Fanfiction's Beginning & That Quote

I won’t lie, I have been a bit caught up in a lot of reality, prohibiting me from geeking out over rom-coms. The entire world is in a chokehold over Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce at her Eras show in Argentina. If you missed it, here is a clip of Taylor Swift running to Travis Kelce after her show this weekend.

Moving on, I got my fill of romantic comedies (both fictional and real) this weekend. The premise of this next movie is one of my favorites, possibly because I love to read and I am a former victim of the fanfiction movement of the early 2010s. While there were rom-coms in still style before this one, I feel like this movie was the timeless blueprint for fanfictions left and right. A star meets a “regular Joe” and falls in love while battling the demands of fame? Sounds like a One Direction fanfiction plot to me. I was expecting to love every minute of it.

It has every component of a rom-com that I would normally adore and yet it wasn’t my favorite? Which is odd because I couldn’t ignore the comparisons I kept making with my favorite movie of all time: About Time (2013). I’m not sure, but I will be giving you all of my opinions. We are fresh off the high that is My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997) and the queen that is Julia Roberts, so I thought “Why don’t we keep these good vibes going?” I give you fanfiction vibes, Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant, a cute bookstore, a phenomenal supporting cast and the setting of London, UK. I present to you: Notting Hill (1999).

What’s Going On?

Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) is an award-winning American actress, the hottest actress in Hollywood. She is constantly working on various films. William Thacker (Hugh Grant) is a divorced, British bookseller who owns a travel bookshop. He lives in charming Notting Hill with his quirky roommate Spike.

One fateful day, Anna stops by William’s bookshop. After that day, fate pushes the two together with a spilled orange juice bottle. They continue to get to know each other, slowly falling for one another. Unfortunately with Anna’s career and upcoming schedule to publicize her newest movie, the couple is pulled apart moment after moment. William begins to question if its worth it to be with such a big celebrity, considering how insignificant he finds himself.

After an appearance by her *cough* douchebag *cough* boyfriend Jeff (Alec Baldwin), William and Anna are left questioning their relationship and weighing the consequences of fame and love. Which will they choose? Can love truly conquer all the complications life has to offer?

My Personal Opinions

Buckle up and hold on, folks. I have thoughts. This movie is supposed to be made for me. I adore Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant, London, books, romantic comedies…I could go on. Everything is lining up. But unfortunately, this movie just did not hit right for me and I have a few theories as to why.

To begin, I was thoroughly disappointed in the lack of chemistry between Anna and William. Roberts and Grant are both seasoned professionals when it comes to the rom-com genre, so I was stunned to feel that their romance fell flat. The story itself is cute and kitschy, but the chemistry is truly what left the movie in the “mid” category. There were so many sweet moments that I should’ve swooned over and yet… But I can’t just focus on the negatives!

One of the highlights of this movie was the supporting cast. I have said this before, but I will say it again: the supporting cast can make or break the movie! Watching William’s friends meet Anna for the first time and treat her like any other girlfriend of his was heartwarming to see. They continuously rib each other and pick on each other like they are their own family. Their humor, their advice to William and the switch they can make from comedy to drama is stunning. I wanted every scene to include William’s friends.

I will not include it, as I urge you to watch it yourself, but the final 20 minutes of the movie is pure perfection. There are so many components to it, but it is beautiful and made me consider boosting my thoughts of the movie itself. I wish I could’ve watched two hours of those final scenes, I would’ve been a lot happier! There is a montage that gives the audience closure, something I believe many rom-coms miss out on. I understand that isn’t the point of the movie, but it makes me feel more connected with the characters I have spent two hours falling in love with.

Before you stop reading and refuse to watch this movie based on my review, I urge you to watch it anyway. If I was stopped on the street and asked to name a ‘90s rom-com, this would be it. It is timeless and known for being good. Just because I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try it. This especially applies to romantic comedy lovers– please give it a watch! I have a strong feeling I’m in the minority in this conversation, so please go in with an open mind.

Favorite Scene

That being said, here is my favorite scene. As Anna and William continue their newly-found love, they have to find creative ways to spend time together, even when Anna has obligations promoting her newest film. So, William arrives at the hotel where interviews are taking place, falsely assumed as a member of the press. It’s cute, it’s funny and I really grew to love this scene because of the light miscommunication that comes with it.

I know, I usually only include one scene in this section. But I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to acknowledge this classic scene, with a quote you may have heard but can’t quite place. Towards the end of the movie, Anna approaches William to make amends after more miscommunication separates them (this movie also includes my least favorite trope: miscommunication). She declares her love for him, waiting for his answer with baited breath. Enjoy a piece of classic rom-com history.

Hugh Grant, Leading Man

Everyone knows Hugh Grant. Maybe they don’t think they know him, but if they have seen a romantic comedy, they have probably seen Hugh Grant. He is the king of rom-coms if Julia Roberts is the queen. Getting his start in the rom-com sphere in Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994) (I would highly recommend this one), Grant shot to superstardom, beginning his reign as the leading man in rom-coms.

Through Four Weddings and a Funeral, Grant won a Golden Globe and a BAFTA for Best Actor. He has slapped with the label of “rom-com guy,” starring in a slew of romantic comedies: Nine Months (1995), Bridget Jones’ Diary (2001), Two Weeks Notice (2002), Love Actually (2003), Music and Lyrics (2007) and Did You Hear About the Morgans? (2009). Some of these you have probably heard of, as they are undisputed hits! Many of these you would only know if you are a big Hugh Grant fan or an avid romantic comedy watcher.

Following Grant’s success in these romantic comedies, he also tried out a variety of genres. Unfortunately, audiences only wanted to see him in the same role, revamped year after year in a new rom-com. While he has made a few romantic comedies in more recent years, it seems Grant is trying to leave that era in his career behind. He has recently claimed in an press conference that he wishes he had been more ambitious at the start of his career. This lack of ambition is how he credits his rom-com filmography which, according to Grant, ends in “big fat lies.”

It will be interesting to see if Hugh Grant makes it back to the romantic comedy genre, similar to Meg Ryan’s return to screen. After an interview like that, I am not sure it’s in the cards but a girl can dream, right? Cheers to you, Hugh, thank you for being the British heartthrob we needed in our lives.

Playlist

This playlist, which pulled into the “cozy book” and “London” vibes of the plot, is right here for your enjoyment!

Where to Watch

If you have a subscription to Amazon Prime Video, you’re in luck! Notting Hill is available to stream there, or you can rent/purchase the film on YouTube, Google Play and Apple TV.