Quick Info
Imagine a brightly colored, zippy spoof of those Doris Day/Rock Hudson rom-coms - set in the early '60s but made in the early 2000s, that’s Down with Love. Renée Zellweger and Ewan McGregor absolutely chew the scenery as a feminist author and dashing magazine writer locked in a battle of the sexes. The whole thing is tongue-in-cheek, with snappy dialogue and some deliberately over-the-top split-screen gags that make the movie feel charmingly retro and knowingly ridiculous.
What stood out most to me was the visual style - the sets, costumes, and even the camera work pop with pastel colors and vintage flair. It’s clear the filmmakers had a blast recreating the era, and the film's self-awareness (plus a few unexpected twists in the plot) make it more than just a nostalgia trip. Zellweger and McGregor have great chemistry, especially when they're playing up the war of wits.
Not everything lands perfectly - some of the gags are intentionally corny but end up feeling forced, and the third act really goes off the rails with a monologue that’s both ambitious and a bit much. But if you’re into playful comedies or want something breezy and a little outside the usual rom-com formula, this is a great pick. Fans of old Hollywood references or movies that wink at the audience will especially have fun.
