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very entertaining...=)

My friend actually suggested this movie to me, and sort of gave me a weird summary about some guy getting stuck in an elevator and ended up in another time era. *blinks* Yea, weird, I know. Haha, anyway, I saw that Meg Ryan was in it, and decided to watch it. I didn't expect to fall in love with Hugh Jackman, but that's exactly what happened after the first couple minutes into the movie. He lit up the screen, and made the movie so believable. He was charming as a Duke, and made me crack up with the butter ad bit. Meg Ryan was stunning in the movie, and gave the movie just the right about of her cuteness. I loved the movie, and I'm sure you will too!

Cute romantic comedy, but lacking in time travel aspects

Kate and Leopold is a cute, funny, and delightful comedy romance, but falls distinctly short in its time travel portrayal. In this respect, I might compare it to the old fashioned fantasy romance Somewhere in Time, where the time travel also leaves much to be desired. I wouldn't expect elaborate technical science fiction explanations in what are essentially romances, but surely the screenwriters could manage something a bit more plausible than the self hypnosis of Somewhere in Time or this film's ridiculous time gap near the Brooklyn Bridge. They either shouldn't be putting this particular movie in the Science Fiction category or else come up with a more plausible mode of time travel. You have to suspend all brain function and logic for this explanation.The plot revolves around a pretty 21st Century advertising executive named Kate, who lives in a New York City apartment with her brother, Charlie. Kate's ex boyfriend, Stuart, who lives upstairs, stumbles upon the time gap hitherto mentioned and travels back to the 1800's where he encounters a European aristocrat named Leopold. Circumstances prove such that Leopold follows Stuart forward to the 21 st Century, and Charlie becomes convinced that, like himself, Leopold is an actor. Confusion and hilarity ensue as Leopold, the proverbial fish out of water, tries to cope with the modern world and, in addition, the chemistry that is developing between him and Kate, who has sort of adopted him and obtained an acting job for him in a commercial.Meg Ryan is her usual charming, endearing self in the role of Kate, and the handsome Hugh Jackman most suitable as the dashing and chivalrous 19th Century Leopold. Supporting cast all seem competent, as I recall. However, I agree with another comment made that Kate swears too much (lazy screenplay writing) and it's odd that Leopold, who's from a more genteel era, seems to indicate no disapproval.For the most part, I actually enjoyed this light hearted bit of fluff, apart from the time travel dimension being silly and unconvincing. I found the plot details quite confusing with regard to the time element, as to exactly what's supposed to be going on here. I would suggest that screenwriters avoid time travel altogether unless they can pull it off a little better, and simply stick with pure comedy romance. This is an entertaining chick flick or a good date movie, but definitely NOT science fiction.

not bad, not bad at all

i saw this film tonight at a sneak preview at my college tonight. i must say i went in quite skeptical. i must also say i was pleasantly surprised on some levels. the film's first half is quite funny and entertaining with the way hugh jackman reacts to the present day. the second half is more of a traditional love story, but the ending finishes up the movie quite nicely. this, while being an original story in a not so original genre, turned out to be one of the few movies i saw this year that i did not leave disappointed. this is a good date movie to say the least. comedy for him and romance for her. i rightly suggest it, you'll surely leave with a smile.

Jackman,yes,Ryan,no,but has anyone noticed the big boo-boo?

It's worth seeing for Hugh Jackman. Meg Ryan is looking a little too old for these cutesy roles and has done one too many, and one has to swallow the improbability to really enjoy it. However, I was irritated by the lack of research shown in the conversation about the opera , "La Boheme". Jackman,who in the film is supposed to come from 1876, gives a detailed correction of the details of the opera to Ms Ryan's boss, unfortunately, "La Boheme" was first produced in 1896, so Jackman's character could never have seen it unless he'd time travelled before! Perhaps a basis for sequel, I hope not, it's time for these actors to move on.

New York Duke

Duke Leopold might go onto invent the elevator. He might go onto get married to a New York heiress. He also might not. Stuart, a fourth dimension hobbyist has accidentally taken him through time to 21st century New York, back to his flat above his ex-girfriend Kate. Without the Duke, there are no elevators, and in a world with tall buildings, this is trouble. Stuart is determined to put Leopold back, but he ends up getting put in hospital. Leopold is left on his own, and gets a job in commercials for Kate. Being a Duke, he's well spoken and dressed. It charms not just the camereas...

