369 reviews
No denying the fact that hugh jackman makes this movie. He is charming, gallant, and everything a 19th century duke should be and more. His character Leopold has the perfect "fish out of water" charm and curiosity without being repetitive or annoying . While I usually like Meg Ryan, her character Kate is quite bland and lacks depth. The Kate/Leopold romance feels forced there's no real chemistry. But overall it's different, fun, and at least worth one watch.
- Calicodreamin
- Jan 9, 2020
- Permalink
This movie wouldn't really be anything to write home about. You could call it science fiction because it's about time travel, but any serious science fiction buff would know better. But, there's something absolutely extraordinary about this movie that has me watching it again and again. I wasn't a big Hugh Jackman fan when I watched this movie. I suppose I'm still not. I'm too old for that kind of thing, but the character Leopold has a stillness, a quality of listening and putting other people (man or woman) first. He demonstrates an etiquette that is not at all stiff, that is less about precise forms and rules than about a genuine care for other people. I go back and watch Kate and Leopold when I wish I knew somebody who cared that much for me.
- cjvornheder
- Mar 8, 2006
- Permalink
If you can accept the totally ridiculous premise of KATE AND LEOPOLD and enjoy romantic fantasies of this sort, you'll find yourself drawn into the plot because of the very charismatic HUGH JACKMAN. He is the main reason for watching and carries the film on his sturdy shoulders, so adept is he at being a "knight in shining armor".
As for MEG RYAN, she is giving her usual Meg Ryan schtick--a sort of slightly brighter version of Goldie Hawn--but here it doesn't matter because Jackman manages to steal every scene he's in. BRECKIN MEYER is excellent as her boorish brother who learns a few things from his 18th Century friend about manners and etiquette. But it's the time travel aspect of the story that is its weakest link.
Highly recommended as a romantic comedy that owes much of its charm to the performance of its leading man--an actor of remarkable skill whose hunky presence dominates much of the movie.
It's the sort of romantic fluff that would have starred JEAN ARTHUR and GARY COOPER had it been made in the '30s. The New York location photography is excellent.
As for MEG RYAN, she is giving her usual Meg Ryan schtick--a sort of slightly brighter version of Goldie Hawn--but here it doesn't matter because Jackman manages to steal every scene he's in. BRECKIN MEYER is excellent as her boorish brother who learns a few things from his 18th Century friend about manners and etiquette. But it's the time travel aspect of the story that is its weakest link.
Highly recommended as a romantic comedy that owes much of its charm to the performance of its leading man--an actor of remarkable skill whose hunky presence dominates much of the movie.
It's the sort of romantic fluff that would have starred JEAN ARTHUR and GARY COOPER had it been made in the '30s. The New York location photography is excellent.
- Flower_of_the_Lily
- Jun 23, 2008
- Permalink
Kate & Leopold is more or less a romantic comedy that has been done so many times before. Woman and man see each other and don't like each other. Than they fall in love, but destiny comes in between them. In the end they overcome all problems and will live happily ever after...
It's exactly the same as always, but this time they have added an interesting extra ingredient to it. Kate, her brother, her ex and Leopold all live in New York. The only problem is that Leopold is from the 1870's, while the others live in the 21st century. Kate's brother has found a way to travel through time, meets Leopold and accidentally takes him with him to the 21st century. I guess I don't have to explain everything that happens afterward...
Even though I'm not always a huge fan of romantic comedies, I have to admit that I had a good time watching this one. Thanks to the original approach, this movie is better than average. The actors are convincing, although I was surprised to see how easily a man from the 19th century adapted to the 21st. It never really seemed a shocking experience to him. If I had directed the movie, I would have accentuated it more... But hey, if you can see past that and you are a romantic soul, I'm sure that you'll love this modern fairy tale. You know it's impossible, but you would like to believe it. I give it a 7/10 for that.
It's exactly the same as always, but this time they have added an interesting extra ingredient to it. Kate, her brother, her ex and Leopold all live in New York. The only problem is that Leopold is from the 1870's, while the others live in the 21st century. Kate's brother has found a way to travel through time, meets Leopold and accidentally takes him with him to the 21st century. I guess I don't have to explain everything that happens afterward...
