Hugh Grant returns to form in new romantic comedy The Rewrite

The Rewrite, Hugh Grant’s first foray into rom-coms since 2009’s Did You Hear About the Morgans?, premiered yesterday evening at the cosy Kensington Odeon in the heart of London, and the stars came out in force to support the affable leading man.

It was a cold, grizzly evening in Kensington, but that did little to dampen the spirits of the fans and media gathered expectantly for Hugh Grant’s return to his proverbial movie motherland, the rom-com. The Rewrite concerns the fluctuating fortunes of Oscar-winning British screenwriter Keith Michaels, whose star has fallen to such a degree in Hollywood of late that he is forced into teaching a screen writing course in isolated Binghamton University to make ends meet. Initially sceptical of his new position, colleagues and the value of teaching in general, Michaels refuses to play by the rules, and in so doing ruffles more establishment feathers than he might have anticipated. However, will being in charge of a class of budding screenwriters, including mature student Holly (played by Marisa Tomei), be the catalyst he needs to revive his career and personal life? Perhaps we know the answer to this question already, although the movie may offer viewers some pleasant surprises on the way to its eventual denouement.

The red carpet premiere offered up a few surprises in and of itself, to the delight of the waiting fans. Of course, the main man was always going to be the biggest draw at the premiere. The chorus of whistles and name-calling was the expected fanfare for his arrival onto the red carpet, and then he commenced his autograph and interview rounds in a typically graceful and unassuming manner. This was not the biggest or most memorable stage for him, but the small nature of the venue allowed him to interact at a more intimate level with the crowd, who were treated with some great photo and chat opportunities. Once all were in the cinema, Hugh gave a short pre-screening speech where he talked about the movie, supporting cast and his other projects with bashful charm. The movie was described as being “full of proper actors performing at their peak”, and he reserved special praise for the talents of co-star Tomai. Hugh remained tight-lipped about future projects, although brief mention was made of an action movie in the pipeline next year, and ended with a plea to the audience to “lie to him at the after-party” if they disliked the movie!

Closely following Hugh on the red carpet was Liz Hurley, whose appearance in support of her ex-boyfriend was a pleasant surprise for the waiting crowd. Looking glamorous in a purple lace dress, she stopped for autographs and chatted to the fans, though she and Grant worked the crowd separately for the most part. Other big names to grace the carpet included Made in Chelsea star Kimberly Garner, Suzanne Shaw (of Hear’Say and Dancing on Ice fame), classical singer Kamilla Kerslake and footballer Sol Campbell, to complete a memorable evening for all concerned.

The premiere was evidence that the love for Hugh Grant among the British cinema-going public, and his close friendship with former flame Ms Hurley, both remain very much alive, though critical reception for the movie remains to be seen.

James Hsia

The Rewrite is released nationwide on 8^th October 2014.

Watch the trailer for The Rewrite here: