Another Saturday night and your plans fell through? Need something to do to occupy your weekend? Cozy up in front of the TV with a warm blanket and a hot beverage, and forget all your worries with Josh’s Netflix Pick of the Week. Dim the lights and put up your feet; movies are the only friends you need.
Amid the recent release of films featuring dark subject matter and heavy themes– Gone Girl, Foxcatcher, and Interstellar— Love Actually is a light, cheesy flick to catch at home. This delightful ensemble comedy – despite its slightly-too-long running time – is nothing but fun.
Hugh Grant, seasoned ambassador to the romantic comedy genre, displays his expertise here. He plays the British Prime Minister searching for love in one of many interconnecting vignettes. In the vein of the ripped-off, lesser quality American movie Valentine’s Day, Love Actually features an onslaught of familiar faces from the British film universe. Liam Neeson, Colin Firth and Keira Knightley star alongside other actors. Watching the recognizable-2003-rookies like Andrew Lincoln from The Walking Dead, Martin Freeman from Sherlock, and the stellar 2013 Oscar nominee, Chiwetel Ejiofor from 12 Years A Slave, before they were known is all part of the charm.
There’s no heavy lifting with this light-hearted-yet-heart-warming film. I’m not embarrassed to profess how much I enjoyed Love Actually and, after a tough week of school or a heavy heap of stress, this British import is the way to go. If you’re not convinced, then Hugh Grant’s dancing has to change your mind; it’s worth the 135 minute running time for the one scene in which Grant’s prime minister goofily gets caught dancing. It may not be Christmas just yet, but the jolly Love Actually is well worth the watch.