Keith Michaels (Hugh Grant) is a sharp-tongued Oscar-winning screenplay writer of the popular "Paradise Misplaced". That was 15 years ago and he has fewer options now. His agent gets him a job teaching a screen writing course at Binghamton University in upstate New York. He sleeps with college student Karen before even starting his class. Dr. Lerner (J.K. Simmons) is the department chairman and he's fighting with Jane Austen expert Professor Mary Weldon (Allison Janney). He doesn't believe in teaching writing, and picks mostly hot girls with a couple of nerdy guys for his class. He is hounded by single mom Holly Carpenter (Marisa Tomei) who really wants to be a writer.
Hugh Grant is having a bit of fun spreading his charm around whether it's wanted or not. He reunites with Marc Lawrence but the writing could be sharper. It is filled with quips from Grant but not all of it sticks. Tomei is lovely and I wish the movie concentrated on her more. In a rom-com, she needs to have more screen time. Also she is too nice and perfect. It doesn't lend itself for outrageous fun. She's kindly charming. The movie has a great cast and they keep the middling material chugging along.
Hugh Grant is having a bit of fun spreading his charm around whether it's wanted or not. He reunites with Marc Lawrence but the writing could be sharper. It is filled with quips from Grant but not all of it sticks. Tomei is lovely and I wish the movie concentrated on her more. In a rom-com, she needs to have more screen time. Also she is too nice and perfect. It doesn't lend itself for outrageous fun. She's kindly charming. The movie has a great cast and they keep the middling material chugging along.