Amy Adams and Matthew Goode are the Gold at the End of the Rainbow in This Irish Tale

Leap Year is the first romantic comedy of the 2010 movie year; starring the redheaded cute-as-a-button, darling of Hollywood: Amy Adams (Enchanted 2007) and (Doubt 2008). The British actor Matthew Goode (Chasing Liberty 2004, Watchmen 2009 and A Single Man 2009) stars alongside Adams. The film takes place almost entirely in Ireland, and if you’re fascinated at all with the Irish countryside then you won’t want to miss this picturesque film.

The story’s premise revolves around an ancient Irish tale that states: ‘If a man is asked for his hand in marriage on leap year Feb. 29th, he must accept’. Amy Adams plays Anna Brady a real estate stager who’s been in a four-year relationship with Jeremy (Adam Scott), a cardiologist in Boston. When Jeremy presents Amy with a jewelry box containing diamond earrings instead of the desired engagement ring, she decides to take matters into her own hands. Jeremy will be attending a doctor’s convention in Ireland on leap year so Anna decides to surprise him and follow through with her proposal.

As in all best laid plans, they sometimes encounter a few twists and turns along the way. The troubles that happen to Anna are not minor; in fact she comes up against major obstacles and is forced to rely on the kindness of strangers to carry out her plan. One very handsome stranger, an Irishman named Jeremy, proves to be her knight in shining amour. Anna’s flight is detoured and doesn’t land in Dublin; instead she’s stuck in a small village that has one bed & breakfast and she has no way to get to her destination other than to accept innkeeper Jeremy’s offer to drive her.

En route to Dublin, Anna and Jeremy open up to one another and discover they have romantic feelings stronger than they’re willing to admit. We view the duo choosing vegetables to cook for a meal, sharing a rather small double bed, dancing at a wedding and awkwardly kissing in front of lodging guests. Do Adams and Goode have the chemistry that is needed to make this rom/com work? Yes, they do. In fact, Adams is charming as ever and Goode is actually comical in his quiet-guy role. Both complement each other and are interesting to view in their ‘love-hate relationship’ roles.

At the helm, is the seasoned diverse director Anand Tucker whose films include the dramatic true story (Hillary and Jackie 1998) in which both actresses Emily Watson and Rachel Griffiths were nominated for Academy Awards. The film provides a glimpse into to the tragic life of the brilliant international concert cellist Jacqueline Du Pré and her sister, Hilary. Tucker’s other memorable film (Shopgirl 2005) is based on the book written by Steve Martin as an older guy involved in a love triangle with a much younger girl.

The script is penned by Deborah Kaplan and Harry Elfont who’ve collaborated on other Hollywood screenplays. Appearing a bit slow and in need of revamping in areas is the dialogue; which needs to be more interesting and engaging. Also, more back-story would be helpful in fully knowing the personalities of the main actors. The character development of Jeremy in particular should be much stronger as we are kept in the dark about him until near the end of the film.

Bottom line, as rom/com’s go—in Leap Year, the major romance players have chemistry which isthe most important element. The script needs more depth and character development, however. We simply need to care more about the duo. The Irish setting is majestic and provides a scenic setting. My Irish eyes were shinning, just wishing I knew these characters a ‘wee bit’ better!

Sarah Adamson © January 2010