In this delightful romantic comedy, Kate Winslet stars as Iris Simpkins, newspaper columnist, head over heels in love with a man she can’t have. Jasper Bloom (Rufus Sewell) is handsome, charming, and an absolute womanizer. He led her on, dumped her, and now uses her for his personal errands and as his shoulder to cry on, even though he’s engaged to someone else. She doesn’t want to be in this toxic relationship anymore, but she’s so in love with him, she can’t imagine telling him off.
Amanda Woods (Cameron Diaz) is a career woman, owner of a highly successful company that makes movie trailers. She has a gorgeous house, beautiful clothes, everything she could want—except for a truly committed relationship. Her boyfriend cheated on her with his receptionist, and Amanda doesn’t know where to go from here. What she really wants is to run away for a few weeks and try to get everything put back into place.
She goes online and discovers a site filled with homes to rent. She likes the look of one in particular, in England. She e-mails the owner to find herself talking to Iris. They decide to trade homes and cars for two weeks, and they make flight arrangements, Iris to L.A. and Amanda to England.
Iris is shocked to discover that Amanda lives in a huge, high-tech house with a gorgeous kitchen, while Amanda is dismayed at how primeval the English cottage is. She’s about ready to throw in the towel and return to L.A. when a man knocks at her door.
His name is Graham Simpkins, and he’s Iris’s brother. He didn’t know Iris was leaving town and is surprised to find Amanda there. He’s drunk, having just come from the pub down the street, and asks to sleep on the couch. Taken by this handsome stranger (Jude Law) and badly needing validation, Amanda invites him to do just a little more than that, which he does.
Meanwhile, Miles shows up at Amanda’s house, surprised to find Iris there. He’s a songwriter and has been working in the movie industry with Amanda. A good guy with a great sense of humor (Jack Black), Iris is amused by his down-to-earth ways and they start hanging out together. Their friendship is sweet and special, augmented by the respect they both have for Arthur Abbott, a legendary film writer now retired and living just down the street. Together they prepare Arthur for the biggest night of his life, where he will be honored for his achievements.
On both sides of the pond, things are getting complicated, but when there’s true love, it’s all just details.
I loved this movie, I really did. If you’re concerned about content, there are a few things that may make you raise your eyebrows a notch, but I have to say, I really enjoyed this film and wouldn’t mind watching it yet again, making a grand total of three times (and I don’t often watch a movie twice.)
This film was rated PG-13.
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