You know that scene in Love Actually where the rock star hates his own song? Yep, that pretty much sets the tone for the whole movie – an odd mix of love stories with a bunch of big-name actors.
The Love-Hate Relationship
Love Actually has had its fair share of criticism. Critics, audiences, and even some folks who worked on the film point out its unrealistic love tales, strange choices characters make, and some outdated jokes.
Even the brain behind it, Richard Curtis, seems to have a love-hate relationship with his own creation. Every Christmas, he adds to his list of regrets about the movie. In a recent cast reunion, he owned up to the film feeling kinda old-fashioned and apologized for its lack of diversity.
The Regrets Keep Coming
Curtis has called out some fat-shaming jokes that don’t land anymore and kicked himself for axing an LGBTQ+ storyline from the final cut.
To make amends, he started a show, Christmas Actually, with a mix of hugging scenes at an airport and Hugh Grant’s voiceover reminding us that love’s not just a Christmas thing.
The Comfort of Cheesy Romance
Despite all its slip-ups, that gives folks what they want from a festive flick: easy viewing, a cozy Christmas vibe, and loads of love on display.
Film critic Helen O’Hara puts it perfectly: Christmas movies aren’t expected to be masterpieces with great social messages; cheesy romances are just fine.
The fab cast, heartwarming moments, and hilarious jokes help us overlook the film’s flaws and give us that warm, fuzzy feeling when we watch it today.
Unrealistic Love, but Comedy Gold
Sure, the film’s love stories might be up for debate, but everyone’s on board with Hugh Grant busting moves in the PM’s office to Girls Aloud’s version of Jump. It’s pure comedy gold, right?
The crazily over-the-top gestures of love in the movie are just embraced more, making it more enjoyable.
The Legacy Lives On
Nobody’s forgetting the PM taking a wild Christmas Eve trip to confess his love or someone declaring their feelings using A3 cue cards. Those are the scenes that stay with us.
In fact, real-life PM Boris Johnson did a spoof of the cue cards bit during an election, talking about Brexit instead of love.
And Dame Emma Thompson’s scene where she discovers her hubby’s almost-affair is a classic. People on Twitter go gaga over it, calling it one of the best scenes ever. TikTok loves it too – one clip hit nearly 10 million views!
Final Takeaway
That might not be flawless, but it’s a go-to for that festive cheer. It’s full of laugh-out-loud moments and quirky love stories that just make you feel good, flaws and all.