Worth a look. Twist of sci-fi here. It's entertaining enough. Hugh Jackman (Leopold) & Breckin Meyer (Brother of Kate) have a pretty interesting dynamic, my favorite scenes had them in it together.

Successfully keeps 1 foot in historical romance and 1 in modern romance

Beautifully acted with grace and sincerity by Hugh Jackman, this film brings the charm of historical romances and intertwines it into today's modern love stories.Yes, you must suspend disbelief in this movie, as with any other work of fiction. The fun of this movie is taking classic and modern archetypes and turning them on their heads. Leopold (Jackman) is an aristocrat but one with a passion for science. He seeks to break free from the constraints of societal conventions in 19th century New York. Meanwhile, Kate (Meg Ryan) has pushed to break out from traditional female roles. As her boss J.J. (Bradley Whitford) comments, "You're a rarity among women, Kate. You don't cling to illusion. You don't get caught up in emotion. You don't do pretty. You skew male. You're like a man. A man who understands women - their desires, their needs. You understand them but you're not really one of them." Some people may need to justify a romantic comedy in order to give it value. If that is the case, note that this story is about two people who are struggling with conventions and have lost their own identities in the process. Flailing at opposite ends of the spectrum, Kate provides Leopold with the inspiration to break from conventions and be true to himself while Leopold provides Kate with the safety and security to allow her guard down and be true to her own femininity. There is a greater thematic meaning to this film beyond simple "love." It is about the pressures of society, how success can seem tied to having to conform to societal conventions, how we lose ourselves in the pressure and how relationships with others can ground us and help us find ourselves amidst the mêlée of societal forces.Although the story of Kate & Leopold's romance is the center of the film, it is not the only relationship which provides a grounding force. Kate's relationship with her upstairs neighbor and former beau, Stuart, who remains an intimate friend despite her bitterness and her relationship with her brother, Charlie, provide her with the strength to face the unknown and the security to take a chance on love. For Leopold, it is his manservant, Otis, who plays the role of father while Charlie and Stuart are also renewed in their relationship with Leopold. Surely, this is not just a romantic comedy but a story about the relationships in our lives and struggles against societal conventions.The highest praise I can give this movie is that I purchased it - a rare occurrence. I do not see the point of owning something unless I am willing to watch it many times over. It was the first and one of 6 movies I own.Hugh Jackman's acting is charming, sincere and genuine. My reaction was "Wow! What a great actor." He made it easy to believe in his character.Sometimes I find Meg Ryan a bit "rough" but that was the purpose of her tough, manly facade. This is what makes the moments she lets her guard down and becomes a woman so special.Enjoy it as a fun love story or listen to the deeper themes of integrity and compassion. Either way... the cinematography is gorgeous, particularly as it juxtaposes new and old New York; the costumes are delightful; the music is passionate.One warning - BYPASS THE DIRECTOR'S CUT. It muddles the story with a bizarre choice of familial intertwining. I watched it once with someone who had never seen the theatrical version - yuck! It spoiled the movie for me and the other person missed the magic of the original cut. STICK TO THE ORIGINAL.

YOU MUST SEE this GREAT movie!

Yes, you must see this movie if you're a fan of romantic, timetravel or funny movies. I, fortunately, love all of those, as long as they are made well. This one IS, and that goes for all elements mentioned.
Of course, it is MY opinion. That's why you should see it. Chances are that you'll agree with me after seeing it. It would be terrible not seeing it after reading one of the one-star ratings. Well, indeed, Meg Ryan gets older. We all do. This makes this movie absolutely not less good!

Up to now 'Time after Time' 'Somewhere in Time' and 'Heaven can Wait' were my TOP movies. Now, finally, I'm happy to add 'Kate & Leopold' to my list :)

Sander Kiesel - NL

...AND THE WINNER IS...HUGH JACKMAN...

Hands down, this romantic comedy is a Hugh Jackman vehicle, as he totally steals the show from Meg Ryan. Jackman plays the role of the Duke of Albany, Leopold Mountbatten, an English nobleman visiting his uncle in New York in 1876. At his uncle's behest, Leopold is to find a rich socialite to marry, so that he may replenish the family's depleted coffers

While at a ball in his uncle's New York house, awash with rich and eager heiresses, he notices a stranger who had earlier caught his attention. He follows the stranger and finds himself in the year 2001, as he falls through a portal in time. Landing in the apartment of Stuart Besser (Liev Schreiber), the stranger whom he had followed, he soon meets Kate McKay (Meg Ryan), Stuart's former girlfriend of four years and a modern day everywoman. Let the games begin.

What follows is nothing earth shattering. In fact, it is pretty predictable. Leopold and Kate fall in love, though the big question is why, as there is nothing to suggest why they should. Meg Ryan does her usual Meg Ryan thing, though she is starting to get a bit little long in the tooth to be playing the brash, cutesy ingenue. She is, in fact, getting to be quite tiresome in these sorts of roles, as she plays them all exactly the same, making them virtually indistinguishable one from the other. She needs to extend her range, before her adoring public stops adoring her.


Jackman, however, does a star turn with his gently effective and ingratiating portrayal of Leopold. He is simply sensational. Charming, handsome, and warm, with a light British accent that rings true, he is totally believable as a chivalrous gent from another time. Jackman totally upstages Ryan without meaning to do so. It is a good thing that he does. Were he not to have done so, the film would most likely have totally tanked. Clearly, Hugh Jackman is big time, leading man material.

Liev Schreiber is unappealing as the film's erstwhile time traveler and Kate's ex-lover, Stuart Besser, who, it turns out, is the great, great grandson of the Duke. Moreover, it is not believable that Stuart and Kate would ever have dated, much less have been lovers for four years, as there is no chemistry between them. Still, it is more believable than the relationship which blossoms between Leopold and Kate. The happy ending also makes Stuart's and Kate's former relationship somewhat distasteful, if not downright incestuous, in retrospect.


The rest of the supporting cast is fine with an excellent performance by Breckin Meyer in the role of Charlie McKay, Kate's somewhat goofy, but lovable, cute, younger brother. Bradley Whitford of West Wing fame also gives a winning performance as J.J. Camden, Kate's smarmy boss, who ultimately has second thoughts about what constitutes professional behavior and lets the cream rise to the top, so to speak.


All in all, this is a moderately entertaining film, all but forgettable, but for the memorable performance of Hugh Jackman.

Funny and romantic!

I didn't know anything about this movie until I seen the preview on payperview on cable. That means this movie was release on dvd already in June. This a funny love story between Megan Ryan and Hugh Jackman. This is now one of my favorite romance and comedy movies.

Science and Romance

Okay, I am not into romances, but my wife is. I put off seeing this because of the dopeyness that I expected. It was better than that, though. Enough science, intrigue and romance to be a good mix. Definitely a good date mix, but even good for a wider audience.

Unforgivable factual error in otherwise charming romance

I thoroughly enjoyed KATE AND LEOPOLD- it's a charming and romantic comedy. However, how could the writers have chosen LA BOHEME for the opera Leopold is thoroughly familiar with. The opera premiered in 1896, fully twenty years after Leopold's 1876 time origin.The fact that the story and screenwriters didn't even bother to check dates for the opera they choose, but that no one from directors to performers on down in the production crew caught the error - is almost unbelievable. Jackman being British - one would think he'd be erudite enough to know this.Also how did a man from the nineteenth century with no access to money pay for the sumptuous dinner he throws for Kate on the roof?????Gaping holes in an otherwise well written and fun script.

Given the likeable stars a disappointing romantic comedy

Don't you just hate it when Hollywood comes up with an idea for a romantic comedy, gets two likeable stars to play the leads, and then forgets to come up with a decent script? Oh maybe they make a conscious effort to just forgo one and save some money (especially if they have to shell out a lot for one of the leads). "Kate & Leopold" is just such a movie.

The hook is fairly simple. Leopold (Hugh Jackman), the Duke of Albany, ends up falling off the top of the Brooklyn Bridge in 1876 in pursuit of a mysterious figure (Liev Schriber) and finds himself in the New York City of today. There he meets Kate McKay (Meg Ryan), an ad executive who turns out to be the ex-girlfriend of the mysterious figure, one Stuart Besser. Kate and Leopold fall in love, mainly because they are the title characters and the names of the two actors appear before the title in the credits. I mean, we understand what she sees in him: he is polite, articulate, and dashingly handsome. But as near as I can tell he falls in love with her because she is Meg Ryan, so what other possible response could there be? Then again, she is different from every other woman he has met in his high society days, so maybe there is some notion of chemistry somewhere in there.

The time travel aspects of the film barely rise to the level of secondary considerations, which seems to be a big mistake given the premise. The portal idea is fine (after all, Christopher Reeves "thought" himself back to the past in "Somewhere in Time"), but if you are going to take someone from 1876 and put them in the present, you would think they would have more important culture shock moments than encounters with a toaster and the NYC pooper-scooper law (please note, these are separate encounters). Leopold is apparently the inventor of the elevator, or would have been, if he had not come forward in time. Somehow this explains why all the elevators in NYC (and one presumes the world) have stopped working. This is really just a minor plot device that allows us to know when Leopold is coming and going, as well as setting up how Leopold ends up on his own in our brave new world. But certainly the script does little to explore the scenario it has set up (contrast it with the milk it for everything it is worth approach used in "Groundhog Day"). Time may well be a pretzel, but that is no reason not to try and straighten out this script a bit.

This movie seeks to answer that age-old quandary, if a bird and a fish fall in love, where would they build a home? The happy ending is fairly predictable, although the specific mechanics of how it comes about are pretty much pulled out of a hat (if a time portal is always at the same time and place at one end then why is at the same place but at different times at the other end?)

Hugh Jackman's performance carries the film, at least as far as it goes. Meg Ryan's character seems to be moved by the script rather than motivated to do most of what she does; there is a telling moment early on when she complains that she has wasted her best years on Stephen and he responds unthinkingly but tellingly, "that was your best?" It is not a funny moment, and it could have provided a key to the character but Kate ends up being nothing more than a career woman who would not mind a Calgon moment of epic proportions. The audience ends up having to cross-apply their affection for Ryan from "Sleepless in Seattle," "When Harry Met Sally," and/or "You've Got Mail" to really develop their rooting interest for the couple. Actually, I found myself rooting harder for Kate's brother, Charlie (Breckin Meyer) than I did the primary couple.

I like romantic comedies. I have a romantic soul. I cry at the BEGINNING of "Sleepless in Seattle" when he says, "It doesn't happen twice." But the most touching moment in this movie is when two characters who are NOT in the title discover something quite important in a photograph. You know a romantic comedy is in trouble when the sweetest moment happens with neither of the title characters in the scene. Add to this the fact that the funniest scene in the film is the outtake version of Bradley Whitford's speech from the climax of the film you find in the deleted scenes section of the DVD and that is just another bad sign. Bottom line: "Kate & Leopold" might be one of the most disappointing films you see this year. Be forewarned.

Lighthearted romantic comedy at it's best

An older Meg Ryan - Hugh Jackman flick that's been overlooked. The story line comes straight from a romance novel, time traveler meets modern day woman who steals his heart. It's easy to watch and safe for the whole family.

Out of the past, into the future.

The previous films by James Mangold have been small triumphs for the director, who hasn't worked in a big budget feature with stars and the power of the Weinteins from Miramax behind him.It came as a very pleasant surprise to see this enjoyable and entertaining film make it big with a Christmas release date. Mr. Mangold proves he has what it takes to make it in Hollywood as he demonstrated before in the independent film circuit.This is a story of discoveries. For Leopold, the future, he hasn't even imagined to be like this. For Kate, the jaded advertising executive, is to observe the charming qualities in a true nobleman with impeccable manners and charm to disarm her.The interaction between Meg Ryan and Hugh Jackman works here very well and they fill the screen with style and flair. The rest of the cast is very good and blend well with the stars. Liv Schreiber very effective as the neighbor. Brekin Meyer, as Kate's brother is every sister's dream come true, nice but never obnoxious.This is a feel good film, not too brainy or contrived so one can forget one's troubles. It lets you sit back and have a nice time at the movies.

Stupid!

Here is typical Hollywood drivel. A slightly new twist on a cliched plot, with so little fresh flavor to it. Meg Ryan looks like she was very bored making this movie, and plays a pale version of her usual, competent if not brilliant romantic heroine role. Her hair looks like it was cut with a hacksaw and she is getting too old for the emaciated waif look altogether. The only reason I sat through the whole thing was that I had bronchitis and had not much energy to do anything else.

Three stars is good enough (WARNING AT THE END)

Meg Ryan is not the pretty young little blondie girl she used to be in movies like "Sleepless in Seattle" and "French kiss" anymore. Not at all. Now past forty, it's a mistake to go after parts that used to be perfect for her up to five years ago. I mean, in "Kate & Leopold", Meg's age shows in her face. I liked her a lot in previous light comedies as the ones above and other like "Joe versus the volcano" and, most of all, "When Harry met Sally", but this ("Kate & Leopold") is too much. And that's just the first annoying thing on the movie.

I can put up with a script that deals with things like traveling in time (example: "Back to the future" is one of my favorite movies), and a XIXth century guy trying to live a week in 2001 New York: movie scripts are like that, they're meant to be entertaining; even if they are based upon the most preposterous assumptions, if the movie is good, funny, has good actors, whatever, if you really like the movie it usually doesn't matter that much if the script is a little absurd.

What I can't stand, and there is plenty of it in "Kate & Leopold", is a script that treats the viewers as dumb people. Anachronisms are ok, even understandable when dealing with movies that deal with past times; script writers aren't supposed to know everything. But in this case, the writers didn't even make the shallowest research. If they wanted Leopold to say things about "La Boheme", "Tosca", if they wanted him to say things about Jack the Ripper, if they wanted to be smart and base parts of the plot on the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, why did they make Leopold come from 1876, before all those things happened?

"Kate & Leopold" would be completely forgotten when you were past the theater's exit doors, except for the fact that Hugh Jackman saves the movie. A very talented actor, Jackman makes you believe he's really from XIXth century, and his old fashioned etiquette lessons provide the story with some very funny situations. Jackman's name should, in the least, appear before Meg Ryan's in the credits, since he's the one actor who carries the movie on his back. Live Shreiber doesn't show himself too much and Breckin Meyer does the only character he knows. So, that's it: "Kate & Leopold" is one of those disposable, forgettable comedies that may lighten up a day if you don't pay attention to a bad-written script. I did, that's why only three stars. Anyway, a light entertainment for a normal day.

WARNING: don't watch it with your girlfriend; even if you're the best boyfriend in the world, she will compare your present-day manners to the "obviously" better male manners of XIXth century.

Grade 6.8/10

Great Feel Good Movie!

This movie has it all, solid performances, good comedy and elements of drama when needed. Not as predictable as I thought it would be. Of course, it's a romantic comedy with Meg Ryan so we all know the ending! Meg is usual cute, cynical self which she is good at portraying. Hugh Jackman is excellent as the 19th century Duke of Albany. This man's acting was made for period pieces which makes me believe he is a great actor. This movie covers many elements of taking risks, dealing with rejection and being true above all to one's self. The movie takes it time and develops the characters, even the supporting cast. I highly recommend this movie!

WHEN KATE MET LEOPOLD...

THERE ARE TWO VERSIONS OF THE FILM ON THIS DVD. THEATRICAL AND DIRECTOR'S CUT. THIS REVIEW IS BASED ON THE DIRECTOR'S CUT. KATE AND LEOPOLD IS ENJOYABLE ENOUGH THAT... YOU WANT TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS IN THE END. HOWEVER, NOT MUCH HAPPENS. LIEV SCHREIBER IS A SCENE STEALER, AND THE OTHER CAST MEMBERS ARE GREAT AS WELL. THE FILM BELONGS TO HUGH JACKMAN (LEOPOLD) WHO IS BECOMING A MAJOR MOVIESTAR WITH EACH PICTURE HE DOES. ON THE FLIP SIDE THERE SEEMS TO BE AN ABSENCE OF LEOPOLD'S COUNTERPART (KATE) PLAYED BY MEG RYAN. SHE IS WONDERFUL WHILE SHE'S ON SCREEN. BUT SHE'S NOT ON SCREEN AS MUCH AS YOU WOULD THINK. LITE ON BOTH COMEDY AND ROMANCE THE FILM WILL DO ON A SLOW NIGHT AT THE VIDEO STORE, IF YOU'VE ALREADY RENTED JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING ELSE. IT'S KINDA LIKE "WHEN HARRY MET SALLY" MEETS "BACK TO THE FUTURE", BUT NOT AS REWARDING AS EITHER. ALL AND ALL WORTH SEEING FOR A TERRIFIC CAST.

Kate and Leopold Is Timeless and Charming!

Kate and Leopold is a delightful movie about a handsome nineteenth century duke who accidentally slips through a portal in time and finds himself in twenty-first century New York. The Duke of Albany is masterfully played by Hugh Jackman, who is very successful in contrasting the romance of an earlier time with the crassness of today. Meg Ryan is adept at playing a young career woman who is getting ahead professionally, but who is emotionally jaded. This movie will be secretly adored by many supposed feminists who long for the shy attentions of a Leopold, and most certainly ridiculed by men who wish they had half his charm!

Very Good Movie

This movie is the cutest! Meg Ryan is supurb in her role. I recommend this to anyone who likes romantic comedies.