Leap Year

What it's about:

Anna (Amy Adams) is a Type-A control freak waiting for her cardiologist boyfriend Jeremy to propose. When he gives her diamond earrings instead of a ring, she decides to take matters into her own hands. She painstakingly travels to Ireland to take part in the tradition of a woman proposing to a man on Leap Day. However, all her efforts to get to Jeremy in Dublin by Leap Day seem to be thwarted by fate and her driver Declan (Matthew Goode), a sarcastic Irish pub owner whose infectious charm she finds immensely annoying – at the outset anyway.

What we thought:

Maybe it's the luck of the Irish, or maybe I'm just trying to stretch this metaphor, but Leap Year seems to have just fallen into place magically, without anyone trying too hard.

Then again, can you really go wrong with Amy Adams in your lead role? We don't think so. While there's nothing particularly different about her role as Anna, you can always rely on Amy's charm to add dimension to any role.

Anna and Declan have a refreshing relationship. Just when you think you know what's going to happen, Anna's sensibilities kick in to throw you off track. She's surprisingly unwavering, not like typical romantic heroines who give away their hearts at the sight of a dimple.  Matthew Goode is completely loveable as the hardened Declan, who is also just your average romcom male lead, but with that Irish accent, it instantly elevates his appeal.

The third star in this quaint tale is the Irish countryside. It's not hard to become traditional or superstitious in these magical surroundings. From the castles and sweeping scenery to the dingy pubs and river dancing, you'll fall in love with this odd little country.

There are more than enough hilarious, slapstick moments to cancel out the odd cliché. Part romcom, part National Geographic expo on Ireland – it's a very pretty movie.