The Holiday Movie Review

I must admit, this movie was not on my "must watch" list. When I watched it, however, I fell in love with it and I think it's a great winter movie!

Amanda (Cameron Diaz), is a successful American woman who had been having problems with her boyfriend for the past year. After finding out that he had slept with his 25 year old secretary, she kicks him out of her house and feels like she needs to escape. She decides to take a vacation, something she's never done before and thus shocks everyone.

In the meantime, Iris (Kate Winslet) is a hard working British reporter who has had feelings for one of her co workers. As Christmas time approaches, she thoughtfully gets him a gift knowing that the best thing for her to do is keep away from him. It is that night at an office party when Jasper (Rufus Sewell), the man she's loved for the past 3 years, announces his engagement to another co worker. Iris goes home and cries her eyes out. It is then when she receives an instant message from Amanda asking her if she wanted to trade houses for two weeks. She agrees and they both leave at once.

Amanda lives in a big house in Los Angeles. Iris lives in a small home in a desolate area. It is no wonder they both get shocked when arriving at their new house. While struggling to get used to living in other people's house, they both meet people who help them heal from their heartbreaks.

Iris befriends an elderly neighbor and meets one of Amanda's co workers. After seeing how lonely Arthur (Eli Wallach), the elderly neighbor, is she decides to spend some time with him such as taking him to dinners and teaching him how to walk without his walker. In the meantime Miles (Jack black), Amanda's co worker, becomes attracted to Iris even though already being in a relationship. However, his relationship with his current relationship fails due to her infidelity.

Amanda also meets Iris's brother, Graham (Jude Law), and both develop a rather intimate acquaintance. Planning to not see each other again, they can't resist going out on dates. Amanda feels happy with Graham until he tells her he cannot see her due to complicated reasons. Amanda feels determined to know what those reasons are and stops by his house one night. As Graham and her talk, two little girls appear and she later realizes that Graham is a widower with two young daughters.

Miles breaks up with his girlfriend and takes further interest in Iris. Iris is still helping Arthur with his goal to appear at a special ceremony without his walker. She asks Miles to come with her back home to celebrate New Year's.

Graham and Amanda decide that they should end their relationship since she has to go back home. After a sad moment of goodbyes, she realizes that she doesn't have to go home just yet and can stay with him at least until New Year's. This is when both couples come together and celebrate their love.

I give this movie a four out of five. I'm not a fan of Cameron Diaz or Kate Winslet, so this says a lot about how much I love this movie. What I didn't like, however, was Amanda's character first approach to Graham. Must every movie have two strangers engaging in illicit sex? That part really bothered me and if it weren't for it, I'd give it a perfect score.

Nonetheless, it's a sweet romantic comedy that is cleverly thought out and perfect for the winter time.