Love and Other Disasters

A star-studded romantic comedy set in London among stylish twenty-something sophisticates. Brittany Murphy plays Emily 'Jacks' Jackson, a fashion assistant who is constantly trying to find a boyfriend for Peter, her hopeless gay flatmate (Matthew Rhys - best known for his role in Brothers and Sisters). Like a sharper, gayer version of Love, Actually crossed with a pinch of The Devil Wears Prada with more than a nod to classic screwball comedy, this is a film that wears its quotations with self-conscious flair.

When Peter seems to fall in love at first sight with an arty-looking, floppy haired young man, the stage is set for a comedy of contemporary manners. Murphy is beautiful and seems to spend half the time naked or getting undressed before pulling on something chic. Their best friend Tallulah, played by Catherine Tate, gives a laugh-out-loud fabulous performance as a posh neurotic poet.

With memorable supporting roles from the likes of Stephanie Beacham, Dawn French and Richard Wilson, this is a wilfully clever, imaginative confection with plenty of beautiful people and some delightfully unexpected star cameos.

Jacks has her own emotional journey but can't recognise the potential for love that is under her nose. For connoisseurs of shoes, contemporary underwear, fashion and old-fashioned plotting with a modern twist, this is something of a departure for the video director who gave us the unforgettable In Bed With Madonna. Nothing in that film could prepare you for the warm-hearted, feel-good effects of this film with its punchy script and gold-plated cast.

Brian Robinson