Far more fun in memory than in actual experience. Afterwards, the sporadic charming moments still carry a fizz, while you forget the indulgent fantasy that surrounds them. According to the contrived setup from writer-director Nancy Meyers, two women in romantic crises swap houses for the holidays: American Amanda Woods (Cameron Diaz) and Brit Iris Simpkins (Kate Winslet). Prince Charmings soon land on their doorsteps (Jude Law and Jack Black). Meyers allows scenes to drag on forever, but the cast eventually rescues the picture. Winslet and Black make for an endearing pair, while Law is at his most charming. Watch how he can turn the word “absolutely” into the equivalent of a Shakespearean sonnet.
