"Love Actually"

So, Valentine's Day is rolling around once again on Tuesday, and I watched Love Actually last night on DVD to commemorate the day. It's quite a pretty movie, because it reassures one that love comes in many forms: marriage, dating, crushes, affairs, love for friends and siblings, etc. I recommend it both for those looking for a romantic date movie and for those who are currently unattached. I love how it's a romantic comedy, and, while certainly embellished, attempts to present love in a more realistic way. While it does present love in its blossoming, young form, it also shows (through the subplot with Emma Thompson, who is brilliant), how love can fall apart.

I also particularly love the soundtrack, especially a really great re-imagining of "Both Sides Now" sung by an older Joni Mitchell, "Turn Me On" by Nora Jones, and "Songbird" by Eva Cassidy.

The movie has a lot of great people in it as well, like Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Liam Neeson, Keira Knightley, and Laura Linney. There are also a lot of great actors in other parts who just don't necessarily have recognizable names. Despite the fact that the premise (that all of the characters in the movie have intertwining lives) is slightly farfetched, I can't help but enjoy the movie.

Also, it is centered around Christmas, but I wouldn't necessarily consider it a Christmas movie. I'd say it's ultimately more appropriate for Valentine's Day.

"Love actually is all around."