REEL FANS

EDITOR’S NOTE: For a new Daily Pilot feature, a reporter went to the Edwards Big Newport this week to get moviegoers’ opinions of “The Holiday,” starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Jack Black.

Looking for a way to escape their troubled relationships with men, Iris (Winslet), a soft-hearted London-based journalist and Amanda (Diaz), a workaholic Los Angeles movie producer, trade houses for a much-needed Christmas vacation. Amanda’s Beverly Hills estate provides Iris with space and luxury, while Iris’s English country cottage leaves Amanda no choice but to settle in and slow down. New friendships, and changes in lifestyle set the stage for this romantic holiday comedy.

“I thought it was OK. It dragged out a little bit, but it was OK. A little predictable — it seemed like the characters were kind of a little cardboard. The casting — that part I thought was pretty good. I was familiar — pretty much — with all of them. It was one of those movies I think, that sometimes the trailers are kind of more interesting than the actual movie.”

Grade: B

RICHARD BARRY

Laguna Beach

“I thought it was creative, original. It was wonderful, delightful, and I’ve been bored with most of the movies I’ve seen, so it was a pleasant surprise. I think anyone would enjoy it. I think it was the best. Cameron Diaz is a star, and she was beautiful. I felt all of the scenes, and the clothes were wonderful — it was well done.”

Grade: A

ALYCE RICHARDS

Newport Beach

“It was very entertaining, and I loved all of the cast — I thought they were fantastic. I was so happy that this movie did not try to sell us any kind of messages. It was just a beautiful movie. Everything else is selling us messages lately, and we were just so happy we didn’t have one now. It was just wonderful.”

Grade: A

MARY HUGHES

Corona del Mar

“I thought it was a very delightful movie. I think it’s a movie more that women would like than men. I thought it was a smidge long. But I think it gave instances where I think everybody can relate to, if not themselves, to somebody that they know that’s had this type of situation. I thought Kate Winslet was excellent. I think she’ll be deserving of some nomination. I thought it all flowed, and I think that’s even better sometimes than having a worst or a best part. I’d say that the movie held my interest. In fact, I had to excuse myself to go to the restroom and didn’t go because I didn’t want to miss anything. I would recommend it. I would tell someone that this is a light film. It will make you feel good — you’ll walk out with a smile.”

Grade: B

ADELE ALTERMAN

Irvine

— Compiled by Sue Thoensen