Review: Notting Hill

103997752
Jul 16
3 min read

Updated: Jul 23

With Semester 2 just around the corner, why not relax with something cosy and cheesy? Alex de Paulis reviews Notting Hill, the 1999 rom-com with stars Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts that's still a good watch even today.

“I’m just a girl standing in front of a boy” are iconic words uttered by Julia Roberts that are ingrained into the rom-com popular culture. Released in 1999, starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, Notting Hill is a cornerstone of the romantic comedy genre. It’s a story of a movie star actress (Julia Roberts) who falls in love with a hapless travel bookshop owner (Hugh Grant). Some might deem it as cheesy and predictable, but it is undeniably heartwarming, and although a rom-com might not be your first choice for movie night, Notting Hill should be seriously considered.

Notting Hill was a hit return to formula for writer Richard Curtis (of Four Weddings and a Funeral, Love Actually and Mr. Bean fame), grossing over 363 million dollars at the box office. It’s a relic of simpler times when A-listers were in original rom-coms that made serious money. The movie isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s crowd-pleasing A-list nonsense at its purest. And this planet needs more of it.

It depicts two people from different worlds, slowly but surely “falling in love”. You got me, where do I sign? Nothing about it tries to challenge you, and that’s part of the charm. The movie is designed to make you go “awwww” and “wow, Julia Roberts has it tough as a movie star”. Critics at the time were largely able to recognise this quality, with Variety magazine labelling it a “modern fairy tale”. It’s a warm blanket that’s tattered and has holes in it, but harbours a lot of memories. It doesn’t exactly smell, but it’s not new.

We've all got soft spots for cheesy flicks, will-they-wont-they romance and Hugh Grant, so why not take the whole package? (Image: Supplied) — *We've all got soft spots for cheesy flicks, will-they-wont-they romance and Hugh Grant, so why not take the whole package?* (Image: Supplied)

Saying it’s formulaic is a valid statement. Hugh Grant is playing the same awkward character as Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994). But that's what I’m here for. He fumbles his way through every social interaction. Whenever you doubt the romantic chemistry of the two leads, Julia Roberts flashes her trademark smile. She’s a movie star playing a movie star, and, wouldn't you know it, she's pretty convincing. Rhys Ifan’s post-Kramer housemate character is just goofy enough, and Hugh Grant’s friends all seem like fun hangs. The film is almost one big PR stunt for Julia Roberts, saying, “I’m a movie star, but also a person too. I could have a crush on an audience member”.

Notting Hill is just really effective escapism. The complications are somewhat forced, the resolutions are rushed, but I don’t care. Sometimes, a movie where you can just switch your mind off is important. Conversely, Notting Hill’s flaws potentially make it a 2 hour conversation piece. For example, we see the entire revival of their relationship in under 15 minutes. *Spoiler ahead* From when Hugh rejects Julia’s final advances, to them getting married and Julia pregnant is 13 minutes. On paper, that’s mind-boggling, but the music really makes it work.

This movie ticks just enough boxes for me. You’ve got the awkward meetings, poignant needle drops, the rush to tell the person how you feel--It is a welcome vacation from the real world. Notting Hill is the perfect movie to watch whilst clearing your mind. Or perhaps a guilty pleasure you can openly judge with your loved ones or quirky flatmate. Ultimately, Notting Hill’s biggest asset is its lack of romantic depth. To quote Hugh Grant’s friend: “She said she wanted to go out with you… well, that’s nice”. It’s a cinematic stroll. If you hate Notting Hill, you hate romance, you hate fun, you hate happiness and joy. But I also understand where you’re coming from.