Leap Year

Synopsis: A woman travels to Ireland to propose to her boyfriend but fate intervenes.

Release Date: January 8, 2010     MPAA Rating: PG-13

Genre(s): Romantic Comedy, Romance

Film Review

There is only one reason to see this film: Matthew Goode as Declan. Not since Cary Grant graced the screen many moons ago has a male actor been so incredibly charming, funny, and quite frankly irresistible. He may be in a film that simply regurgitates one romantic comedy stunt and cliche after another but it is all the less painful having him to fawn over. Amy Adams (Anna) has a few moments where the ice cold princess melts but she is bland and forgettable. As for the other man in the film, her fiance Jeremy (Adam Scott); it is absurd to even think for a moment she would have anything to do with him after meeting Declan. If you want drab, ordinary, and unworthy of a second thought choose Jeremy. Nothing compares to Declan’s quick wit, adorable facial expressions and spot on comedic abilities. If the film was trying to paint a realistic love triangle and make us actually consider she may choose Jeremy over Declan then they think the moviegoing audience are a bunch of idiots. One look in those beautiful eyes of Matthew Goode and no other man exists. Then you hear him speak with the accent and the World just stops rotating. Go for the romance if you must but be prepared to not care whether Declan and Anna or Jeremy and Anna end up together. Your mind will only find itself concerned with one thing…trying to find out how you can get in touch with Matthew Goode, or hitching the next plane to Ireland in search of your very own Declan. I have a feeling Tourism in Ireland is about to sky rocket.

Comedy is all about timing. Direction is key to timing. If the timing of the comedy is off then the directing is off. The physical comedy in this film has absolutely no timing whatsoever. Oh look, Anna just stepped in cow manure. Cue funny remark from Declan and a retort from Anna. Ready for the beats between lines? One, Two, Three – wait, where is three? Anyone know what happened to three? Whoops. Forgot about three. Lets just move on and hope no one notices that scene just fell flat on its face, and not in the comedic sense of the saying. Make one mistake and it is forgivable. Make the same mistake in almost every physical comedy moment of the entire movie and no apology will ever make up for it. The insufficient direction does not stop there. It pops up all over the place in the movie but it is this key element every romantic comedy needs where it is an abomination to the genre. Shame on you Anand Tucker.

If you want banter, you will get banter. If you crave crafty one-liners said with devilish charm you will get that also. Hoping for great physical comedy from the actors…do not expect much. What will see you through the film, and the many dry spots along the way in the plot, is the well placed comedic moments drawn from the dialogue of Declan. The role of Anna is not painted to be funny in terms of dialogue. It is her role to provide the physical comedy and it is sad to say but she fails miserably at it. I cannot blame it all on her though. Much of it stems from the lack of direction (see Directing comments). Even with its failures the film is still downright funny throughout. I must say this again: Matthew Goode as Declan. He is the patron saint of ‘Leap Year’.

Cast and Crew

• Director(s): Anand TuckerJonathan GlickmanJake Weiner
• Producer(s): Deborah KaplanHarry ElfontAmy Adams (Anna)
• Screenwriter(s): Adam Scott (Jeremy)Matthew Goode (Declan)John Lithgow (Jack)
• Story: 
• Cast:  Nick MooreNewton Thomas SigelMark Geraghty
• Editor(s): Eimer Ni Mhaoldomhnaigh
• Cinematographer: Randy EdelmanCinesite
• Production Designer(s):
• Costume Designer: 
• Casting Director(s): Nvizible
• Music Score: 
• Music Performed By: 
• Country Of Origin: USAIreland