Ah, the romantic comedy. You all know what it means, and what to expect when you see one. If you don't like that, don't watch this one. Two women on the verge of various emotional breakdowns (Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz) swap houses for the holidays. Of course, in new surroundings (an amazingly typical English cottage complete with sheep and a too-chic L.A. mansion) they both work out their problems, find new perspectives on their lives and find "unexpected" love. All before the end credits.
Formulaic as it is -- wonderful women with scoundrel fellas get the Cute, Nice Guys They Deserve with a side dish of cute kids, charming elderly people, puppy dogs and snowflakes -- I watched this movie for Winslet. A fabulous actress who can play this kind of role in her sleep, she adds some unexpected nuances to the typical "pathetic girl" part.
And Jack Black was a nice surprise. I know he can act, but it's far too rare that he breaks out of his funny faces and rock and role mode.
With more Christmas songs than you can shake a candy cane at, The Holiday is a warm, snuggly romance to lose yourself in for a couple of hours. Shallow, sweet and seasonal.
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