Playing the lovable ladies' man, Ewan McGregor turns in yet another outstanding performance. He transforms himself into a mix of Austin Powers, James Bond and Rock Hudson, with a classy coolness and smoldering sexiness. I've been a fan of McGregor's since "Trainspotting" and "Velvet Goldmine" and while I admire him in indie films of that caliber, I'd really love to see him take on more romantic comedies. His onscreen presence really lends itself to this genre.
"Frasier's" David Hyde Pierce plays the character that Tony Randall always played in the Doris Day/Rock Hudson romances, and practically steals the film in the process. Hyde Pierce's comic timing is perfect and he delivers some of the movie's funniest lines. Another outstanding supporting player is Sarah Paulson who plays Renee Zellweger's best friend and confidante, Vikki Hiller. As one of the senior editors at the publishing house responsible for putting out Barbara Novak's novel, Hiller's a chain-smoking, tough woman who fights for acceptance in the male-dominated workplace. Paulson's spot on with her 60's look and fiery personality.
"Down with Love" is a refreshing change of pace from all the giant, action-bloated movies audiences are currently being force-fed. More than that, it provides a jolt of much-needed energy into the increasingly sophomoric romantic comedy genre.
GRADE: A
