The Holiday (Nancy Meyers, 2006): USA

Reviewed by Collier Grimm. Viewed on DVD.

If you’re searching for that warm and fuzzy feeling this season you must rent, The Holiday.

Amanda Woods (Cameron Diaz), and Iris Simpkins (Kate Winslet) live an ocean apart but share something in common. Both are suffering from failed relationships and decide to seek an alternative to spending their holidays alone.  With the hopes of distracting themselves from a pity party the two meet online and decide to swap houses for the holiday season.

Amanda, a Hollywood glamour girl, flies to Surrey, England and realizes she is stuck in a teeny cottage, surrounded by snow, in a town that looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale. Iris seems to have gotten the better end of the stick and is pleasantly surprised to find she is staying in a giant LA mansion, pool and palm trees galore. And although both were seeking drama-free sanctuary during Christmas, they soon find themselves surrounded by men.

The film is silly and predictable, but highly enjoyable. Jude Law plays Amanda’s gorgeous love interest with unexpected baggage, and Jack Black tones it down just enough to become somewhat believable as a leading man. The Holiday, is sure to win you over if you’re seeking love, comedy, or just something easy and Christmas-y!


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