Leap Year every year

Leap Year is a romantic comedy from 2010 and it is your usual Rom-Com. Girl meets boy, they struggle getting along, somehow, they fall in love. Do not forget the nice romantic location that no one could afford to go to. I should not say no one. I am just sad I cannot afford it. 

The Set Up

The Film starts with the introduction of Anna (Amy Adams). We see her doing her job and sitting in a bar waiting for somebody. While she is sitting there a drunk guy hit on her. Which is typical right, you see a pretty girl sitting all alone so she must want your attention. He gets rejected and it is a set up for the line her father overhears. Her dad is excited to hear that after 4 years her relationship with her boyfriend is finally taking that next step. Why is it so important to parents or people in general I guess to have some sort of timeline for how events are supposed to happen in life? After 20 years with someone they can completely change. I think ones love life should follow the rules that the two people in the relationship set out. Besides the boyfriend who is portrayed by Adam Scott is a real tool. Career driven and, in my opinion, looks at Anna as a side note. He looks at her like she is just someone to come home to. He is on his way to Dublin, Ireland for a work conference. The month is February and it just so happens to be a leap year. It is an old Irish tradition that a woman can propose to her boyfriend on leap day, a day known in Ireland as bachelor’s day.   

The Journey

Anna decides to travel to Dublin to surprise her boyfriend and get the ending that she wants. As any romantic comedy movie goes, the turmoil starts early. A plane trip turns into a boat trip and it just spirals from there. She ends up in a Seaside Village where she meets Declan (Matthew Goode). Declan agrees to help Anna get to Dublin, even if it was for his own hidden agenda. The two begin their travels and they can NOT stand each other. Amy's portrayal of Anna is that of a stuck-up materialistic woman. She is a horrible travel partner to Matthew Goodes laid back guy. Which makes good comedy. Her overpriced luggage and why on earth would women travel in high heels? Ok I understand she thought she was going to land in Dublin and be at a hotel and have two days to shop and relax and be with her boyfriend, but logically one should always pack some running shoes, just in case. 

The realization

Every romantic comedy has the moment you know the two strangers just fell in love. Usually there is a good set up too. In this case the two people who did not get along have a moment of learning deeper knowledge about the other. Anna has an epiphany also about what is important. They get an understanding for the others character, and then of course there is the kiss that happens. One thing that always bugged me about romantic movies is how two people can fall so deeply in love in TWO days, literally a weekend. A bit of a stretch for reality.   

What is important?

Your house is on fire, what do you grab? This is the question Declan proposes to Anna. What would you grab in 60 seconds? I know my answer is my daughter, she is old enough to run out herself, but nothing is more important to me than her. Pictures can be replaced; electronics can be rebought, and it would be so sad to lose heirlooms and everything, but it would be more devastating to lose your person. He said the one thing he would grab is something he is no longer in possession of. A ring, a Claddagh ring. The one with the two hands holding a heart with the crown. The hands represent friendship, the crown represents loyalty and the heart of course represents love, the trinity of what every relationship should have. 

Review

I would recommend this movie without a doubt. It is your usual rom com but there is just something about it that makes your heart smile. The connection the actors have, the story, the comedic timing. I did read that this film is loosely based on a 1945 film called I know where I am going. I will check this one out too if I can find it somewhere. Leap year is a good movie to watch with your girls, or your loving boyfriend or significant other. I appreciated that not only did Anna get the ending she wanted, but she rediscovered herself and what is important in life. She has a true-life changing experience.