Jack & Sarah

A total chick flick (gotta admit) but just cute cute cute.

An american woman falls into a nanny job for a recent Brit widower and finds herself over her head --- in love with the baby, and the dad.

Funny performance by Richard E. Grant, Ian McKellan, Judy Dench (always a gem!) and Samantha Mathis. Life is just a series of mishaps, conflicts and comedy for this Yank in London until she finds love (what else would we expect) --- a good way to spend a Saturday night in front of the boob-toob --- do not expect to be enlightened but do expect some laughter and tears --- it is romantic and emotional (his secretary is a hoot, his boss is a bitch who you love to see dumped on her tight snooty ass!) --- a nice two hours to spend coming away with a smile!

This movie start getting promos about the same time as French Kiss but was held back for release in my area of the world presumably because of the Ryan/Klein comedy which local powers felt would steal its audience. Some half year later I was invited to a preview showing. Most of the audience were little old ladies from 30 on upwards - not that the audience was consistently old, but it definitely had that kind of feeling. The experience was also unique in that the movie got a standing ovation at the end. It's just a comedy, but it's more than that too: It's a very heart-warming comedy, and to my way of thinking is all that the British 'Jurassic Park' (Four Weddings and a Funeral) was supposed to be - very British, but a lot better view. Critics say it's Grant which provides the surprise element, as he never reveals what is coming next, but there are a lot of cute plot twists here as well - not in the least the final closing titles scene.

There are several reasons why I wanted to see Jack & Sarah, and a couple of them are to do with one or two of the cast members. I am a huge fan of Ian McKellen and Judi Dench, and when I saw they were going to be in the same film together, I thought to myself this movie is going to be good! Overall, I was not disappointed. Some parts are slow, but the acting more than made up for it. Tim Sullivan's direction ensured that the film didn't get too sentimental, though some of it is very sweet and poignant, and the script is honest and touching. Jack & Sarah is very nice to look at too, the cinematography and scenery are both lovely, and the music is very warm and inviting. But the real delight is the acting; Richard E.Grant is very good as the high-flying lawyer/bumbling father figure, while Samantha Mathis is appealing as the nanny who falls for her employer. However, Ian McKellen as the tramp-cum-butler in a class of his own and Judi Dench as Margaret are the ones who steal the show, while Eileen Atkins gives terrific support. Overall, very nice and charming film. 8/10 Bethany Cox

This is an excellent romance novel come to life... almost as though it's an adaptation. It could very well be. I've seen many films about babies and parenting, but this one is truly unique in its scope.

You'll coo, or at the very least smile, as he gently comforts and kisses the baby... you'll laugh at the comedic elements, and feel the same intensity of emotion in pain and sympathy. The performances are truly outstanding.

To think that I bought this movie because the premise sounded good, and left it sitting around for months, only to watch it last night with my partner and be blown away.

Don't pass this off as a chick flick, either. I think it's also meant to appeal to the paternal feelings in every man. Just enough little twists and turns to keep you guessing, too.

Jack (Richard E Grant) and Sarah (Imogen Stubbs) are parents-to-be and they are thrilled. They are so happy. Jack has a successful career and a fine house. All this change when Sarah dies while giving birth to their first child. Jack is now a widower and a single parent. He has so much work load and he can't just take his baby girl to work everyday, so now he's desperately looking for a nanny.

When asked what the baby's name is, Jack decides to name her after her late mother- Sarah. One day, at a restaurant, he meets Amy (Samantha Mathis), a young waitress from the States. Seeing how loving she is when taking care of Sarah, Jack soon hires Amy as Sarah's nanny. But Amy is inexperienced regarding baby care and because of the fact that she's an American, Jack's family members and friend William (Ian McKellan)don't get along with her. Things get even more intense when Jack's mother, Margaret (Judi Dench) realises that they two fall for each other...

This film is about two love encounters (not one, but two!!) that take place in the least expected situations. It is hear-warming, entertaining, sweet and touching. If you've got tired of heavy action and special effects, why not give this one a go?