I have been wondering about Ireland, dreaming a bit about Ireland... and how I gave up an opportunity to live there for at least a couple of years to... well, to respond to a 'loud call'.
I chanced upon this 2010 film, "Leap Year", on YouTube, which involved Ireland. It really had very little to offer, aside from the beautiful Irish countryside that served as a backdrop in almost the whole film. Just the same, it was a really cute rom-com... most of it was because of the excellent performances of the very talented Amy Adams (Anna Brady from Boston), who happens to be one my favorite actresses, and that 'beautiful Brit', Matthew Goode (Declan O'Callaghan from Dingle, Ireland). Of course, their characters started out on wrong foot, clashing like two wrecking balls in the beginning (don't they always?)... but Adams and Goode are so good they didn't really overdo it. Therefore, Anna and Declan's conflicting personalities: Miss Organized-even-in-romance and Mr. Romantic-actually-but-cheated-on-before-therefore-skeptical-of-love, around which the movie revolved didn't come across too much as tired-and-old corny story, etc., etc.
Somehow, Adams's tenacity in acting and Goode's cool take on Declan found a way to bring some freshness to an age-old plot, that it felt worthwhile to be taking some 100 minutes from my rare "me time" to watch the film. I particularly loved the expression on Anna's face when, after leaving Declan who fell asleep on a bench while waiting for her bus to Dublin, to get coffee and bus tickets for the two of them, and Declan waking up disappointed thinking that Anna has gone on board the leaving bus without saying goodbye, she beamed at the thought that maybe, just maybe, he cared about her.
It was beautifully acted by both actors. It's either that, or I was just too stressed out that I was totally back to being 16 years old again! I suspect it's the former. Perhaps, that's really all that the film was aimed at... to bring some respite to 'tired souls'. And ya know what, it was right on target!
The film had many little surprises here and there. As if the cute performances of Adams and Goode were not enough, when things were really looking a bit warm and 'grand' between Anna and Declan, and I was really 'warming up' to the characters as they quite obviously were falling for each other, the makers of the film snuck in with a Neil Young classic, "Only Love Can Break Your Heart", interpreted by Gwyneth Herbert...
I chanced upon this 2010 film, "Leap Year", on YouTube, which involved Ireland. It really had very little to offer, aside from the beautiful Irish countryside that served as a backdrop in almost the whole film. Just the same, it was a really cute rom-com... most of it was because of the excellent performances of the very talented Amy Adams (Anna Brady from Boston), who happens to be one my favorite actresses, and that 'beautiful Brit', Matthew Goode (Declan O'Callaghan from Dingle, Ireland). Of course, their characters started out on wrong foot, clashing like two wrecking balls in the beginning (don't they always?)... but Adams and Goode are so good they didn't really overdo it. Therefore, Anna and Declan's conflicting personalities: Miss Organized-even-in-romance and Mr. Romantic-actually-but-cheated-on-before-therefore-skeptical-of-love, around which the movie revolved didn't come across too much as tired-and-old corny story, etc., etc.
Somehow, Adams's tenacity in acting and Goode's cool take on Declan found a way to bring some freshness to an age-old plot, that it felt worthwhile to be taking some 100 minutes from my rare "me time" to watch the film. I particularly loved the expression on Anna's face when, after leaving Declan who fell asleep on a bench while waiting for her bus to Dublin, to get coffee and bus tickets for the two of them, and Declan waking up disappointed thinking that Anna has gone on board the leaving bus without saying goodbye, she beamed at the thought that maybe, just maybe, he cared about her.
"Declan: You're joking me.
Anna: You can deduct the coffee from my bill. (smiles)
Declan: Deduct away. Don't forget to add on for a new pair of shoes... pukey. (smiles)"
It was beautifully acted by both actors. It's either that, or I was just too stressed out that I was totally back to being 16 years old again! I suspect it's the former. Perhaps, that's really all that the film was aimed at... to bring some respite to 'tired souls'. And ya know what, it was right on target!
The film had many little surprises here and there. As if the cute performances of Adams and Goode were not enough, when things were really looking a bit warm and 'grand' between Anna and Declan, and I was really 'warming up' to the characters as they quite obviously were falling for each other, the makers of the film snuck in with a Neil Young classic, "Only Love Can Break Your Heart", interpreted by Gwyneth Herbert...
đ¶ "When you were young and on your own
How did it feel to be alone?
I was always thinking of games that I was playing
Trying to make the best of my time.
But only love can break your heart..." đ”
*sigh* Uhm, wow... speaking of 'tired souls', I felt like I just 'died' and went up to heaven. What a song! How so melancholy, how sweet, how true... how beautiful, indeed! To me, that 'nailed' it. I officially love this film... never mind that I'm seven years late.
So, yeah, "Leap Year" was one 'grand' a-tumbler-of-popcorn-worthy rom-com! :)
My Rating: Good "me time" material. Go for it!
So, yeah, "Leap Year" was one 'grand' a-tumbler-of-popcorn-worthy rom-com! :)
My Rating: Good "me time" material. Go for it!
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Photo credit: Thanks, YouTube, for the screen shot and the video link.
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