Two Weeks Notice: A Romance Comedy Set in the Workplace

In their one and only (to date) on-screen collaboration, Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant co-star in this feel-good comedy. From director Marc Lawrence, this 2002 romantic-comedy, Two Weeks Notice, is a delightful (and underrated?) little piece of magic.

Two Weeks Notice (2002) Film Review

Saving historical buildings and fighting for the good is all Lucy Kelson (Bullock) knows. As the daughter of lawyers, it’s inevitable she too would become one. Now, in a struggling career, Lucy continues to fight to save historic places, the latest of which is a community center. When she tries to catch the attention of the billionaire family about to demolish the building, she walks away with something entirely different.

George Wade (Grant) finds himself interested in Lucy Kelson. He’s in need of a new lawyer and he likes her passion. An offer is made. She comes to work for George, and handle his messy divorce, and he’ll save community center.  A deal between them is set in motion, and what she doesn’t realize is all she’s agreeing to.

Flaws and all, sometimes we underestimate the power of a good romantic-comedy. In think Two Weeks Notice is one film that fits this truism. No matter how many tropes the genre has, they have the ability to lift anyone’s date. I go through periods of time when I re-watch old favorites, and during my latest string of re-watches, this one made the cycle. There’s a reason why films like this cause me to circle back to them.

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To be honest, Hugh Grant is not my favorite leading man. That said, this is one of the best leading man roles I’ve seen him play in. His persona works well as the wealthy but inept George Wade. Opposite him is Sandra Bullock who’s versatile range of characters is able to play another memorable leading lady. There isn’t a lot of sparky chemistry between them, but there is a deeper, quiet kind of friendship that builds. Sometimes, that’s the most genuine of relationships to watch unfold.

Every time I re-watch this era of cinema, it reminds me why they hold a favorite spot. They charm us, often feature a talented cast, and best of all, they make us smile. That trait alone is something that will forever earn a five-star kind of result from me. The sort of story that can hold our interest and make us feel happy throughout is becoming too rare in a world obsessed with a sci-fi or action-packed thrill ride.

If you enjoy a film that leads you happy, and you’re a romantic at heart, Two Weeks Notice is worth a revisit.

Content: there’s some profanity, and innuendo including a suggestive scene of “strip poker,” and a woman believing a man is propositioning her. PG13 is the MPAA rating.

Photos: Warner Bros.