Quick notes on 'Notting Hill'.

It seemed rather strange that I had never seen this film (or at least not all the way through).  Being in love with London and British culture as I am.  But I do feel a little bit ignorant and out of the loop when it comes to films set in the "contemporary" UK.  With that said, this film felt like it was fraying a little at the edges in terms of age.  Soundtrack will obviously pull anything back to its rightful decade.  But also certain elements such as the swelling music during a kiss scene.  The final montage with all the friends smooching their assigned partner at the press conference.  And don't even get me started on that horrendous excuse for a wedding dress they put Julia Roberts in.

I think what I'm trying to say here is that I expected myself to enjoy this film much more than I did.  Sure, overall Hugh Grant was charming with his bumbling mannerisms.  And I did love London as a backdrop.  But I couldn't help but wonder if this film was received as cheesily when it came out in 1999 as I am in 2013.  I didn't believe the chemistry between Grant and Roberts.  And I think a lot of that was due to the contrived "professions of love" exchanged between them.  "I'm just a girl standing here wanting a boy to love me" or however it goes.  I was so put off by it, I can't even be bothered to Google it to see if I got it right.

While it may come off that I really disliked this film, I actually did enjoy it--I just was hoping for more.  I wasn't engaged enough.  Not fully, not sustained.  Goodness, I hope I'll be nicer next time I quickly jot down my thoughts on a watch.