LOVE ACTUALLY (Richard Curtis, Universal, 2003)

Every year at Christmas time, Arclight Theatres ( https://www.arclightcinemas.com/ ) in Hollywood and Los Angeles plays the film LOVE ACTUALLY (Richard Curtis, Universal, 2003). The film is set during the Christmas season and I believe it to be a contemporary Christmas classic like IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (Frank Capra, RKO, 1946). The film is everything the Christmas season is about; love, family, sharing good times with good friends and family, giving, caring for others and again, love. I go every year to see it, and I will watch it anytime it is broadcast. Rather than write my usual write up about the film, I intend to list my ten favorite moments from the film in no particular order. There are obviously some I will miss (feel free to add any in comments) and no this will not be a list of the ten best appearances by Keira Knightley (though her beautiful face graces spot number one!

1) Mark (Andrew Lincoln) confesses his love to Juliet (Knightley) through giant flash cards.

This scene gets me on so many levels. I wish I had thought of doing this for some girl in my past. Particularly it gets me because who hasn't had a love that they either can't mention, won't admit or that person belongs to someone else. It's cute, thoughtful and inventive. And Juliet's reaction, giving Mark one Christmas kiss and his subsequent realization that he needs to move on, this is just exquisite to me.

2) Colin (Kris Marshall) and his appearance in a regular American bar.

This scene is just pure comedy throughout, well written and well acted. It really is every guy's fantasy and really, would Colin's plan to conquer the girls of America really ever come to fruition? I love that the girls ask him to say everything with his British accent as this is something I would do. And his reaction to finding out there is a fourth girl is just priceless.

3) Sam (Thomas Sangster) holds up his finger saying Joanna (Olivia Olson) is the 1.

This kid steals the film for me. He has that angelic face and he plays such a great part. When he tells Daniel (Liam Neeson) that Joanna is the one and he holds his finger up, priceless. His love is forever and there can never be another. It's ironic too because his love for Joanna parallels Daniel's love of his mother who has passed away, proving love isn't forever. Great writing for this entire story line.

4) David (Hugh Grant) asking his assistant if Natalie (Martine McCutcheon) is chubby.

Grant's delivery of this line is perfect. A subtle blend of skepticism and his trying vainly to cover up his obvious feelings for Natalie. I always tell others that "you can't help who you love" and poor David is a perfect example of this. He's better off NOT fighting it!

5) The cashier (Rowan Atkinson) wrapping a package to perfection for an exasperated and anxious Harry (Alan Rickman).
Rowan Atkinson plays a cashier who takes his job quite seriously. Every detail of gift wrapping is done with care and precision and his lines are delivered like fine wine. "it is but the work of a moment" has me on the floor and when he places the cinnamon stick in the bag Harry's anguish is outrageously funny. Many of us have done sly things and we all can identify with Harry wanting to just get things quickly and quietly finished.

6) Jamie (Colin Firth) and his language problems with Aurelia (Lucia Moniz).

There are two instances here which are hysterically funny. First when Jamie is introduced to Aurelia. He attempts, quite poorly, to speak to her in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese. It's not often you can make a fool of yourself in four languages. And he does the ever so guy thing of mentioning the only athlete he knows from Portugal, Eusebio. When in doubt, as a guy, always go for something you know. Even funnier though is his first time driving her home. He babbles on and on, the words just spewing out with no rhyme nor reason. Luckily she can't understand and this conversation is only half as awkward for her than him, and us. But still so funny!

7) Jamie asking for Aurelia's hand in marriage.

The subtitles make this scene funnier as they add to Jamie's ongoing language problems. But his sincerity and his following from the town make this such a romantic proposal

8) Billy Mack's (Bill Nighy) drug PSA on the Ant and Dec show.

Bill Nighy shines throughout the film in the role of aging rocker Billy Mack and it his pithy and sarcastic attempts at promoting himself and his record which do it. Almost spoofing those that take themselves too seriously, Nighy's Mack knows exactly his place in the grand scheme of things as well as knowing it all amounts to a lot of fluff when all is said and done. His delivery of this line though is great. "Kids, don't buy drugs. Become a pop star and they give them to you for free"! Classic stuff!

9) David's attempt to locate Natalie's house in the dodgy end.

Going door to door as the PM, a new service to gauge approval? Brilliant. And as he sings the Christmas carol to the children two things occur. First his valet has an amazing voice, even to David. And the children, doing their best Oliver impression. "please sir, please".

10) Sam's face as Joanna points to others in the crowd.

I said it before and I'll say it now, this kid steals so much of the movie. His gestures, his facial expression are all priceless. He has a great relationship on screen with Neeson and his jealous anger as Joanna sings to the crowd is stellar.

I could go on forever about little moments in this film that just capture my heart. Suffice it to say it is easily on of my top ten favorite films ever and it is eminently watchable!