Leap Year
By Irish tradition, a woman can propose marriage to a man once every four years... and Anna plans to do just that. Leap Year is a romantic comedy with a touch of Irish folklore.
Amy Adams plays Anna, an uptight real estate exhibitor from Boston. After her cardiologist boyfriend of four years, Jeremy (Adam Scott), presents her with diamond earrings instead of an engagement ring, Anna decides to take matters into her own hands. Following the old Irish tradition, she plans a journey to Dublin in order to propose to Jeremy on leap-year day, February 29.
During her trip, Anna's plane is forced to have an emergency landing because of a storm. After trying to take a ferry to Dublin, Anna is forced to stop in Dingle. There, she meets a local pub owner named Declan (Matthew Goode). The scruffy Irishman stubbornly agrees to take her to Dublin for 500 euros.
Along the way, the two encounter many obstacles. From an immobile herd of cows to a broken down car, Anna and Declan's bickering becomes more prevalent as they try to arrive to Dublin in time. Because the relationship between Anna and Declan contains a certain Pride and Prejudice love-hate relationship feeling, we can somewhat predict part of the plot. Besides, who can resist a good-looking Irishman?
Although it contains a decent plot for it's genre, Leap Year seems to be a bit of a bore at times. Thank goodness for the wittiness of Matthew Goode's character. Declan doesn't fail to entertain us throughout the film with his side-remarks and sarcastic punchlines. Although the characters of Declan and Anna are well played, the two seem to lack a bit of that on-screen chemistry.
Director Anand Tucker does a good job of incorporating the beautiful country of Ireland and it's superstitions into the movie. Although we are exposed to extraordinary shots of Ireland and gorgeous scenery of the country side, the film seemed to be in need of a bit more energy and pizazz. Tucker keeps the film as a simple, classic tale of foes turning into lovers, but it seems like the movie could have had even bigger potential.
Regardless of these aspects, it is worth the efforts of a DVD rental. If your looking for a lighthearted film, Leap Year passes the test of that typical, sweet, PG-rated romantic comedy.
