The Holiday, written and directed by Nancy Meyers - 7 out of 10

The Holiday, written and directed by Nancy Meyers
7 out of 10


Although far from overwhelming, this rather average motion picture has some good moments.

Admittedly, they are few and far between, surpassed by many more scenes that are embarrassing, ludicrous or just uninspired.
Kate Winslet is believable - mostly, and within the confines of a less than brilliant script- as Iris, representing half of the British team playing in this transatlantic game of Love and Redemption.

She has been infatuated, perhaps love is not the correct word, with a man that has mistreated her and took advantage of her affection...he would try to do so to the very end.
Indeed, a monologue on shared love, which is the subject of most stories and films is rather interesting, as it moves towards those who love without having their feelings shared.

The only problem here would be that this tends to happen to those who look much worse than Iris and do not have her many other positive traits, but can present a long list of flaws instead.
Cameron Diaz is also admirable, given the limitations of the narrative, as Amanda, a producer of film trailers that finds her partner is cheating on her.

In order to get over their respective disillusionments, Amanda flies over to spend some time in Iris' cottage, while the latter would enjoy The Holiday spent in the ravishingly luxurious mansion of the former, with a big swimming pool and other flamboyant amenities.
The trip that Amanda takes into the village is not amusing though, for all the supposed mishandling of the Mini Cooper, it is one of the scenes that bring the quality of the feature down.

Late in the evening, a handsome stranger comes to the door, drunk and amused, looking for Iris.
This is Graham, her brother, portrayed rather imperfectly by Jude Law, who may know that the dialogue is flawed and therefore does not deliver it with too much, if any conviction.

Soon, an idyll would be in progress between him and the bold visitor, who suggest they have sex.
It might be one of the only ways in the modern age, when such a proposition coming from the male characters would become increasingly seen as anathema.

On the other side of the ocean, Iris meets with Miles aka Jack Black, who at this stage has a girlfriend that is a beautiful, aspiring young actress.
Jack Black seems to have a huge popularity around the world, or used to have a couple of years back, when I have read in The 
Economist that studios look at the world audience these days and cast some of the actors with international appeal in their mega productions.

One such figure is Jack Black, who can be effective and professional, but at times he seems to overplay, exaggerating his gesturing, musical contributions and much else.

He does not look like the ideal romantic partner for Iris, but then again, worldwide cinema goers may love him.
When his girlfriend is seen kissing and embracing another, just as he was shopping with the British tourist, in a store where Dustin Hoffman has a cameo, the hyperactive American would try to and maybe find solace in the company of Iris.

The American part of the plot has a sideshow that seems rather corny and at times pathetic, involving Arthur, a one major screenwriter, who has added the 'kid' in one of the legendary lines from Casablanca, which we know has been written by a committee, not one or a few authors.
Iris takes care of Arthur, makes him walk in the pool, attend an  event destined to pay him homage, which he had hitherto refused to accept.

Sometimes, some of the otherwise lame ideas work.
Such as the run in the snow, In High heels I think it was, when Cameron Diaz aka Amanda leaves the limousine abruptly, to return to dear - and also quite lame - Graham.

Part of the movie works, but only to som extent, and it is better watched, only if need be, when one is really tired and wants to give the brain a break, so that it stops functioning...well, ninety percent of it or more.