This year, there has been a lot of controversy over how to recognize differences in celebrating this season. Whether your family celebrates a holiday or not, this time of year is a good opportunity to see a great romantic movie. There are several new love stories out now, but just a select few romantic ones.
Rumor Has It
I was right in being worried about this movie. Jennifer Anniston is a young woman who is unhappy with the course of her life. She dislikes her job, is unsure if she's marrying the right man, and has always felt like she didn't fit in with her family. During a trip to visit her family, she discovers that the film "The Graduate" was possibly based on them. To find out the truth, she hunts down the man who could be her father (Kevin Costner). When she confirms that he isn't, she becomes the third (after her grandmother and mother) woman in her family to be seduced by him.
Although that's not all there is to this film, I found the rest of the plot to be irrelevant. Despite Shirley McClaine's funny performance and perfectly delivered one-liners, "Rumor Has It" just wasn't entertaining enough. Perhaps long-time fans of "The Graduate" would find the film a bit more enjoyable.
Cassanova
Heath Ledger doesn't just play a sheepherder ("Brokeback Mountain"), but also a legendary lover as Cassanova. As usual, Cassanova is seducing every woman who crosses his path. Unfortunately for him, he unwittingly seduces a nun and is angrily pursued by Catholic Inquisitors. As he attempts to escape, he falls in love at first sight of a lovely young woman named Francesca (Sienna Miller). He has no time to woo her, since the Inquisitors finally arrest him and he is immediately tried. In lieu of severe punishment, Cassanova must agree to stop his serial seductions and marry. He agrees to marry a girl who is known for her purity, although he is in love with Francesca. Francesca becomes the only woman who seems to easily refuse Cassanova's advances. Coincedentally, she is also scheduled to marry; she must find a husband within one month's time.
Heath Ledger was enjoyable as Cassanova, but the film didn't quite hit the mark. The plot was a just unrealistic enough to spoil the story and the characters were too underdeveloped to empathize with - even Cassanova! The film definitely looks good and director Lasse Hallström ("Chocolat") made most shots count. Unfortunately, "Cassanova" probably won't sweep you off your feet.
If neither of those films steal you away from your tree, remember the films that are currently in theatres:
Brokeback Mountain
This beautiful love story deserves all of the accolades it has already recieved. It is the story of two young men living in rural Wyoming. Despite everything, they fall in love and struggle to keep their romance secret from their wives and families for years.
Memoirs of a Geisha
Based on the bestselling novel, this is the story of a young woman who is saved from poverty and trained to become one of Japan's most respected geisha. Although the film is certainly beautiful and well-acted, history buffs will be disappointed by the film's inaccuracies.
Whatever you choose on Christmas Day, enjoy, and Happy Holidays!
