Movie Review of The Holiday (Rating ***)
Rated PG-13
By CK Movie Critic Jonathan Lack

With two intensely gory films, one family film that looks like only those between 7 and 11 would enjoy, and "The Holiday," opening this weekend, there's really only one film that will be entertaining for everyone over fourteen. That is "The Holiday." While not one of the best films of late, females would much rather see it then "Apocalypto" or "Blood Diamond," and their dates would gladly go with them. It's not exactly a chick flick, though it is fairly close. Really, it's just a holiday love story that all adults can enjoy. It's no great feat in filmmaking, but it is fun and entertaining, as it should be.

Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet star as Amanda and Iris, respectively. Both are having love problems, and decide to swap homes for the holidays. Amanda gets a chance to start her love life over, and Iris is desperately trying to do the same thing, but can't. Jude Law and Jack Black play their love interests, who help them come to terms with their lives. In the same way, Iris and Amanda help them come to terms with theirs.

And as I said before, it's an entertaining movie. Sadly, a few huge detractors make the movie much less enjoyable then it should be. The biggest is Cameron Diaz, who just can't act. Not just that, she thinks she can act, and it is truly painful to watch. Luckily, she's not seen on screen without Jude Law from the one-hour mark on, and since he is an excellent actor, he makes her atrocious acting tolerable.

Secondly, the film's dialogue feels like it was written by two different people. One who can write dialogue very well, and one who lives under a rock and doesn't know how people actually talk. Luckily, the first person seems to write most of the dialogue. Unluckily, Kate Winslet's five minute opening narration (or rant) about love seems to have been written by the second person. I was saying to myself, "will she ever shut up?" Had it been executed better, the movie could have started on the right foot.

Kate Winslet's performance is good, if uneven, slipping between good and acceptable far too often to be completely believably. Jack Black delivers a very good performance as always, and it's interesting to see him in a film where he isn't supposed to be doing over the top comedy. As I said before, Jude Law also gave a good performance, and I think you know my opinion on Cameron Diaz.

I would recommend this film for ages 13 and up. There is some sexual content and language.

So if you want to see a film this weekend but don't want gore or a mindless family film (I think "Unaccompanied Minors" is the one billionth this year; I'm glad I wasn't sent to review it) then go to "The Holiday." It won't dazzle, but it won't disappoint either. (Dec.8, 2006)