It’s a leap year! If you’re looking for the perfect way to celebrate this February’s extra day, look no further than “Leap Year,” the 2010 romantic comedy from Anand Tucker starring Amy Adams.
In the film, Adams’ Anna, a successful real estate stager, grows tired of waiting for her longtime boyfriend Jeremy (Adam Scott) to propose. When he heads to Dublin for a work conference, Anna learns of the Irish tradition known as Bachelor’s Day, during which women can propose to men on Feb. 29, aka Leap Day.
Of course, many would argue a woman could propose on any given day, but part of the movie’s charm is its resolutely old-fashioned approach.
Anna takes a leap of faith (pun intended) and flies to the Emerald Isle, but a storm diverts her plane to Cardiff, Wales. She makes her way to Cork on a fishing boat, where she enlists the help of handsome Irish innkeeper Declan O’Callaghan (Matthew Goode) to drive her to Dublin.
Their journey together includes some of the all-time great rom-com tropes, from the duo being forced to share a single bed at a bed & breakfast, having to kiss to pretend they’re a couple and experiencing a drunken night of revelry bringing their true feelings to the surface.
When Jeremy reemerges and offers Anna everything she’s hoped for, she’s forced to decide between her well-made plans and her growing feelings for Declan.
The film was largely panned by critics upon its release, with Dennis Harvey calling it “pedestrian” and “gratingly old-fashioned” in his Variety review. Time even called it the worst film of the year.
“Citizen Kane” it’s not, but “Leap Year” is the perfect romp for those who enjoy elevated Hallmark fare and a sweet (if not groundbreaking) romance. Adams oozes charisma in a performance filled with heart and humor, flanked by a fun supporting cast including Kaitlin Olson and John Lithgow.
Set against the backdrop of the Irish countryside, the scenery alone makes this one worth a watch (even though anyone with a cursory knowledge of Irish geography will quickly notice a slew of inaccuracies, like characters walking from Dingle to Tipperary in a single day).
In a year where the $200-million box office performance of “Anyone But You” has proven that audiences are clamoring for the cheesy rom-coms of yore, “Leap Year” answers the call.
This Leap Day, consider turning your brain off for just a moment and enjoying this charming, imperfect blast from the past.