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Generally romantic comedies are tepid affairs without a lot of character or innovation. Sometimes
though, they surprise me. “The Holiday” is one of those movies that truly blindsided me. Not only is
it a heartwarming tale, it’s an engaging story that finds a way to make the syrup taste good.

Cameron Diaz is an overworked, neurotic movie trailer producer in Los Angeles. Kate Winslet is a
journalist in London who can’t get over her boss, who she dated. He then dumped her for his
now-finance. In a random move, they trade houses for a few weeks at Christmas to get away from
their crazy lives. Diaz goes to a small cottage in Surrey and Winslet finds herself in a posh L.A.
mansion.

Winslet meets film score composer Jack Black, who’s also got his share of dating problems. Diaz
runs smack dab into the dashing but troubled Jude Law, who happens to be Winslet’s brother. Let
the romantic fireworks ensue as both parties find enlightenment, perspective and solace in new and
initially uncomfortable situations.

With a cast that includes Winslet, Law and a knockout extended cameo by film legend Eli Wallach,
“The Holiday” is a story that screams that change in one’s life is a good thing and that randomness
should be embraced, especially those you meet along the way. For a moment, the movie had me
believing that the right person was right around the corner provided I was brave enough to step
outside my comfort zone and then have the extra courage to ask that person to love me.

Yeah, I know. It sounds like a lot of gushy hokum, but there it is. The movie is smart and the
characters don’t do a lot of useless emotional backpedaling that makes me hate the average
romantic comedy character. A lot of people on the dating circuit out there could learn something
here. Of course, when have people lived their lives like the movies they wish they could emulate?
Well, it’s easy but no one seems to take the leap and just do it.

I should also mention the breakout performance by Jack Black, who proves he can deliver the
drama as well as the laughs audiences expect.

I also like the fact that this film dares to keep character front-and-center without a lot of zany humor
contrived into the story. The laughs bubble up from the writing and situations almost expertly. But
“The Holiday” is less about laughs and more about love and acceptance. However, if you
understand the latter two, the laughs will come all the easier in life.