Kate & Leopold

Starring: Meg Ryan, Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Breckin Meyer, Philip Bosco

Year: 2001

Every once in a while we need a change. Not a drastic change. Just enough of a change to shake things up a bit. And in this case, a change from your typical rom com to a more fantasy-type rom com. One that involves Meg Ryan, Hugh Jackman and, well, time travel. Yes! Time-travel. Keep reading.

Kate (Ryan) is a recently single, successful career woman, living with her brother Charlie (Meyer). And living in the 21st century. Leopold (Jackman),also single, is the Duke of Albany and has never worked a day in his life. He's living in the 19th century. What could Kate and Leopold possibly have in common? But more importantly, how could they possibly even meet? Well, enter Kate’s ex-boyfriend Stuart (Schreiber). Stuart is a physicist, who goes back in time and accidentally brings his great-great-grandfather, who happens to be Leopold, through a time portal. Plucking Leopold from 1876 New York City and plunking him into 2001 New York City.

When Kate first meets Leopold (in Stuart’s apartment), she assumes that Leopold is an actor. Playing the role of a Duke. Leopold tries to convince Kate that he is not an actor, that he is real, but she doesn‘t believe him. He’s handsome, charming, polite, respectable. And annoys the crap out of Kate. That is, until she begins to realize that he actually might be telling the truth. And that she might actually be falling for him. And him for her. But how can two people, from two different centuries, even make it work? Well, you’ll have to watch the movie and find out. 😋

Favourite Scenes: #1 Whenever Leopold stands up at the table when Kate does. #2 When he’s her knight-to-the-rescue in the park. #3 Their first date. #4 His apology letter.

Fun Facts: #1 Hugh Jackman took etiquette lessons from a 19th-century etiquette expert for the role. #2 Hugh also took ballroom dance lessons and trained to ride a horse. #3 Albany, New York was named after the then Duke of Albany in 1664. #4 Sandra Bullock was also up for the role of Kate. #5 Viola Davis has a minor role as a police officer. #6 Meg was 39 years old in the movie. Hugh was 32. #7 Hugh Jackman has starred in fifty-seven movies since Kate & Leopold. Sixty-eight in total.

Sure the premise of the movie is a bit hokey, but it’s cute. And yes, it‘s a romantic comedy with time travel, but it’s so much more. It’s about simpler times. Reminding us of simpler times. It’s about taking the time to actually look at things that, in our rushed and busy lives of today, we take for granted. Or most likely, don’t even really see at all. `Everything from the use of a toaster, the magic of television and buildings and bridges that have survived the tests of time. What New Yorkers probably walk by a million times without actually even seeing, Leopold sees for the first time. He notices the charm. Appreciates the beauty. Kate & Leopold is like an old-fashioned love story. Yes, it’s unrealistic. But open your heart, use your imagination and enjoy the world of make-believe. Isn’t that why we watch movies in the first place? I know I do.

Favourite Lines:

* Otis always told me love is a leap. Lamentably, I was never inspired to jump.

* Marriage is the promise of eternal love. As a man of honour, I cannot promise eternally what I’ve never felt momentarily.

* Where I come from, the meal is the result of reflection and study, menus are prepared in advance, timed to perfection.

* Are you suggesting madam that there exists a law compelling a gentleman to lay hold of canine bowel movements? I’m suggesting that you pick the poop up.

* Maybe the reason I was your guy was so I could help you find your guy.

From one movie “buff” to another....get that popcorn popped, the lights dimmed and the movie rolling.