The Holiday Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES PLOT SUMMARY
In London, Iris Simpkins write a wedding column in a newspaper and has an unrequited love for her colleague Jasper Bloom. Nearby Christmas, she is informed that Jasper is engaged and will marry another colleague, and her life turns head over heels. In Los Angeles, the movie-trailers maker Amanda Woods has just broken with her unfaithful boyfriend Ethan and wants to forget him. Amanda access a house exchange website, and impulsively swaps her mansion for Iris' cottage in Surrey for the holiday along the next two weeks. While in Surrey, Amanda meets Iris' widow brother and book editor Graham and they fall in love for each other. Meanwhile Iris meet her next door neighbor, the ninety year old screenplay writer Arthur, who helps her to retrieve her self-esteem, and the film composer Miles, and they fall in love for each other.
| Cameron Diaz | Amanda |
| Kate Winslet | Iris |
| Jude Law | Graham |
| Jack Black | Miles |
| Eli Wallach | Arthur |
| Edward Burns | Ethan |
| Rufus Sewell | Jasper |
| Miffy Englefield | Sophie |
| Emma Pritchard | Olivia |
| Sarah Parish | Hannah |
| Shannyn Sossamon | Maggie |
| Bill Macy | Ernie |
| Shelley Berman | Norman |
| Kathryn Hahn | Bristol |
| John Krasinski | Ben |
| Nancy Meyers |
6.90 out of 10 (22102 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Way too predictable
posted on 28 Aug 2009Once we had got passed the setting up of the ridiculous plot I figured it would get into full swing and be amazing - I was sadly mistaken. After waiting a half hour or so for the exchanging to take place it then slowed right down and took two hours for the ending we all knew was coming to finally come. Kate and Jude almost save it but unfortunately it is beyond redemption. The whole cinema knew Kate ended up with Jack and Jude ended up with Cameron, it was just a matter of waiting for them to realise it.The funniest parts have been shown on the TV for the past month - Iris talking to the wrong person on the phone - and the parts you look forward to best, don't include the fab four.The Eli Wallach scenes were some of the best, while Jude Law's children also added some bearable scenes, otherwise I wouldn't bother with this and just rent out Love Actually this Christmas.
Kate's best yet
posted on 28 Aug 2009Being a fan of romantic comedies in general, and Nancy Meyers in particular,I knew there was no way this could be a bad movie. Add Kate Winslet(only the best actress ever), and you have the makings for my dream movie. The cast was perfect- from Kate to Jack Black, Cameron Diaz to Jude Law, and a wonderful, wonderful performance by Eli Wallach. They had me feeling every emotion you can think of-from laughing one minute to wanting to cry the next, Especially Kate Winslet's character, Iris, who touched my emotions deeper than I would have thought for a romantic comedy. This was Kate's first movie in this genre and I can only hope that she will continue to do many, many more in the years to come.
"Have yourself a merry little christmas..."
posted on 27 Aug 2009The Holiday is a cute and yet predictable film about two women who will do anything and go anywhere to get over their recent heartbreaks. Winslet's character is a hopeless romantic, her boyfriend gets engaged to another woman and decides to swap her house for two weeks with a lonesome American, Cameron Diaz does a wonderful job, she keeps getting better and better with each film. Amanda (Diaz) has discovered her boyfriend has been cheating on her with his receptionist, he blames Amanda saying she pushed him away and that's why he strayed. Deciding to start anew, Amanda and Iris (Winslet) change their scenery and lives. With that being said, eventually both ladies find love again, I won't spoil the rest but The Holiday isn't a perfect film but it's darn close. Enjoy!
The Howliday
posted on 25 Aug 2009Okay, maybe my review title deserves one star as well, but I couldn't resist. I also am a girl who definitely appreciates good romantic comedy. I actually loved Love Actually. But this movie was simply one of the worst movies I've ever wasted two hours on.
Where to begin? The dialogue is completely unbelievable and cheesy. I cringed, I was so embarrassed for the actors having to utter the lines. The plot is implausible, with embarrassing devices like the stupid winds out in LA making crazy things happen. The acting...I have always liked Kate Winslet and Jack Black. And on occasion I've enjoyed watching Cameron Diaz and Jude Law. But each and every one of them seemed to be phoning it in. Well, I don't know about Cameron -- she succeeded in making her character a completely unlikeable person, and I found myself hoping for her romance to fail. Also Jude Law looks suspiciously orange all through the movie. He looked like he tasted of cheese. Not a good look, especially compared to how dreamy he looked in a movie like Enemy at the Gates. Not only that, his character comes off as so smarmy that you'd wonder why Diaz would be genuinely attached to him in the first place. The same goes for Rufus Sewell's character, who appears in the beginning as the man who strings Kate Winslet on. He is obviously so toxic and buffoonish; while Winslet is so obviously too smart and lovely for him. It's just not believable that she was ever under his spell.
Overall, I thought the movie was simultaneously trying to pander to its audience while actually succeeding in insulting it. At least, I felt insulted. While Love Actually isn't a perfect movie, at least it was far better written and acted and therefore infinitely more palatable as an escapist chick flick. Skip this one and rent that instead. Or Bridget Jones. Or Four Weddings and a Funeral. Or Two Weeks Notice. Or anything else with Hugh Grant, really.
Pure Wonderfulness!!!
posted on 22 Aug 2009I found The Holiday to be great all around.The acting was wonderful from every actor and actress,the characters were all so fantastic,and the story plot was breathtaking!!!!!!I usually find Jack Black unbearable to watch,but in this movie,he was really good in his acting and his character was interesting.This movie was the perfect romance film.Each main character(Cameron Diaz,Jude Law,Kate Winslet,and Jack Black)found their true nature and totally captured what the movie was about.If you haven't seen the movie I TOTALLY recommend it.It's a film that anybody could love,with such a mind-blowing plot you just want to jump in joy through the whole movie!!!!
I'm too much male for this flick ;)
posted on 22 Aug 2009I don't consider myself being a macho male, but chick flicks like The Holiday do drive me to the edge of being very annoyed and agitated. Men just weren't born for sugary romance stories, with a sappy Christmas atmosphere. The characters are annoyingly psycho-analyzing each other and themselves all the time - this movie must be written by a female, no man tells openly about his fear for relationships like Jude Law does at one point- and every character flaw is brought upon us as being cute and adorable. And don't forget the extremely adorable twin sisters, the cuddly dog and the nice old man. But I must be fair, I did enjoy this movie to some degree. It's always a treat to see beautiful actors as Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz and Jude Law interact with each other. Jack Black kinda ticked me off. The guy is hilarious, but in this movie he just didn't fit in. Overall, it is a decent RomCom, one that deserves its place amongst Love Actually and Pretty Woman. I'd favor a more darker approach to the subject of love, but I can also understand why a lot of people like this. Everyone has the right to their taste, don't they? :)
Made For DVD
posted on 20 Aug 2009I'm not sure where to start. Have you ever spent $10 to suffer in your seat for two hours and twenty minutes while watching some of your favorite actors lose years of credibility acting in a film with a story that is written for people that have an IQ of 80 or below? That's what happened to me. The film is touted as a "romantic comedy". This was neither. There is nothing romantic about two single women with successful careers being portrayed as pathetic if they don't have "Mr. Right" in their lives. Additionally, no one was funny. Miles, played by Jack Black, who I think is brilliant, was not even close to funny. The painfully bad acting and spoon-fed dialogue between Cameron Diaz and Ed Burns in the first scene, two actors that I usually like and respect, set the tone for the movie which never changed. The premise of the story, the ridiculous time-lines, the painfully contrived dialogue, and unlikable characters, made this one of the worst films I have ever seen. This may be a good time for Nancy Meyers who wrote and directed this film to apologize for hurting the careers of some of Hollywood's most promising and established actors. This movie should have possibly been titled "The Recycled Hollywood Crap Holiday Movie".
Disappointing and Bland
posted on 20 Aug 2009The Holiday is a sad excuse for a romantic comedy, with very little romance and even less comedy.The main plot of the movie revolves around Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz's characters switching homes for the holiday, allowing each to meet their obvious love interests. The predictable plot would be far less painful if the actresses were given something to work with in the script. Sadly, the dialog is clunky and without wit, and while Winslett struggles to rise above the material, Diaz flounders. By the middle of the movie, her scenes are painful to watch, and one can only hope that the scene switches back to Winslet's character, whose scenes with the elderly screenwriter are genuine and sweet.The men exist only as romantic foils, and Jude Law plays this part well, managing to exude some charm and playing believably off of Diaz, despite their lack of chemistry. Jack Black, on the other hand, probably shouldn't have even bothered with this movie at all. His comedic lines are generally unfunny, and as a romantic partner, he is given essentially nothing to do. If you were hoping to see Jack Black branch out as a romantic lead, don't bother with The Holiday.In the end, The Holiday doesn't earn the title of romantic comedy, and ends up being another piece of cliché chick flick fluff. Lovers of the genre would be better off renting Love Actually, French Kiss, or His Girl Friday for their holiday entertainment.
