Leap Year
Review - Matt Mungle
Set a date for Leap Year
There is a sucker born every minute. Popular quote
from a man who made millions off of that assumption. Hollywood has done well for themselves due to
the fact that obviously there are suckers for romantic comedies born even
quicker. And there is no shame in being included in that group. The Romantic
Comedy is a genre bred for those who still believe that love can spring forth
from any well. Regardless of how shallow it might be.
In the new sucker magnet, LEAP YEAR, the well is an
Irish spring. Anna (Amy Adams) is a detail oriented, hard working, lover of the
finer things, Boston
lass. Her boyfriend of four years is dragging his feet when it comes to popping
the question. Anna decides to surprise him while he is in Ireland on business and take
advantage of an old tradition. Wherein, women can ask for the man's hand once
every four years. Getting to Dublin
though seems to be the hardest part and she runs into one snag after another.
When she takes on the help of an Irish lad (Matthew Goode) who is rough around
the crust to get her there, it doesn't go any smoother.
Amy Adams is the reason this movie succeeds. She has
a magic about her that lights up any film. She is endearing and sincere. Even
when playing a snoot. Adams is heartwarming
and honest in her work and it shows up in her character. I wasn't sure how
Goode would do in the romance realm. Yes he is a heart throb but can he pull of
the comedy dialogue and make it sell-able? That was the key. And he does.
Having his character be a little rough and not gushing helped.
Rated PG for sensuality and language. It is very tame
and, other than a few mild expletives, completely harmless. This movie has a
few things going for it. Other than Adams, the scenery and characters of Ireland
plus the soundtrack through out help make this one likable. I give it 3 out of
5 Louies. It surely doesn't break any molds or excel beyond the norm but it
serves the genre well and eases us into the new year with a bit of a laugh and
a reflection on the important things in life. And that is never a bad thing. So
says Matt Mungle
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