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Writer Richard Curtis has done a few romantic comedies in his day. With "Notting Hill" and "Four Weddings and a Funeral" on his resume, you could say he does them quite well. "Blackadder" doesn't help my case here, and I question why I even mentioned it just now. Now, in his first turn as a director, he has set out, according to the previews, to make "the ultimate romantic comedy" or some such bold claim. Is it? Depends where you're coming from.

On the weak end, it's an ensemble piece that unfortunately only gives you the basics of each character, and similarly little to go on with each relationship, save for the fact that each person is somebody who needs a little more romance in their life, and their short screen journeys to get it. I've read that the DVD may contain nearly eighty minutes of cut footage, which while fleshing out these scenarios, would also push the movie to near the four hour mark. I can understand cutting a little here and there. What is left at this point, though, is the bare bones of each plot, making it tough to surprise us. So to sum up, the bad is simplistic and predictable.

On the plus side, most romantic comedies are simplistic and predictable. The movie never tries to rely on anything like that as a strength. What it seems to be is a collection of really great ideas for "movie moments." Sometimes it's those scenes where people bare their soul, get honest with those close to them, share a kiss, a hug, a cry, and get you feeling all gooey inside, maybe reminisce a little about an old friend, maybe snuggle someone, maybe think about calling home. There are also the scenes that are just cute and wacky. Two people not speaking the same language having the same conversation unknowingly. An impromptu dance number. A silly school play. A good laugh.

What's pleasant to see is that throwing everything in the romantic comedy book at the wall makes for a really pleasant collage. The performances are heartfelt enough to imply all the back-story you need, there's something here for everyone to relate to, at least a little, maybe a lot, and the obviousness of it all gets put aside. You want to watch a movie like this to feel good, and I'll be danged if I didn't feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I just wanted to give somebody a great big kiss. Important safety tip: not everyone at the multiplex saw what you just did, and those who just saw the new "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" may not be sharing your warm fuzzy feelings. They also may be stronger than you. The should see this, and let the love in.