Love Is All Around, Actually

Love, Actually should be on your Christmas 2009 wish list. This film has the universal theme set in the Christmas season and is not preachy, yet shows you the possibilities that Love Is All Around. Most importantly, you wont want to see the movie end.

Richard Curtis takes on the dual roles of directing and writing . He has a deft touch in both his duties weaving eight character's stories into the Christmas theme. He truly is amazing at leaving you feeling good while exploring love, betrayal, infatuation and longing.

The plot line follows eight story lines of Londoners whose lives are forever changed by love. Love that is unexpected, inconvenient or sought after. The story is loosely held by the characters played by Hugh Grant and Bill Nighy.

Bill Nighy plays Billy Mack an aging rock star "searching for a comeback at any price". His Christmas season single "Christmas Is All Around" is the dark horse of the season. You will actually find yourself humming this catchy tune. Bill Nighy turns in a terrific performance with nuances to the character that are memorable. He is constantly confounding his manager Joe, with his outrageous comments on the promotion tour. Bill's scenes though out the movie add such delicious comedic tones and ribald humor that the performance is a must see. The final scenes with Billy Mack discovering what is most important to him at Christmas, and his appearance nude on National TV are compelling, to say the least.

Hugh Grant as the Prime Minister, is his usual charming self. His performance as the unexpectedly besotted politician is both endearing and rich in layers of emotion. His character ties the plot line all together and is realization of the instant attachment to a new aide ,Natalie, in his office. You will enjoy cringing at the lengths he goes through when he discovers she's the one. We can't really be fools in love? But, the scenes where he tries to find her house on a very long street are evidence of what he will endure. You will especially enjoy his singing Christmas carols to three children on his quest to find Natalie.

Keira Knightley, Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman all give solid performances which give the film added depth and complement a fine supporting cast. Emma Thompson's and Alan Rickman's scene where he is busted when he is starting an affair with a co worker is poignant. Keira Knightley is compelling as Juliet, newly married and discovering that her husband's best friend, Mark, has been in love with her from the beginning. You just wonder what you would do if, you were in the same situation? Well, what Mark finally does will make you entranced with what you'll do for love and friendship.

Yes I know, Love, Actually sounds like fluff and just another date movie but, it will make you smile and leave you in a good place. The movie is about love and the unexpected entrance it will make into your life, and you won't want the film to end. The theme "love is all around" is especially enticing during the Christmas season, as that's a time of family, friends and I dare say your loved ones.




Dirk Bristol is a freelance writer with varied interests. One interest is a passion with movies. The author is a traffic school and health expert. You can check out his latest new website Dog Food Comparisons- Reviews and see the Top 10 Dog Foods, and Evo Dog Food a consumer voted Top 10 Choice.