Even though I'm not always a huge fan of romantic comedies, I have to admit that I had a good time watching this one. Thanks to the original approach, this movie is better than average. The actors are convincing, although I was surprised to see how easily a man from the 19th century adapted to the 21st. It never really seemed a shocking experience to him. If I had directed the movie, I would have accentuated it more... But hey, if you can see past that and you are a romantic soul, I'm sure that you'll love this modern fairy tale. You know it's impossible, but you would like to believe it. I give it a 7/10 for that.
- philip_vanderveken
- Dec 16, 2004
- Permalink
I usually don't watch romantic comedies for the simple reason they are predictable. But I watch everything Hugh Jackman...
I've seen 'Kate & Leopold' a few times now and enjoy it every time. Yes, it is predictable, but it is really funny. Hugh Jackman is just so incredibly charming that he can be as credible in a romantic comedy as he is in a fantasy action movie. Jackman stars as the titular Leopold, a Duke from 1876, who is accidentally transported to present time New York through a porthole. The person to blame for this mishap, is Stuart (Liev Schreiber), who discovered the porthole.
Stuart is Kate (Meg Ryans)'s ex-boyfriend, and they still live in the same apartment building. I enjoyed the fact Kate and Leopold didn't fall in love straight away. For once Hollywood got it right. This is a film about romance (and not lust!), where two people fall in love over a period of time thanks to moments they share together. This was far more realistic than so many of the romantic comedies out there.
'Kate & Leopold' is also a wonderful illustration of how customs have changed; costumes, speech, traditions, etc. I liked the characters and the set-up of each character. The character development was also very good. The film's visual effects - especially back in 1876 - are good. Yes, the ending is predictable and cheesy, but it is oh-so-wonderful. I really do enjoy everything about 'Kate & Leopold'.
I've seen 'Kate & Leopold' a few times now and enjoy it every time. Yes, it is predictable, but it is really funny. Hugh Jackman is just so incredibly charming that he can be as credible in a romantic comedy as he is in a fantasy action movie. Jackman stars as the titular Leopold, a Duke from 1876, who is accidentally transported to present time New York through a porthole. The person to blame for this mishap, is Stuart (Liev Schreiber), who discovered the porthole.
Stuart is Kate (Meg Ryans)'s ex-boyfriend, and they still live in the same apartment building. I enjoyed the fact Kate and Leopold didn't fall in love straight away. For once Hollywood got it right. This is a film about romance (and not lust!), where two people fall in love over a period of time thanks to moments they share together. This was far more realistic than so many of the romantic comedies out there.
'Kate & Leopold' is also a wonderful illustration of how customs have changed; costumes, speech, traditions, etc. I liked the characters and the set-up of each character. The character development was also very good. The film's visual effects - especially back in 1876 - are good. Yes, the ending is predictable and cheesy, but it is oh-so-wonderful. I really do enjoy everything about 'Kate & Leopold'.
- paulclaassen
- Oct 6, 2022
- Permalink
Movie's plot really relies on Jackman's charm as a fish out of water in c. 2000 New York. Hard to not be won over by his character. Worth a watch if you're a fan of Jackman or Ryan, or romantic movies in general. Best not to think to hard about the time travel plot; it's not that serious of a movie.
- CoopertheBeagle
- Apr 26, 2022
- Permalink
Honestly, my wife rented this and I wasn't planning on watching - but the luscious cinematography and some interesting writing drew me in. Hugh Jackman sealed the deal with his totally straight portrayal - this guy's earning power can only go up! Looking for some fluff and a laugh? It's better than most of the romantic comedy crap out there. Not a waste of time if you are in the mood to have something wash over you.
- gorwell777
- Nov 25, 2002
- Permalink
Kate McKay (Meg Ryan) is a throughly modern girl climbing the corporate ladder at her advertising company. Her ex Stuart (Liev Schreiber) lives below her apartment. He's been working on time travel, and finds a time portal to a specific 19th century date if one jumps off the Brooklyn Bridge. Leopold (Hugh Jackman)'s family is broke hoping he would marry into money. He comes to NY to select a wife, but instead chases the strange Stuart with a modern camera back to the present.
