"Love Actually" gives writer/director Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill) a chance to create one romantic feature, rather than make romantic movies the rest of his life. Eight stories are included in this ensemble work, all of which are inspired in some way by Curtis' personal stories.

Curtis' known best to the DockRat crew as one half the BBC's "Black Adder" writing team, adds this picture to his previous hits. However, "Notting Hill" is still my personal favorite from this screenwriter.

This picture's many storylines spread beyond my descriptive powers. Plus, I'm too lazy to describe them all. However, eight very different couples live their love woes through the busy final weeks to Christmas.

Included in the cast are Liam Neeson (Schindler's List), Emma Thompson (Remains of the Day), Alan Rickman (Harry Potter movies), Hugh Grant (Notting Hill), Laura Linney (The Mothman Prophecies), Colin Firth (Bridget Jones' Diary), Rowan Atkinson (Johnny English) and Kiera Knightly (King Arthur)--yum, yum. Even Denise Richards (The World is Not Enough) and Shannon Elizabeth (American Pie) make a cameo, but just for a second to kiss up on some dudes in the airport.

Curtis' proves himself to be a genious in creating solid cinematic moments with this work. However, it makes me think if he shoved so many of his romantic stories into one picture, what would be next for him?

The picture's greatest strength is in its versitility of sub-plots, as well as the performances of folks like Thompson, Rickman, Neeson, Grant and even Billy Bob Thornton (Sling Blade) who offers his take on the sleez-ball President of the United States. The picture's humor is subtle, but laugh out loud gags are filled in it. I also must say--before all the guys think, Oh great, another chick flick with love and stuff, know one of the eight couples are stand-ins for adult films, and there is plenty of nudity. Check it out. There are plenty good extras on the DVD, including some very interesting deleted scenes.

Benn - Where's the Humanity?