What a delightful surprise! What appears to be a "chick flick" on the surface (complete with Hugh Grant as the male lead) turns out to be an enjoyable film that girls will love and dutiful boyfriends and husbands everywhere will be glad they went. Grant's "slacker" role is something that many guys can understand (if not relate to), where he just enjoys hanging out and doing "nothing" (playing video games, listening to music, and picking up random girls). Then along comes an awkward, yet likeable boy who becomes an unlikely friend and changes his life. Sound unlikely? Don't count this one out just yet.

Directors Chris and Paul Weitz made the smart move from gross-out comedy after turning down the sequel to their wildly successful teen comedy "American Pie". After almost being exiled for their Chris Rock vehicle "Down To Earth", the brothers fought hard to direct the adaptation of the great book by Nick Hornby ("High Fidelity"), much to the dismay of Grant (and many other Brits). As it turns out, you'll probably be as pleased as he was. This "warm and fuzzy" British comedy isn't too fluffy but isn't too heavy, either. It comes off as very sincere and very funny.

The score by Badly Drawn Boy fits perfectly and sets the tone for the pivotal scenes. The only awkward moment is musically, though. You'll hear Hugh Grant singing and playing guitar performing "Killing Me Softly". Although it's meant to be odd, yet sweet, it's a little too much. Just like "High Fidelity", the music is a very important part of the film and it should be duly noted.

Grant, Toni Collette, Rachel Weisz, and newcomer Nicholas Hoult all give fine performances and will please all Hornby fans as everyone knows how hard it is to watch a bad adaptation of a great book. Opening against the sequel to the last lackluster "Star Wars" movie, this may do well for everyone who doesn't believe the hype or gets shut out. As you may remember, Grant's "Notting Hill" was up against "Phantom Menace" and did quite well.

Go check this one out and bring your significant other, no matter what the gender. This one is a definite crowd pleaser and is the best (safe) date movie in a while. Highly recommended.