This is a solid rom-com all the way. Meg Ryan has still got it. She plays the cute girl who just can't fall for the right guy. Hugh Jackman is a dashing fresh air in a world without manners or chivalry. No matter what the evidence, she can't accept that he's a time traveler. Hugh Jackman is a heartthrob. They create the perfect and unabashedly traditional romance with a side of time travel.
This is a solid rom-com all the way. Meg Ryan has still got it. She plays the cute girl who just can't fall for the right guy. Hugh Jackman is a dashing fresh air in a world without manners or chivalry. No matter what the evidence, she can't accept that he's a time traveler. Hugh Jackman is a heartthrob. They create the perfect and unabashedly traditional romance with a side of time travel.
- SnoopyStyle
- Sep 12, 2013
- Permalink
I wonder if Meg Ryan never gets tired of being Meg Ryan. She's been acting in the same movie for 20 years now and, no matter how much I like her, it's getting a bit old. Usually Meg could save the worst movie with being her cute self, but the thing is: Meg isn't cute anymore. Not with that hair, and not with that character. Luckily there's Hugh Jackman who does a Colin Firth, and Breckin Meyer who gets the funniest moment of the movie. (`I can do Canadian too!').
This movie gets a 6, (= ok for once but not really one to rewatch over and over again
This movie gets a 6, (= ok for once but not really one to rewatch over and over again
I'm a fan of Meg Ryan and think that she's one of the best there is in Hollywood right now. Yet, I believe that it was HUGH JACKMAN who stole the show in this movie. He is so charming and charismatic that you can hardly resist falling head over heels for him! Leopold is a duke from the 18th century who mistakenly lands up in the 21st century one day...and is obviously bewildered with everything he sees. He stays with the man who got him there at the first place, Stuart,Kate's (Meg Ryan) ex-boyfriend. Predictably, Leopold falls in love with Kate and she retaliates. Yet, he has to go back where he came from, and that poses a problem for their relationship. It's a cute movie, yet, I couldn't agree with the ending, though it was predictable. I just couldn't see eye to eye with the reasoning they gave us for the step Kate took. Okay movie...great if you have nothing else to do and like chick-flicks. That's exactly the reason I watched it. I liked it..but I've seen better by Meg Ryan.
Liev Schreiber (badly used and miscast) travels from NYC 2002 to NYC 1862 (the how and why are never really explained). While coming back he accidentally brings a 19th century duke Leopold (Hugh Jackman) with him. Leopold meets Kate (Meg Ryan) and...well, you can figure it out from there.
The movie looks beautiful, is VERY romantic and Jackman is incredibly handsome, sexy, funny...God, those eyes of his...but this movie is really dumb. There are some plot turns that are unbelievable (the time travel is never explained; Jackman saves Ryan's purse from a mugger on horseback--literally; Jackman gets used to the 21st century way too quickly; do New Yorkers always leave their windows open so someone can clamber in off the fire escape?). Also Ryan has played this part once too often--she's getting too old and (sadly) she looks it. However, Breckin Meyer is very good and funny as her brother.
The only reason to see the movie is Jackman--he's just great. And it IS cute. So, it's worth seeing.
The movie looks beautiful, is VERY romantic and Jackman is incredibly handsome, sexy, funny...God, those eyes of his...but this movie is really dumb. There are some plot turns that are unbelievable (the time travel is never explained; Jackman saves Ryan's purse from a mugger on horseback--literally; Jackman gets used to the 21st century way too quickly; do New Yorkers always leave their windows open so someone can clamber in off the fire escape?). Also Ryan has played this part once too often--she's getting too old and (sadly) she looks it. However, Breckin Meyer is very good and funny as her brother.
The only reason to see the movie is Jackman--he's just great. And it IS cute. So, it's worth seeing.
