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.
