Have you even been one of those guys who has insisted on having his girlfriend come along to one of those testosterone driven action flicks only to finally agree to go see one “chick flick” with her? Well if Leap Year is the movie you finally agreed to go to, you’re not likely to enjoy the experience. Although I am a sucker for cute romantic comedies every so often, Leap Year is just that – a sweet, cute romantic comedy. Its premise is long-winded, its narrative is formulaic and its characters are memorable, but only for as long as the film is actually running.
Anna Brady (Amy Adams) is a structured and professional woman who, on the verge of her largest career opportunity, finds her relationship with her cardiologist boyfriend Jeremy (Adam Scott) at its peak. Anna finds out from a friend that Jeremy was seen coming out of an expensive jeweler moments before their romantic evening dinner. Jeremy is leaving to go to Ireland on business, so Anna expected only a farewell dinner, but now can’t contain her excitement – clearly Jeremy is proposing. Anna is shocked to find only earrings in the little jewelry box instead of the engagement ring she dreamed of. Wracked with disappointment, Anna’s father tells her about an old tradition: In Ireland, women can propose marriage on February 29th, leap year. Determined to marry the man of her dreams, Anna hops on a place to Ireland. Along the way she bumps in to a handsome Irish man, Declan (Matthew Goode), who helps her on her journey to Ireland to propose. What should have been an easy and smooth ride to Ireland becomes a messy and complicated journey of self-discovery, identity and the meaning of true love.
Amy Adams is quickly proving that she is a talented actress. Despite the fact that we have seen this type of formula too many times, Adams makes it enjoyable to watch. It is rare to find such three-dimensional characters in romantic comedies, especially those released early every year. Although Leap Year will not be the next promising entry to witty romantic comedies, it is a fun film. Adams’ character is so formal and professional that her progression from Westernized career-oriented woman to living and breathing human being is refreshing.
Like so many movies of its kind Leap Year showcases some of the most romantic and beautiful landscapes in Ireland. More than anything, the film is a gallery of the beautiful green scenery that engulfs the two characters in unseen emotions. Ireland itself plays as the most talented character in Leap Year . Director Anand Tucker’s shots of unseen and unfamiliar Irish towns, straying away from the more familiar Dublin scenery is visually beautiful.
Accompanying the beautiful country scenes is the talented and underrated Matthew Goode. Goode offers a real and unpolished character who forces Adams’ Anna to open her eyes to what love can really be and not simply its trappings. Originally born in England, Goode naturally shines on-screen sometimes overshadowing Adams, but does a good job or engaging the male audience.
It is very unfortunate that the trailer gives away almost the entire plot of the film in its attempt to draw an audience, as is becoming the case more and more. More often than not, studios release trailers that leave the audience mentally ‘checking off’ the scenes they saw in the trailer up to the film’s finale. Leap Year unfortunately falls under this large category. Although the film is heavily blueprinted and extremely predictable, the film is still enjoyable enough to fill 90-minutes. Leap Year may not be the date-movie of the year, but it is a date-movie none-the-less. And if you’re looking to have your significant other ‘awww-ing’ and cuddling your arm until the credits roll, Leap Year is a good choice.
