With: Hugh Grant, Brad Garrett, Drew Barrymore, Kristen Johnston, Haley Bennett, and Aasif Mandvi

You know, I never looked at my watch once either time I saw this film.
Now, I must warn you that I love a good romantic comedy. Moreover, getting one for Valentines Day is always an extra treat; and Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore have finally delivered on what has been a somewhat dismal serving of the last few years.
Right from the moment the film started it was evident that it was going to be one of those 'cute' films that most people will either not understand or simply blow off. That is going to be a mistake and their own loss. The opening scenes are a true blast and Hugh Grant must have been having a great deal of fun. As was most of the audience I too was laughing from the moment the sequence started and didn't really stop until I was at my Doctor's later that day.
The plot is simple to follow, Grant playing a 'has been' 80's pop star playing gigs at State Fairs and High School Reunions who gets one last chance at the big time by writing a song for a Top Forty Idol. Problem is, he is good at the music but stinks at lyrics. Enter the kooky plant-lady Drew Barrymore, who as a poet has no trouble spewing out lyrics, sometimes without even meaning to.
When you consider the age difference between the two characters, with Sophie only 31 and Fletcher at least 45, the relationship between them is easily seen to be one where they each find they need each other. And there is nothing wrong with a guy 45 and a woman of 31, I mean I try to meet women that age but they all seem to think I am creepy.
Perhaps that is a little to much information.
As I am a long time Hugh Grant fan, selling me on watching him in this film was no trouble. Grant's one-sentence witty remarks came out natural and funny. The hard part was convincing me to watch Drew Barrymore. I have only watched her in one other film that I enjoyed her, "50 First Dates", and outside of that, I could easily do without her. However, from that film and this one it is becoming apparent that the Barrymore Talent Gene has finally started to take effect on her and her acting.
She came across as the perfect foil to Grant's brash and often headstrong character; excellent as the formerly wiseacre and probably hard to handle young girl who has been hurt by someone she trusts. As she was here, I really liked her and enjoyed what she did. Playing off Grant might be the perfect job for her. She plays Sophie Fisher, a poet who now works for her sister in the family business, called "Weight-Not", one of those diet places like "Jenny Crain" or whatever they call them.
The sister is Rhonda, played by Kristen Johnston "Third Rock From the Sun". While I thought she acted a bit too much of the fan of the '80's band Fletcher (Grant) was a part of, she still did a very good job as the overly strong wife and supportive sister.
Brad Garrett played the straight man to Grants many one-liners with great aplomb and dignity, and it was wonderful to see him expand his range of acting into a film like this.
Newcomer Haley Bennett plays Cora Cormand, a mix of Britney/ Shakira who wants Fletcher to write a song for her, based on her now religious experience after reading a book entitled "Back into Love"; a song with that title that she can do onstage with Alex Fletcher. Bennett is absolutely amazing as the completely shallow and self-absorbed teen-sex queen.
This sweet, gentle romantic comedy can appeal to anyone of any age. It is mostly 'family safe' with a few exceptions, such as Cora doing a dance that is both provocative and erotic, but nothing that Granny can't see on MTV or the kids can't watch on any music video. There is one scene where a couple wakes up under a piano after sleeping together, but you never see then naked, or doing anything more then kissing.
It is the sort of romantic comedy that one might have seen years ago, before comedy came to mean massive sex jokes and romance turned into "How many can we sleep with this time?"
The film shows that love can come when you least expect it, and is certainly not just based on sexual activity. However, since it is rated PG I doubt if many younger people will give it a shot. No boobies, no cussing, and no bed hoping. Gee, how can that be funny or romantic? God, I hope people get sarcasm.
The sound track is excellent. In fact, excellent enough that I want to try to find a copy for my own. The thing that shocked me the most was that both Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore did their own vocals. Grant has a great voice.
Yes, this is a chick flick. Nevertheless, it is one that most guys could enjoy as well, with lots of laughs along the way and just plain good fun.
And for Crist sake, stick around through the end of the credits.