CAST: Anna : Julia Roberts William : Hugh Grant Spike : Rhys Ifans Honey : Emma Chambers Bernie : Hugh Bonneville Max : Tim McInnery Bella : Gina McKee

Since returning from the Southern Premiere of "Notting Hill" last week, I have been asked one question more than any other , " Is it as good as Four Weddings and a Funeral ?"

That, to be honest, is a difficult question to answer. OK, so it has the same writer, same producer and same lead actor, but Notting Hill is a totally different movie and should be judged on its own merits.

One thing is for certain, Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant are perfectly cast for this romantic comedy from the pen of Richard Curtis.

The opening to the movie shows Hollywood Superstar Anna Scott ( Roberts) attending glitzy premieres and having her picture splashed across every magazine and newspaper in the world. She cannot go anywhere without hundreds of cameras being pointed in her direction and swarms of paparazzi following her every move. One day she finds herself in a small travel book shop in Notting Hill owned by William Thacker (Grant). He instantly recognises the star beneath the plain clothes and dark glasses and cannot believe that such a beautiful Hollywood icon would grace his small, insignificant shop. After another unexpected encounter in the street, (where William accidentally spills orange juice over Anna's blouse), he takes her back to his terraced house across the way to get cleaned up. It is here, that to the surprise of both Anna and William, they share a tender moment that leads to a romance against the odds.

Roberts and Grant are well supported by Rhys Ifans ( who plays William's Welsh roommate from hell ), Emma Chambers ( who plays William's kooky sister) and Hugh Bonneville, Tim McInnery and Gina McKee ( who play William's close circle of friends ). Their contributions should not be overlooked.

However, it is Hugh Grant and especially Julia Roberts that help make this movie work. The chemistry is there for all to see. Roberts shows (if it needed showing) just what a star she has become and how perfect she was to play a beautiful, intelligent, charming, Hollywood actress, as they are all qualities she herself possesses.

This is a great romantic comedy which asks " Can love overcome all obstacles in its path ?" Only by watching "Notting Hill" can you find out.