TWO WEEKS NOTICE
Both Katharine and Audrey Hepburn are name-checked in writer/director Marc
Lawrence's light but likable romantic comedy about a mismatched pair who fight
cute until the predictable third reel. Two Weeks Notice isn't the worst
film that tries to channel the Hepburn/Tracy magic with a formulaic story about
a cad redeemed by a woman of character. Hugh Grant's George Wade is a
multimillionaire New York City property developer as ambivalent about his work
as he is about romantic relationships. Sandra Bullock's Lucy Kelson is the
Harvard Law grad he hires as his chief counsel to irritate his controlling
older brother, and because the rich playboy likes having fetching women around
to, well, fetch for him. But after doing that for five years, she gives the
title notice. Is it too late for him to fall in love?
By now, Grant can do this kind of role in his sleep; here he recycles his
Bridget Jones Diary boss -- who in real life would be hauled into court,
but that's another matter. Bullock does her own version of Barbra Streisand's
Katie from The Way We Were: a lovable political activist whom the
handsome heel can't help falling for, even though she cares more about saving
trees and historical landmarks than making money. But the real mystery is why
Lawrence would want to call our attention to the sweet memory of both Hepburns.
It's like mentioning French cuisine to someone who's eating at McDonald's. (100
minutes) Opens Friday at Flagship, Opera House, Providence Place Mall 16,
and Showcase cinemas.
Issue Date: December 20 - 26, 2002
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