Let's dive into the world of Some Kind of Beautiful, a 2014 romantic comedy (or at least, that's what it aims to be!). If you're looking for a lighthearted movie to chill with, you might have stumbled upon this one. The question is, does it deliver on the laughs and romance? We're going to dissect this film, looking at the plot, the cast, and the overall impression it leaves. Was Some Kind of Beautiful a hidden gem, or a flick best left forgotten on the digital shelves of streaming services?

What is Some Kind of Beautiful About?

At its heart, Some Kind of Beautiful revolves around Richard Haig (played by Pierce Brosnan), a Cambridge University professor specializing in romantic poetry. Now, Richard has a penchant for dating his students. This immediately sets the stage for some questionable decisions and romantic entanglements. Things get really complicated when he gets Katherine (played by Jessica Alba) pregnant. Despite their age difference and the somewhat awkward circumstances, they decide to give a relationship a shot.

However, Katherine's type-A personality clashes spectacularly with Richard's laid-back, womanizing ways. Their relationship is a rollercoaster of arguments and misunderstandings, and it quickly becomes clear that they're not a great match. Amidst this turmoil, Richard meets Katherine's sister, Olivia (played by Salma Hayek). Olivia is fiery, passionate, and a complete contrast to her sister. Of course, sparks begin to fly between Richard and Olivia, leading to a complicated love triangle. The movie then explores the fallout from Richard's choices, as he navigates the complexities of family, love, and finding his own path. He is so Some Kind of Beautiful.

The narrative takes us through Richard's journey of self-discovery as he deals with the consequences of his past actions and tries to become a better man. He is someone who needs to grow up and understand relationships in a mature way, and not just as a college professor with his students. It explores themes of commitment, responsibility, and the challenges of finding true love. Whether it successfully navigates these themes is something we'll delve into further.

The Cast: Brosnan, Hayek, and Alba

The cast is undoubtedly a major draw for Some Kind of Beautiful. Pierce Brosnan brings his usual charm and charisma to the role of Richard Haig, even if the character's choices are sometimes questionable. He manages to make Richard somewhat likable, despite his flaws. Brosnan has a way of exuding that playful but serious vibe that is needed for these kinds of roles.

Salma Hayek delivers a vibrant and energetic performance as Olivia. She brings a much-needed spark to the film. Her chemistry with Brosnan is palpable, which helps sell the central romance. Hayek brings a certain strength and confidence to her roles, and Olivia is no exception. Her character really balances out the story.

Jessica Alba, as Katherine, portrays the uptight and career-driven sister. While she does a decent job, her character is perhaps the least developed of the three leads. Katherine often feels like a caricature of a successful businesswoman, and it's hard to fully connect with her. Her delivery and portrayal of Katherine can sometimes come across as too rigid.

The supporting cast includes actors like Malcolm McDowell, who adds a touch of gravitas to the film. However, even with a talented cast, the success of a movie hinges on the story and the chemistry between the actors. Some Kind of Beautiful has a mixed bag in this regard. The talent here is definitely Some Kind of Beautiful.

Is it Actually Some Kind of Beautiful?

So, the million-dollar question: is Some Kind of Beautiful actually any good? Well, the answer is a bit complicated. On the one hand, the film has its moments. There are some genuinely funny scenes, and the beautiful scenery provides a pleasant backdrop. The actors do their best with the material they're given, and there are definitely worse romantic comedies out there.

On the other hand, the movie suffers from a predictable plot and some underdeveloped characters. Richard's initial behavior is off-putting. It's hard to root for him as a romantic lead. The film also relies on some tired rom-com tropes, and it doesn't really offer anything new to the genre. Ultimately, Some Kind of Beautiful is a fairly forgettable film. It's not terrible, but it's not particularly memorable either. If you're in the mood for a light and undemanding watch, it might suffice, but don't expect a cinematic masterpiece. It is just Some Kind of Beautiful.

Where Can You Watch It?

If you're still curious and want to check it out for yourself, you can usually find Some Kind of Beautiful on various streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, or Apple TV. It's also often available for rent or purchase on these services. Keep in mind that availability can vary depending on your region, so you might need to do a quick search to see where it's currently streaming in your area.

Final Thoughts

Some Kind of Beautiful is a mixed bag. It has its charms, thanks to the cast and some lighthearted moments, but ultimately falls short of being a truly great romantic comedy. The plot is predictable, the characters are somewhat underdeveloped, and it doesn't really offer anything new or exciting to the genre. If you're a fan of Pierce Brosnan or Salma Hayek, you might find it worth a watch, but don't expect a life-changing cinematic experience. If you're looking for a more engaging and original rom-com, there are definitely better options out there.