Fantastically marvelous!
posted on 18 Aug 2009I must admit that the idea of a home exchange would seem quite daunting but having recently seen this movie i am really quite keen on the idea now.. This movie gives you an honest sense of self discovery while in a completely foreign location. It also is great for all crowds of people as almost anyone can relate to at least one of the main four characters. There are also simply marvelous phrases that truly show you that you are worth while. Excellent writing. The direction was amazing, the plot was eventful and fun and adult while not being sleazy, a thing that you don't find very often now with big budget films. Overall, a job well done.
One to add to my collection
posted on 18 Aug 2009Okay, let me just say I walked out of the theater with a smile on my face. I had a feeling I would like this movie just from the previews but it was even better than I imagined. Jack Black was adorable in his melody making role as Miles and Jude Law was so cute in his not what he seems role as Graham. Cameron Diaz was hilarious in her headstrong woman, not about to cry role as Amanda and the always charming Kate Winslet totally pulled it all together in her I know I shouldn't but I do anyway role as Iris. It was also a nice surprise to see the veteran actor Eli Wallach as the old Hollywood writer Arthur Abbott. With this ensemble cast you can't go wrong. I have to say I laughed and cried and walked out wanting to see it again. Its definitely one to add to my collection.
Almost Like Old Times
posted on 16 Aug 2009Well yes, a 2006 romantic comedy that delivers what it promises. Mostly due to the disarming likability of the four leads plus Eli Wallach. Not for cynics, naturally, but very few things are and what the hell I laughed I was moved and I surprised myself all the way through. I came out of the theater smiling from ear to ear. Listen, that's not small feast in a world that seems too self conscious to be cute, even smartly cute like in this case. Kate Winslet can't help but being truthful so, there you go, you identify with her Rufus Sewell situation rooting for her - and I'm a guy! Cameron Diaz is, how can I put it? Yes adorable. A scatterbrain with a brain. Jude Law is another than I don't remember when was the last time he was this charming and Jack Black manages to keep it real and I was taken for a ride, going along, falling happily in Nancy Meyer's lovely trap. Well done!
People don't act like this.
posted on 15 Aug 2009I'm sorry but this movie is just so cheesy ,people do not act like this. Your not going to have a hi powered movie executive switch places with a frumpy poor girl. Jack Black is just a horrid actor, why do we have to spend one more second looking at his dumb face. Listening to him doing the humming,duba dooodle dooo doooo, made me want run from from my living room, and jump off the nearest bridge. Not to mention that the trailer guy in the movie was really getting old after the fourth or fifth time. Stay away from this if you demand good movies,this is just gloopy yeck.
A Pleasant Surprise
posted on 12 Aug 2009I wasn't expecting to like this movie as much as I did. Although it is fluff, it is very good fluff. The acting by Diaz, Winslett, Law, Black, and Wallach is excellent. Each characterization is done more superbly than the next. The chemistry between the love interests is great.I watched it on DVD and wished I had seen it in the theater. "The Holiday" left me feeling good with a smile on my face.The subplot between Iris (Kate Winslett) and Arthur (90-year old Eli Wallach) was very sweet. Also for those who think Jack Black is little too much, don't worry. His character is warm and vulnerable, and I found him totally believable in his role.What more can you ask of a romantic, escapist comedy?
I needed a Holiday and got a good one
posted on 12 Aug 2009Okay - yesterday I saw "The Departed" and promised myself that I would not see another toxic film for at least a week - today I kept that promise by seeing "The Holiday" Iris (Kate Winslet) lives in England and discovers that she needs to get away on a Holiday when she FINALLY discovers via her office Christmas party that Jasper is a figment of her imagination and not her tangible boyfriend. Amanda (Cameron Diaz) plays the L.A. wealthy who loses her live-in boyfriend...(sounds like Amanda playing Cameron..) and trades houses with Iris for two weeks.The two women don't meet and greet one another for the Holiday, but they do meet two men that stick rather than stink.Graham (Jude Law) is Iris's brother, comes nicely wrapped in blue eyes, woolen and two adorable secrets to warm the heart of Amanda, while Miles (Jack Black) makes the season bright with his musical talents, & festive funny ways - The characters move through the house swap with believable ease that makes everyone feel welcomed for the Holidays. I celebrate this movie.
Feel good Date flick
posted on 12 Aug 2009When I saw that this film clocked in at over 2 hours I thought I'd be asleep within an hour, but there was enough going on to keep me awake. Although this is strictly a piece of date-flick fluff it has its enjoyable moments. Jude Law and Kate Winslet are good and Cameron Diaz is, well, cute. Jack Black is the only actor who seems miscast and his "Well, hello" line that seems to pop up in almost every film is wearing thin. Don't expect any depth in this movie. Just take your girlfriend, hold hands and have a pleasant time. I did enjoy Eli Wallach as a octogenarian screenwriter although seeing him I was constantly reminded of his role as Calvera the bandit leader in "The Magnificent Seven." There are some unbearably cutesy moments with Jude Law's "sugar and spice and all things nice" daughters (ugh). But the film provides enough light-hearted and heart-warming moments to last for the rest of the year.
Ok film
posted on 11 Aug 2009When I saw that Nancy Meyer did Somethings Got to Give, I realized why this film didn't really turn me on. It had its charming moments but all in all, I found it boring at times(like the previously mentioned Something... movie) and implausible at other times. It was cute but definitely not memorable.
A new chance for everybody?
posted on 05 Aug 2009Well, if someone watches this movie with a broken heart from a recently ended relationship, her/his rating of this movie will raise up. As a lady, I have formed a sympathy with the two ladies in this movie. I am glad the movie achieved this for me. The message of the movie is a simple but a strong one: one should follow the heart. A side message could be one would if love felt is strong enough. Another side message would be that one would if one knows love is mutual. I am mostly thinking of what Cameron Diaz and Jude Law acted for us. Sometimes men need to cry to present love is there and mutual. What is more important than love afterall? See what you would think, after having watched this movie!
Chick Flick, though the ads don't show it
posted on 04 Aug 2009The Holiday is passable, as movies go. It is a chick flick, though the ads show it as a somewhat romantic comedy. The acting is substandard, on the part of Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet, though Jack Black and Jude Law seemed believable. The film's real problem is a lack of a unifying theme, though choosing too overrated Hollywood actresses surely contributed. Overall, the film is bad. If you enjoy watching Kate Winslet cry obviously fake tears into a couch, Jack Black's chest, a pillow, her Blackberry,(and just about anything else on hand) this one is for you. Cameron Diaz, unable to cry due to traumatic childhood events, spends her portion of the movie trying to cry into all of the above, and failing. If that is your idea of a fun two hours, your helpless. If not, it is quite easy to find a better use for your time and money: Blood Diamond.
Wonderful Movie by Chance
posted on 04 Aug 2009A week ago (06 Jan) I was forced to see a horror movie but all the way to the movie I prayed for something to happen 'cause I didn't want to see a horror movie. And we saw that the horror movie was not on the show anymore and the only movie suitable (hour) was "The Holiday". Although I didn't know anything about the movie it was my turn to force. So we watched it. I can say that it was "the right movie, at the right time at the right place" that day was terrible cold and foggy outside and we have enjoyed ourselves much much more than we expected. I think it is one of the best holiday movies I've watched. When I watched the movie I thought if such miracles can happen? I am looking forward to the release of its DVD :))
I can't believe I paid money to watching Cameron Diaz ramble
posted on 30 Aug 2009I love movies. I love to go to them and it takes a really BAD movie to make me feel like I've wasted my time. Seriously, this movie was a huge waste of time. The entire movie was "hey! Lets watch this American girl ramble on and on" like they thought it was cute. It wasn't. Maybe it could've have been cute with someone who is actually adorable and has at least some acting abilities, but it wasn't. I felt like I sat in that theatre for five hours when it was really only 2 and a half. Even delicious popcorn couldn't satisfy me. Jude Law is gorgeous as always, but it wasn't even good gorgeous. This movie is pg-13, so anything Jude Law might have been able to do to save the movie would've required an r-rating. The writers apparently felt that Kate and Jack Black weren't worth developing on. By the time they got to where they are at the end I had no idea how it happened. anyways, before I sound like I'm rambling, totally and completely worthless. Save your money and go see something violent.