Daniel Day-Lewis and Marion Cotillard in "Nine"
courtesy of the Weinstein Company
“For he Romantics”

This week the DVD stores have two new arrivals that will speak to the romantic side of any viewer. “Leap Year” is a romantic comedy and “Nine” is a romantic musical. Both are more than satisfactory for their intended audiences.

Nobody knows more about transferring Broadway musicals to the big screen than Rob Marshall. He is the go to man. He did it successfully with “Chicago” and he does it again with “Nine.” He takes the play, which is based on Fellini’s movie “8 ½”, and populates it with beautiful women and enjoyable musical numbers. Then he tops it off with stunningly good acting led by Daniel Day-Lewis as the confused moviemaker.

Guido Contini (Day-Lewis) is a man in a crisis. He has been a successful filmmaker in Italy but his talent well seems to have dried up. His last two films have been flops and now he is starting one titled “Italy” and he doesn’t even have a script. He is trying to bull his way through it but in his heart he knows he is lost.

He seeks advice from his costume designer and best friend Lilli (Judi Dench). She has no answers for him. Then throughout the film he encounters his mistress (Penelope Cruz), his leading lady (Nicole Kidman), a journalist (Kate Hudson) and his wife (Marion Cotillard). He also recalls memories of a prostitute (Fergie) he knew in his childhood, as well as times with his Mamma (Sophia Loren) that mean so much to him.

With each woman he encounters or remembers there is a musical number. Fergie seems the most successful with her musical turn. She can belt out a song and she holds nothing back on “Be Italian.” That is the most dynamic of the musical events, but it is Cotillard as Luisa Contini who gives the film its heart and its dramatic impact. When she sings “My Husband Makes Movies” she acts the emotion and vulnerability of her character in a heart-wrenching way.

The actresses bring back memories of other European movie queens. Kidman brings up her inner Anita Ekberg, Fergie reminds you of Claudia Cardinale, Hudson is a blonde beauty in the mode of Monica Vitti, Cruz is as breathtakingly beautiful as was Gina Lollobrigida, Cotillard captures the sad eyed desperation and emotional fragility of Giuletta Masina, and Loren remains timeless in her earth mother beauty.

Day-Lewis acts and interacts with all the women, but first and foremost he creates a character who dominates the film. He is the centerpiece and it is Guido Contini who grows and changes. Day-Lewis is one of the world’s greatest actors and he does not falter in this performance. He is amazing.

You can’t just sit back and enjoy “Nine.” The film requires the audience to absorb the story between the musical numbers and even the plot messages given out by the musical numbers. There is a strong script here and it makes an impact. This is thanks to the contribution of the late Anthony Minghella and Michael Tokin, as well as the writers for the Broadway production.

You may not be familiar with the songs from “Nine” before watching this DVD but you will have them in your head when you finish viewing the film. This one is another triumph for Rob Marshall and a film that will last through the ages.

On the other hand, sometimes an ordinary movie can be made better just on the charm of the actors in the lead roles. “Leap Year” is such a movie. It has a plot that you can almost write yourself but Amy Adams and Matthew Goode are so good in playing their parts that the viewer is pulled into the contrived situation and taken on a joyous ride. You may not remember it for very long after it is over but it certainly leaves a sweet taste in your mouth.

The slight plot has practical and straight-forward Anna (Adams) involved in a relationship with cardiologist Jeremy (Adam Scott) for four years. She is expecting a proposal any day now but none is forthcoming. So when Jeremy leaves for an extended meeting in Ireland, Anna decides to hop a flight and propose to him on Leap Year’s Day. It is an Irish tradition (or so she’s heard) and she wants to get engaged.

Because of bad weather Anna doesn’t make it to Dublin. She gets to Ireland but needs someone to take her to that city which is a good distance away. She ends up paying Declan (Goode) a pub owner to take her and he does so reluctantly. They take an instant dislike to each other and bicker the entire way. Still we all know where their relationship is headed.

Adams and Goode are convincing in their moments of aggravation and in their moments of love. They have so much chemistry together that you can forgive any plotholes and just relax and enjoy the tender love in bloom story they present. Adams has never been more beautiful and Goode never as rugged. They enhance each other’s appeal and elevate each other’s acting skills. It is a perfect screen pairing.

Plus you do get some comedy in the story and some beautiful Irish scenery. Along the way you also meet an assortment of supporting players and each and every one of them is perfect for their part in the overall story. 

“Leap Year” is not a brilliant film in any way but it is a movie that will thoroughly entertain you for a couple of hours and leave you feeling better than you did when you started it. This is DVD you will want to recommend to your friends.

Adams and Goode are the perfect couple for this type of film and their charm will guarantee you a pleasurable evening of entertainment. With any other two actors it might have all been trite, but with this duo it is warm and wonderful.
 

 

 

 

 

©2010 Jackie K. Cooper

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