Movie review: ‘Kate & Leopold’ stars Meg Ryan and Hugh Jackman
April 5, 2023
“Kate & Leopold,” reviewed by Jennifer Anne F. Messing.
Kate & Leopold is a Golden Globe award-winning time-travel drama that’s incredibly funny and entertaining―but with enough love interest to satisfy even the most romantic at heart. It’s a one-hour, fifty-eight minute, 2001 Miramax Films production, in color, directed by James Mangold, starring Meg Ryan, Hugh Jackman, and Breckin Meyer.
Kate McCay (played by Meg Ryan) is a quintessential 21st century career woman climbing up the corporate ladder. She lives in New York City with her younger brother, Charlie (Breckin Meyer), who is an aspiring actor. When Meg’s ex-boyfriend, Stuart (Liev Schrieber) unintentionally finds a portal near the Brooklyn Bridge he is transported back in time—but then returns to the present with a handsome bachelor named Leopold (Hugh Jackman) from the 19th century.
Stuart gets involved in a mishap that puts him in the hospital for several days. During this time, Meg’s life is turned upside down when she discovers that Leopold is actually a real Duke who is unaccustomed to modern life, and who therefore can’t be left alone for very long. The unusual circumstances bring Meg, Leopold, and Charlie together on a whirlwind adventure in friendship and shared experiences all across the city.
Along the journey Meg and Leopold become attracted to each other, and they develop tender feelings for one another that start to blossom. They also come to discover that despite the stark differences in their backgrounds, that true love, chivalry, and honor are timeless and relevant across the centuries. They both know however, that their idyllic relationship cannot last—and that Leopold will soon need to return to 19th century England in the same portal he arrived in, and back to the royal life he’s destined to live. Meg later finds herself having to choose between her high-powered career . . . and true love.
Kate & Leopold is a well-produced modern film that’s pleasantly woven with traditional values. Its dialogue is witty and engaging. Meg Ryan is convincing in her portrayal of an ambitious, business-minded woman, and Hugh Jackman is perfectly cast as the lovable Duke of Albany. This is a charming romantic-comedy movie the whole family can enjoy!
Movie Trailer: “Kate & Leopold” stars Meg Ryan and Hugh Jackman
Comedy/Time-travel/Romance. PG-13. Appropriate for family viewing, with kids ages 13 and up. Photo credits: Miramax Films.
Check your favorite online streaming service, movie rental source, or the public library for availability. If you enjoy reading about classic movies and family-friendly movies and want to be notified when a new review is posted by this author, please select the SUBSCRIBE button at the right of this page.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jennifer Anne F. Messing is a Cascade Writing Contest winner and five-time finalist (“Published Short Story”) a multi-published author, poet, speaker, graphic designer, and worship leader. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism. A past president of the Oregon Christian Writers, Jennifer Anne has authored three award-winning books and more than 250 articles, short stories, and poems published in 60 magazines, including: Guideposts, Pure Joy Journal, CaféLit, Calla Press, LIVE, Evangel, FellowScript, and The Proverbs 31 Woman. Her third book, Love's Faithful Promise: Heart-stirring Short Stories and Poems of Romance and Faith (print/e-book) was named winner of the 2020 American Fiction Awards “Christian Inspirational” category.
Originally from the Philippines, Jennifer Anne has been married to Michael Messing for 32 years. They are the parents of three adult children and a son-in-law, grandparents of four young boys, and reside in Oregon, USA. Connect with her on Twitter (@JennyAnnMessing), Facebook (@JenniferAnneMessing.Author), and on Linkedin. Get information about her other books, Morning's Promise: Poetic Moments in His Presence and Everlasting Love: Romantic Vignettes for a Woman’s Heart on this website, on Amazon, and Barnes&Noble online.
Copyrighted © by Jennifer Anne Fabregas Messing. All rights reserved. Contact the author for reprint information. Email: JenniferAnneMessing@comcast.net.
