Notting Hill (PG-13, 1999)

common sense media says

Not deep, but definitely funny--teens will enjoy.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know there's occasional profanity, ranging from mild to heavy. William's flatmate makes crude remarks and wears lewd T-shirts. A good deal of alcohol is consumed at parties. Comments about breasts, leering at breasts, questions about sleeping with someone, and jokes about masturbating. Also, a comment about seeing old friend Pandora's "box." The two leads are seen post-coital, but not naked.

Positive messages: Some crude humor from William's flatmate.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Comments about breasts, leering at breasts, questions about sleeping with someone, and jokes about masturbating. Also, a comment about seeing old friend Pandora's "box." The two leads are seen post-coital, but not naked.
Language: Occasional profanity, ranging from mild to heavy.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: A good deal of alcohol is consumed at parties.

More on Notting Hill

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about whether or not they would want to be famous.

What's the story?

What's the story?
In this romantic comedy set in London, the quiet life of sweet, bumbling Notting Hill bookseller William Thacker (Hugh Grant) is turned upside down after a chance encounter with American movie star Anna Scott Julia Roberts, who's in London for a film shoot. Constantly hounded by the paparazzi and rarely able to escape her entourage, Scott finds herself attracted to Thacker's adorably humble manner, simple life, and down-to-earth friends. Romance blooms between the unlikely pair, but Scott's fame poses serious challenges to the budding relationship, as does her on-again, off-again affair with arrogant actor boyfriend Jeff King (Alec Baldwin).

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
While this romantic comedy doesn't expose the dirty underbelly of our celebrity-crazed culture, it's definitely funny. Hugh Grant plies his trademark self-effacing act to great effect. The writers also give Grant some wonderfully funny lines to deliver. Julia Roberts plays the straight character with just the right angst and desire, and William's grungy flatmate Spike nearly steals the movie with his outrageous outfits and disastrous hygiene.

 

Despite the story's attempt to maintain an ironic tone, it descends into mawkish sentimentality at times. It also bogs down in the last fifteen minutes--just bring the two leads together, already! Overall, this is a fine movie for teens and parents to share together.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Universal Pictures
Director: Roger Michell
Cast: Hugh Grant, Julia Roberts, Rhys Ifans
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 125 minutes
Theatrical release: November 10, 1999
DVD release: November 10, 1999
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA explanation: content and brief strong language

This review was written by Randy White
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

H12pQueen
teen, 17 years old
 
LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!!!
OMG BEST MOVIE EVER!!!!! I loved it!!!! If you liek romantic comedy movies, then this movie is perfect for you!!!!

TheSuperman765
teen, 16 years old
 
hugh grant and julia roberts.... wow!
What to watch out for * Messages: Some crude humor from William's flatmate. * Violence: Not an issue. * Sex: Comments about breasts, leering at breasts, questions about sleeping with someone, and jokes about masturbating. Also, a comment about seeing old friend Pandora's "box." The two leads are seen post-coital, but not naked. * Language: Occasional profanity, ranging from mild to heavy. * Consumerism: Not an issue. * Drinking, drugs, & smoking: A good deal of alcohol is consumed at parties.

 
OMG.....best movie ever!
omg!! this is my favorite movie in the world. i love hugh grant. i love julia roberts. i LOVE rhys ifans. it's hysterical!

dressagehorse
teen, 13 years old
 
Amazing movie!
A really sweet romantic comedy that is one of my favorites. Not for kids, but fine for teenagers and probably 12 year olds. Worth watching.

racegirl19
teen, 16 years old
 
soooooooooooooo funny
I loved this movie it was sooooo funny

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age