The Holiday (2006)

User Rating:

6.9/10   

Director:

Nancy Meyers

Writer (WGA):

Nancy Meyers (written by)

Release Date:

8 December 2006 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Romance

Plot:

Two women troubled with guy-problems swap homes in each other's countries, where they each meet a local guy and fall in love.

Plot Keywords:

Love | Editor | Composer | Christmas | Book Editor

Awards:

1 win & 5 nominations

Cast

Cameron Diaz	...	Amanda Woods
Kate Winslet	...	Iris Simpkins
Jude Law	...	Graham Simpkins
Jack Black	...	Miles
Eli Wallach	...	Arthur Abbott
Edward Burns	...	Ethan
Rufus Sewell	...	Jasper Bloom
Miffy Englefield	...	Sophie
Emma Pritchard	...	Olivia
Sarah Parish	...	Hannah
Shannyn Sossamon	...	Maggie
Bill Macy	...	Ernie
Shelley Berman	...	Norman
Kathryn Hahn	...	Bristol
John Krasinski	...	Ben

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for sexual content and some strong language.

Runtime:

138 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

USA:PG-13 | Netherlands:MG6 | Ireland:15A | Singapore:PG | Switzerland:10 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:10 (canton of Vaud) | UK:12A | Norway:A | Finland:K-7 | Australia:M | Brazil:10 | Hong Kong:IIA | Sweden:Btl | Argentina:13 | Germany:o.Al. | Portugal:M/12 | USA:PG-13 (certificate #42016) | France:U | Canada:PG (Ontario) | Philippines:PG-13 (MTRCB) | Malaysia:U | South Korea:15 | Peru:PT | New Zealand:M | Iceland:L

Filming Locations:

Brentwood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Columbia Pictures Corporation

Trivia:

Several references to Ennio Morricone: The movie's main theme starts with the same five chords as "Deborah's theme" from Once Upon a Time in America (1984), Miles urges Iris to rent The Mission (1986) because of its score, and the main theme of Nuovo cinema Paradiso (1988) plays on Miles' car stereo the first time he and Iris meet (he even tells her that it was composed by Ennio Morricone).

Goofs:

Factual errors: When Amanda is searching for her holiday, on the net appears a window with the countries' flags. The flag for Poland is not as it should be.

Quotes:

Olivia: You look just like my Barbie.

Movie Connections:

References Voyous voyelles (2000)

Soundtrack:

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Fluffy Fun for a Winter Evening!

If you are expecting an epic cinematic masterpiece, then "The Holiday" is not for you. However, if you are looking for a light, entertaining movie, I would definitely recommend this film. While the previews were intriguing, I was thrilled to find that not every plot element was revealed before I even entered the theater. I completely enjoyed Kate Winslet as hopelessly devoted Iris. She was neurotic, a bit spineless, and absolutely winning. Although I do wish that her story had been developed more thoroughly. I felt a bit like her relationship was rushed through and the film spent a majority of the time focusing on Amanda (Diaz), Graham (Law), and their developing relationship. Despite the fact that I am not a huge Cameron Diaz or Jude Law fan, I was pleasantly surprised with their part of the story! Jack Black kept his character to an energetic hum rather than an explosion of crazy antics. You've just got to love that eyebrow! The scenery was beautiful! The supporting cast was hugely entertaining. I laughed out loud. The ending is fairly predictable. This is a romantic comedy after all. However, "The Holiday" is a great film for those of us who would like to suspend reality for a while and just enjoy. Go see it!