I was disappointed upon seeing this movie. I expected something different than what I actually got. The premise is brilliant, but the result is poor. I mean, overlooking the time travel thing - it wasn't badly thought out actually - I found myself thinking that Kate and Leopold really didn't have that much chemistry. They fell in love way too suddenly to make it believable. However, Hugh Jackman pulls this film through. He made it enjoyable to watch, especially in the scenes where his character is teaching Kate's brother about women (ironic though, since he's never been in love before). I was sorely disappointed by Meg Ryan, though. This movie is good to pass time, it's OK entertainment, but it lacks the emotional appeal and chemistry of so many other romantic comedies out there.
Kate and her actor brother live in N.Y. in the 21st Century. Her ex-boyfriend, Stuart, lives above her apartment. Stuart finds a space near the Brooklyn Bridge where there is a gap in time. He goes back to the 19th Century and takes pictures of the place. Leopold -- a man living in the 1870s -- is puzzled by Stuart's tiny camera, follows him back through the gap, and they both ended up in the present day.
This could be dismissed as a romantic comedy, which in many ways it is. But it also has that science fiction, time travel element that will make it appeal to people (like myself) who may not be particularly interested in romantic comedies. We also have some great performances. Meg Ryan is alright (she has improved since the 1980s), and it is always nice to see Liev Schreiber.
This is a film that needs reevaluation.
This could be dismissed as a romantic comedy, which in many ways it is. But it also has that science fiction, time travel element that will make it appeal to people (like myself) who may not be particularly interested in romantic comedies. We also have some great performances. Meg Ryan is alright (she has improved since the 1980s), and it is always nice to see Liev Schreiber.
This is a film that needs reevaluation.
Aside from the ridiculous premise and tremendous number of plot holes, if you enjoy rom-coms, you might enjoy this one. Why? Hugh Jackman. He steals every scene. Well, OK. As silly as the premise is, it's still fun. Who doesn't like a little time-travel story?
Meg Ryan does her usual thing, which borders on boring, and her character's "style" isn't one of her best looks. Whoever did her hair, which looked badly cut and stringy, should have been fired. And whoever was in charge of her wardrobe should have been fired as well. It was the drabbest and most unattractive wardrobe I think I've ever seen for the female lead of a rom-com. In one scene, she's wearing brown suede boots with a blue-grey silk evening gown. Seriously? Do they not think viewers notice those things?
OK, enough of dissing Ryan. I will say that in addition to Jackman doing an excellent job with his role, all of the supporting cast does an excellent job with theirs. Ryan is the only "bad actor" in this movie. If Leopold likes lovely women with class and grace, I can't understand why he would fall for Kate considering the way she's played by Ryan because her "Kate" has neither.
So if you love Hugh Jackman and can take Meg Ryan without too much difficulty, you'll likely enjoy this little romp. The story doesn't have a lot of "meat" to it, but there's definitely much worse out there in this genre.
Meg Ryan does her usual thing, which borders on boring, and her character's "style" isn't one of her best looks. Whoever did her hair, which looked badly cut and stringy, should have been fired. And whoever was in charge of her wardrobe should have been fired as well. It was the drabbest and most unattractive wardrobe I think I've ever seen for the female lead of a rom-com. In one scene, she's wearing brown suede boots with a blue-grey silk evening gown. Seriously? Do they not think viewers notice those things?
OK, enough of dissing Ryan. I will say that in addition to Jackman doing an excellent job with his role, all of the supporting cast does an excellent job with theirs. Ryan is the only "bad actor" in this movie. If Leopold likes lovely women with class and grace, I can't understand why he would fall for Kate considering the way she's played by Ryan because her "Kate" has neither.
So if you love Hugh Jackman and can take Meg Ryan without too much difficulty, you'll likely enjoy this little romp. The story doesn't have a lot of "meat" to it, but there's definitely much worse out there in this genre.
- jmariani-59799
- Oct 5, 2022
- Permalink
Leopold (Hugh Jackson) is an English and broken baron living in New York in the end of the Nineteenth Century. He needs to get married with a rich fiancée to recover his family position from ruin. Kate (Meg Ryan) is a successful businesswoman living also in New York, but in 2001. Due to a time incident, they meet each other in the present days and (guess what?) they fall in love to each other.
