BootDigest
Such a frustrating disappointment
Baseshment
I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.
StyleSk8r
At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.
edwardcooper-92204
This is a charming movie starring Hugh Jackman- yet to hit his stride in the big leagues, and Meg Ryan- on a downturn. Featuring a bit of time travel an Englishman from the 17th century lands up in modern day New York City and falls in love with an advertising executive alongside trying to settle in the new century. The film is cute and would make for a great afternoon relaxation offering. Its rather sad to see Meg Ryan fall of the face of Hollywood because she has an endearing personality and an infectious smile. James Mangold directs(he would reteam with Hugh Jackman for Wolverine and Logan).
taylorhammons
Critics of this film need to give it a rest. No the plot is not fantastic. But what romcom is? We don't watch them because they are so fabulously written (maybe with a few notable exceptions). We watch them because they make us happy. We watch them because they give us hope. And in that vein, Kate and Leopold has done a fantastic job. I would also like to applaud the producers of this film for being creative. When I say that other romantic comedies are unrealistic, I find it annoying that many of them at least act as though they are depicting the lives of normal humans and fail miserably. This film does not pretend to be anything it's not. It's unrealistic because it contains time travel, an idea which is actually refreshingly original. The charm of the movie is further amplified by Hugh Jackman's phenomenal acting. I love a good story about someone who time travels and has to adjust to a new time. Jackman does this flawlessly and adds to the overall appeal of the movie, not only with his good looks and perfect accent, but also with his ability to perfectly portray the character.
Python Hyena
Kate and Leopold (2001): Dir: James Mangold / Cast: Hugh Jackman, Meg Ryan, Liev Schreiber, Breckin Meyer, Natasha Lyonne: Practically the same movie as Just Visiting only perhaps more captivating. Hugh Jackman stars as a Duke who is set to choose a wife for his kingdom when he notices a peculiar stranger. He follows him through a portal to present day. He is bewildered until he meets the stranger played by Liev Schreiber who is an inventor, and his ex-girlfriend played by Meg Ryan. Though it makes little sense even for the stretch of the imagination, it is an interesting choice for director James Mangold who previously made Cop Land and the overrated Girl Interrupted. Mangold counters the preposterous elements of the story by concentrating of characters with likable qualities. Jackman is charming as he tries to relate to present day culture. Ryan is smart and witty as Kate who is curious with regards to Leopold but is heading to an ending that is hardly satisfactory. Schreiber rises above the nonsense of the plot with humour in tact although how he created the portal is a rather dim plot device. Breckin Meyer steals scenes as Ryan's actor brother who learns much from Leopold particularly about romancing a female he is interested in. Other characters unfortunately play to the stereotypes of the genre. As with Just Visiting, it is a romantic comedy about traces of love through time. Score: 5 ½ / 10
prodcraven
As many do, in fantasy, one must suspend disbelief in order to enjoy the unfolding of the story. But, when there is an essence of Science Fiction - ie - time travel, then there also needs to be a careful use of fact to validate the fiction.In this case, three failures occur - the first is the insistence of a 200 year gap between the time of Leopold and that of Kate - - when, at most, we are dealing with about 125 years. The second, and more troubling in that it is unnecessary, is the plot point concerning the discussion of music. "La Boheme:" While the script did, before the end of the scene catch the import of the language of the opera being in Italian, though set in France, it did not take into account that the opera was not written until 20 years after (1896) Leopold's journey into the future. In addition, there was a discussion of "Pirates of Penzance" as well - - with Leopold familiar enough to play the accompaniment on piano while he and Charlie are singing "Model Major General." Leopold is supposed to have jumped in 1876 - - and Penzance did not premiere until 1879.Finally, the perfection of the modern elevator by Elijah Otis was in 1852 - not sometime after 1876 as implied in the movie - - and by that time, the concept would have been well known.
