackadder's Tim McInnerny and Gimme, Gimme Gimme's James Dreyfus this makes for a must see movie that cannot be beat.

EXTRAS

Including a commentary with Director Roger Michell, Producer Duncan Kenworthy and writer Richard Curtis. Deleted scenes, musical highlights, trailer, cast and filmmakers bios, DVD-ROM material and a travel guide to Notting Hill.

This is a packed disc that has all you would want to know about the movie. The Travel Guide to Notting Hill is a nice and original touch that is of use should you want to visit some of the locations featured in the movie.

Overall this is one cool DVD.

RATINGS:

Movie:**** Best romantic comedy of 99!

Extras:***** Nothing missing on a flawless disc.