.

I’m not entirely sure why I hadn’t seen this film as of yet. I mean, every major English actor ever makes an appearance here (I think I even saw Sir Laurence Olivier’s ghost being used as an extra), so it wasn’t the cast. Love’s one of my favorite emotions, so it certainly wasn’t the subject matter. I think it was the timing of the film’s release, as I worked for Loews Cineplex at the time, and I didn’t want to put in any “extra hours,” if you know what I mean.

The aforementioned all-star English cast did a fantastic job with an ultimately pleasant film. It’s a commercially-aimed love story (or stories, if you will) with just enough artistic integrity to remain bearable. I even enjoyed Hugh Grant, whom I usually detest.

What’s interesting is that this film both benefits and is hurt by its lacking in the resolution department. Sure, we see Hugh Grant’s character get his woman (whom admittedly is a far better choice than Divine Brown), but many things are left to the imagination. Whatever happened to Laura Linney’s character in the end? How about Alan Rickman’s — did he remain faithful to his wife? While, in part, I think that the lack of a clear-cut conclusion is annoying (because, after all, I’m from the U.S. — I like my films to be spoon-fed to me)… I realize that the cliffhanger endings are what separates this artistic film from run-of-the-mill American cinematic tripe.

“Love Actually” is an entertaining film that’s definitely worth it. Rent it this holiday season — it’s a perfect Christmastime date flick!

Choosing a career in the acting field, it’s a good thing that I have a profound enjoyment of Broadway theatre. Even more than I like Broadway theatre however, I like free Broadway theatre. That’s why I decided to jump at the chance to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang for no charge.

I had never seen the movie before, but I knew enough to know that it had some sort of flying car in it that Dick Van Dyke flew around. I also knew, while walking into the Hilton Theatre, that Raul Esparza (whom I was familiar with due to his phenomenal singing as Riff Raff in the cast recording of Broadway’s recent Rocky Horror Show) stars in the Broadway adaptation of the famous children’s flick.

What I did not know, however, was that a pack of M&Ms costs $4 once inside the building. Fuck that.

I guess I should refrain from using coarse language in a review of a children’s show… shouldn’t I? I apologize for that.

I didn’t walk in to Chitty expecting a great piece of theatre, and I’m rather glad I didn’t. This show uses extremely elaborate and colorful sets, constantly moving props, and live animals to mask the fact that it lacks substance overall. But, let’s face it, this show was made for kids… and I’m sure that if parents would have brought their kids instead of dragging them to Wicked, one or two of them might have been able to pay attention long enough to enjoy it.

That is, until some of the actors took the stage. I personally found Raul Esparza to be particularly amazing, in his acting, singing, and his dancing (pictured below)… although I’ve heard a few rumblings about the accuracy of his British accent. I also loved the actors who portrayed Goran and Boris, and their number “Act English,” which I’m sure went over most people’s heads (most people who don’t have constant contact with the English, that is). Unfortunately, Chip Zien was not performing the night I saw the show — it would have been a treat to see him on stage.

As far as the acting is concerned, I have two names that should be dedicated to memory — Marc Kudisch and Jan Maxwell. In their respective roles of the Baron and the Baroness, they completely stop the show with “Chu-Chi Face” and burn the place to the ground with “The Bombie Samba.” Absolutely outstanding.

I didn’t particularly enjoy Kevin Cahoon’s Childcatcher, which I heard was one of the best parts of the show. I felt that this Childcatcher was a bit on the borderline between plain creepy and homosexual… making him less of a fictional character and more Michael Jackson-esque. Speaking of actors I didn’t like… how about Erin Dilly? The fact that she was nominated for a Tony for Best Actress is, quite frankly, embarrassing.

The true star of this show is that damned car. I’ve got to admit, a huge smile lit up on my face as I saw the thing take flight. I was extremely impressed by the theatrics of it. When it first took flight, I struggled hard with myself to not try and figure out how it was happening. Upon its second departure, I was actually looking for the device that gave it flight, and (to my surprise) could not find it. You’ve gotta love that Boradway magic.

In short, if you can pick up free (or extremely cheap) tickets to Chitty, it’s worth a chance… especially since it vacates the Hilton Theatre on the 31st of December. Certainly don’t pay full price, and don’t pay $4 for M&Ms either!