Movie Guys: Roberts and Grant share a knotty romance in ‘Notting Hill’

Friday, May 28, 1999 | 10:03 a.m.

Notting Hill Grades: Jeff, A; Dave, B.

Starring: Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant, Hugh Bonneville and Emma Chambers.

Directed by: Roger Michell.

Screenplay by: Richard Curtis.

Rated: PG-13 for adult themes and language.

Running time: 123 minutes.

Playing at: Regal Cinemas Boulder Station, Regal Cinemas Village Square, UA Showcase mall, UA Green Valley, Las Vegas Drive-In, Cinedome 12 Henderson, Century Orleans 12, Rancho Santa Fe 16.

Synopsis: Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) is the world's most famous movie star. Her picture has been plastered on the cover of every magazine, and every time she makes a move, the entire world knows about it. William Thacker (Hugh Grant) owns a travel bookstore. His business is stagnant; he has the roommate from hell; and since his divorce, his love life is nonexistent. For both, something -- or someone -- seems to be missing. When their paths cross in the quaint neighborhood of Notting Hill, romance is the last thing on their minds.

Dave: The price of fame seems rather small to most. After all, you have your name up in lights, all the riches in the world, you're the center of attention and everyone knows who you are. As the Movie Guys, Jeff and I can totally relate. Well, maybe not completely relate, but we have an idea. OK, I can't speak for Jeff, but I really don't have a clue. Except, I can say that there is nothing worth losing your sacred right to privacy and sense of identity for. Then again, a few million dollars would certainly cushion the loss if or when that day comes for the Movie Guys. Anyway, my point is that when a person reaches that level of untouchable fame -- say, for example, Julia Roberts -- she has sacrificed more than what the common fan or notable tabloid may respect.

Jeff: I couldn't help thinking that "Notting Hill" mirrored Roberts' own life, struggling with fame and fortune on a worldwide level. But she has denied this over and over in the press, claiming that there are only a few similarities between the character Anna Scott and herself. Whatever price Roberts has had to pay for stardom must be worth it in some way, because she has struck romantic gold again in "Notting Hill," a virtual vein of golden charm and romance. This is the first sure hit of the summer. It's an old cliche, but this is a perfect date movie that works on every level -- from the performances, the characters, the setting and the laughs. It's one of the first movies that I've enjoyed from beginning to end this year.

Dave: This fairy tale romance has headliner Hugh Grant perfectly cast as the typical nice-guys-finishes-last sort of bloke, William Thacker. His ailing travel bookstore reflects his personal life, bruised by a crushing divorce and left with a flat roommate (Rhys Ifans, in comic relief form with his unusual quirks and disgusting habits.)

Suddenly that moment of Hollywood love strikes him when a browsing customer -- none other than incognito movie star Anna Scott -- wishes to purchase a book. He is taken aback, like most people would be, and not until they cross each other on the street corner does he build the confidence to ask her out. The sweet gesture is first rejected (due to time constraints), but is later accepted, sending William on an unexpected press junket. This in turn captures Anna's appeal: his average hum-drum lifestyle that she apparently longs for to some uncertain degree. Hounded by the public, the paparazzi and her prior career commitments, she is soon won over by William's sincerity and family of friends (in a humorous confessional dinner).

Jeff: The most memorable scene is when William brings Anna to his sister's birthday party. It's a small get-together of close friends. Imagine their surprise when he brings Anna. The evening is full of awkward moments for her, including playing a game to see who wins the last brownie -- a game where the saddest story wins. Anna confesses her life is no picnic. She's been on a diet since she was 16, she knows her looks will one day disappear and she will be a pale resemblance of that famous actress of yesteryear. The price of fame has taken its toll on Anna, and all she wants is to find someone normal. She is, after all, just a girl who wants to be loved.

Roberts shines as she has never before. The supporting cast is a dream, with scene-stealer Ifans as William's over-the-top roommate, Spike. He's a British version of "Seinfeld's" Kramer, whose antics give the film an extra boost of insanity and is the perfect companion to the bashful William. Anna is quick to turn into a Hollywood shrew, ripping out William's heart on more than one occasion. He finally wises up and confesses to Anna that they are from two different worlds and it couldn't work, as much as they would like to try. Will it work out in the end? I'm not saying. Again, charm and romance are plentiful in this film. For my money, I wouldn't visit a galaxy far, far, away this weekend. Instead, I would visit the picturesque neighborhood of "Notting Hill."

Dave: Well, I wouldn't go that far, Jeff, but I'm certainly not saying that "Notting Hill" isn't worth the trip. The same producers and writer (Richard Curtis) of "Four Weddings and a Funeral" have managed to deliver an ideal charmer that makes for an alternative choice to that must-see sci-fi flick you had to mention. It's a romantic comedy featuring the expected cue-the-soundtrack moments for emotional pull and a most unforgettable scene by director Roger Michell, revealing the two lovers in a park at night. An excellent piece of cinema for anyone looking for love.

Movie Buzz

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"Fantasia 2000" goes to the Max: Disney has unveiled its plans to distribute its revamped "Fantasia 2000" to more than 100 IMAX screens across America for a Jan. 1, 2000 opening. But so far, only 30 of the big-screen theaters have agreed to show the film. Why? It seems that Disney's insistence on long-term commitments has scared off some exhibitors. Others are complaining that they simply don't have the necessary equipment to run an IMAX film lasting 90 minutes. In response to the latter concern, the Mouse House has promised to upgrade projection systems at no extra cost.

Diaz does "Date": "There's Something About Mary" stars Ben Stiller and Cameron Diaz may reteam for DreamWorks' romantic comedy "I Went to Date School," based on a Mademoiselle magazine article about First Impressions, a New York consulting service which sets clients up on a simulated rendezvous and then critiques their dating skills. There is no director or final script, but sources say the next draft will be developed with Diaz and Stiller in mind.

Name That Flick:"I'm not gonna waste my time arguing with a man who's lining up to be a hot lunch." Bobby Acevedo didn't waste any time. He was the first to call and identify the quote spoken by Richard Dreyfuss as Dr. Matt Hooper in Steven Spielberg's summer classic, "Jaws." Way to go, Bobby. Now, let's go back and get a bigger boat!

For this week, and in honor of Memorial Day, give us call if you know who said this quote and in what film (hint: It's a World War II movie): "Sometimes I wonder whose side God's on." If you think you know, call the Movie Guys hotline at 225-9026 or log onto our website at themovieguys.com. Be sure to spell your name and leave your daytime phone number and if you're the first to answer correctly, we will print your name right here in our column for the entire Las Vegas Valley to read.

Don't forget to pick up this week's issue of the Las Vegas Weekly, with its salute the 1970s, featuring our exclusive interview with actor James Caan. See you next week!

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