LEAP YEAR
(PG)
MOVIE: ** (out of 5)
BLU-RAY EXPERIENCE: ** (out of 5)
Studio: Universal
BY KEVIN CARR
WHAT IT’S ABOUT
Amy Adams plays a woman who desperately hopes to get married. When her four-year anniversary with her boyfriend approaches, she latches onto an old Irish tradition in which the woman can propose to the man on Leap Day. She travels to Ireland to find her boyfriend, but storms land her on the other side of the Emerald Isle. A local pub owner (Matthew Goode) agrees to escort her to Dublin so she can propose, but they don’t plan on falling in love.
WHAT I LIKED
There are several elements to this movie that seem to be better quality than the movie itself. The first is the obvious: Amy Adams. As charming of an actress as she is, Adams seems to be just slumming it to make a less-than-average romantic comedy. Perhaps she just wanted the all-expense-paid trip to Ireland, which leads to the second positive element…
The backdrop of “Leap Year” is brilliant. You’ll see some of the best cinematography of Ireland in this film, which almost makes it worth a look on high definition. Truly breathtaking scenery.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
In so many ways, this film reminds me of “Made of Honor” which came out about two years ago. It’s got decent actors in it, and it takes place in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. But the story and characters just aren’t anything to write home about.
I like a good romantic comedy, but this one seemed forced when it could have been unique. But every time it broke the romantic comedy mold and tried something different, it felt awkward. Both Goode and Adams are fine actors that really deserved a better script.
BLU-RAY FEATURES
The Blu-ray comes with deleted scenes and access to BD-Live
WHO’S GOING TO LIKE THIS MOVIE
Romantic comedy lovers and people who just love the Irish countryside in movies.