Love Actually

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: November 7, 2003

DVD Release Date: April 27, 2004

Plot 411: A vignette of every possible situation in which love occurs.

Review: This is my all-time favorite romantic comedy because the movie touches on so many different versions and meanings of love. As in life, not every story ends happily. Some are bittersweet. Some are downright sad. It's one of the most realistic rom coms out there. Also, this movie is truly made up of an ensemble cast:

Colin Firth - His awkwardness plays well in this film and seems to be amplified somehow.
Laura Linney - She is so, so good in this film that she'll make you cry.
Hugh Grant - Despite playing the prime minister, he somehow manages to still be the same goofy guy he is in every movie. Most people would fault him for this but I adore him still.
Emma Thompson - Her storyline is difficult but there's such a great song tied to her. It's heart-wrenchingly melancholy.
Liam Neeson - He plays a single father of a child that is not his. Tough, tough role but does a great job.
Kiera Knightley - Although I don't care for her much, some of you might. The storyline involving her is so romantic and bittersweet that it breaks my heart every time I watch the movie.
Rodrigo Santoro - One word: HOT! And no, he doesn't look like he did in 300.

Watch It: For a vastly different sort of romantic comedy than you're used to.

Skip It: If multiple storylines confuse you. Everyone is related to someone else in this film.

Trailer: