I may be overrating it at an 8 but I really did see it at the perfect time. I woke up extremely hungover and feeling really lonely, ate some cereal while I lazily put my TV on without really paying attention to what was playing, and luckily this movie came on and despite initial reservations because it's not really my "type" of movie it really connected with me. The guy/girl surrounded by people but lonely at heart is something that a lot of people experience and this movie is a very accurate portrayal of that situation and how the two main characters are able to break away from it. It's not a movie that will shock and surprise and it's not an action packed thrill ride, but it's not supposed to be. It is extremely authentic and realistic and the performances are all spectacular. Hugh Grant was destined for this role. Give it a shot, especially if you are having a hard time.

>"Just the other day I was thinking about my ex, and he came crawling up, and put his little pudgy arms around my neck, and he said, 'You hang in there, Dad.'" "God, that's amazing for a two-year-old." "Is it?" Would've been an easy 4 stars if they'd kept the Kurt Cobain subplot from the book 😔

>"I didn't mean anything. About anything, to anyone. And I knew that guaranteed me a long, depression-free life." The guys who brought you American Pie also brought you this completely different style of movie. I am so glad I had no idea what this was about because I was pleasantly surprised. Hugh Grant is as charming as ever and Nicolas Hoult is great. Maybe it was a little overhyped, but I do love the banter in this.

Hugh Grant does basically what he does best: playing a charming bachelor who lives life doing absolutely nothing. His character, who lives off royalties from his father's Christmas song, is the height of superficiality and I had trouble empathizing with him at first. But, I have to admit the chemistry he has with the boy is what really holds the movie. The kid has a very special charm, that mix of weirdness and forced maturity that makes you crack a smile. I thought it was smart that the relationship wasn't the typical cliché where the adult comes to rescue the poor kid from his gray life. But, despite touching serious topics like the mother's depression, I felt the movie passed over everything too quickly. It stays on the surface of the problems, as if afraid to get too dramatic and preferring to quickly return to the joke or the awkward situation. It felt predictable to me. I knew perfectly where the story was going and there were emotional moments that, no matter how hard they tried, didn't quite land or truly move me. [SPOILER] The music festival part, although funny, seemed a bit forced to close Will's transformation arc. [/SPOILER] It's a correct dramatic comedy, well acted and with a runtime that doesn't drag, but it lacks that "something" to leave a deep mark on me.

I cannot believe that I haven't seen this movie yet. It's not that amazing but it's also kind of fun and cute at the same time. Obviously very predictable.