neumu [ cinematronic ]




	Kate & Leopold
	James Mangold Meg Ryan, Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Breckin Meyer 2001		Gallant and warm, Hugh Jackman ("X-Men") carries this mix of romantic comedy, sci-fi and fantasy. The personable Aussie leading man plays Leopold — a British duke who is transported by time-warp from 19th century New York to modern-day Manhattan where he falls in love with hard-nosed career gal Kate, played not-too-winningly by Meg Ryan. The premise is a little arcane: Kate's brilliant ex-boyfriend and upstairs neighbor Stuart (Liev Schreiber) uncovers a portal to the past that accidentally brings Leopold to the 21st century. When Kate meets Leopold, she thinks he's a kook. But Kate's brother (Breckin Meyer), an out-of-work actor, likes the dapper guy and takes him under his wing. Soon, Kate is smitten with Leo, while Stuart is frantic to send him back to the past and set the time line right. Although the chemistry between the two leads could be more heated, and the time-travel aspect of the story leaves plot holes for the film to navigate, "Kate & Leopold" comes off as a pleasant, harmless date movie.