This is another delightful romantic comedy. In this field, Meg Ryan is outstanding. The plot has many inconsistencies: the time travel is not explained, the problem with the elevators (why have they worked again?), the interest of Stuart in Leopold in the past (in the deleted scenes, there is a reference that Leopold and Stuart are relatives), how Kate, with her profile of stressed executive, would survive in the past only with love... But, anyway, forget these questions, be romantic, and this movie will be an entertainment for the whole family. My vote is seven.
Title (Brazil): "Kate & Leopold"
This is another delightful romantic comedy. In this field, Meg Ryan is outstanding. The plot has many inconsistencies: the time travel is not explained, the problem with the elevators (why have they worked again?), the interest of Stuart in Leopold in the past (in the deleted scenes, there is a reference that Leopold and Stuart are relatives), how Kate, with her profile of stressed executive, would survive in the past only with love... But, anyway, forget these questions, be romantic, and this movie will be an entertainment for the whole family. My vote is seven.
Title (Brazil): "Kate & Leopold"
- claudio_carvalho
- Aug 3, 2003
- Permalink
James Mangold's Kate and Leopold is another cutesy love story with time travel involved though that's just the baseline. The story has Meg Ryan playing her usual type role where she is never really able to hold a good relationship. Then her old ex (Liev Schreiber) travels back in time 125 years into the past, accidentaly brings back his great-great grandfather who was a duke in his time (Leopold played by Hugh Jackman who is amusing in more times than one) and is now in today's New York. But what might happen if Kate and Leopold come together? For the crowd who will want to see this movie, they won't be disappointed with the usual charm Ryan brings and the cordial performance of Jackman. I didn't leave the theater during the movie, but I can't say much else encouraging for myself. B-
- Quinoa1984
- Dec 15, 2001
- Permalink
Definitely a must see for guys & gals who believe romance still lives. Great lessons for all of us, and very much a feel good movie.
- amyldahlias
- Dec 27, 2001
- Permalink
Continuing my plan to watch every Hugh Jackman movie in order, I come to Kate & Leopold (2001)
Plot In A Paragraph: An English Duke (Hugh Jackman) from 1876 is inadvertedly dragged to modern day New York where he falls for a plucky advertising executive(Meg Ryan)
Preposterous in its concept, then again aren't all time travel movies, let alone time travel romantic comedies?? Thankfully the movie focuses on the fish out of water concept, instead of the time travel.
Not many people can do this type of role better than Meg Ryan. Teaming up with Copland director James Mangold for the first time, Jackman continues his attempts to try and play as many roles that are diffrent from Logan/Wolverine as possible plays The Third Duke of Albany who is suddenly transported to modern day New York.
Overly long, it drags in places, and could have used some trimming, but like Animal Attraction, it gets by on the performances of its leads and it was ok watch, on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Kate & Leopold grossed $47 million at the domestic box office, to be 53rdhighest grossing movie of 2001.
Plot In A Paragraph: An English Duke (Hugh Jackman) from 1876 is inadvertedly dragged to modern day New York where he falls for a plucky advertising executive(Meg Ryan)
Preposterous in its concept, then again aren't all time travel movies, let alone time travel romantic comedies?? Thankfully the movie focuses on the fish out of water concept, instead of the time travel.
Not many people can do this type of role better than Meg Ryan. Teaming up with Copland director James Mangold for the first time, Jackman continues his attempts to try and play as many roles that are diffrent from Logan/Wolverine as possible plays The Third Duke of Albany who is suddenly transported to modern day New York.
Overly long, it drags in places, and could have used some trimming, but like Animal Attraction, it gets by on the performances of its leads and it was ok watch, on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Kate & Leopold grossed $47 million at the domestic box office, to be 53rdhighest grossing movie of 2001.
- slightlymad22
- Feb 24, 2019
- Permalink
- Anonymous_Maxine
- Apr 6, 2003
- Permalink
With all its cheesiness it offers a couple of good laughs, some good acting and good vibes.. and for that it deserves a 7. Do not expect anything out of the ordinary, just be entertained.
- ricoman006
- Jan 23, 2018
- Permalink