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McGregor and Zellweger obviously relish playing these roles, and their gusto is infectious. Costumes, sets, music and dialog all reflect the period hilariously--this isn't realistic, it's heightened movie pastiche stylishness. And the plot spins around breathlessly, keeping us hooked ... and laughing. McGregor emerges victorious over the material with a charming turn that is utterly silly and yet still suave and energetic. Zellweger manages to overcome some slight miscasting (as usual) and make us like her character, even though she never emerges from the film's cartoonishness. Reed's direction walks a fine line between comic wackiness and flat-out spoof. Sometimes it works brilliantly; Pierce and Paulson are classic comic sidekicks and all of the dialog crackles. But many scenes are far too self-aware for their own good. In the end the colours and frills win us over--this is a thoroughly enjoyable bit of fluff, playing with serious ideas about the role of the sexes without ever actually addressing anything at all. It's just an excuse for Renee and Ewan to dress up in zippy costumes and bicker nastily before they fall hopelessly in love. We know exactly where it's going, and yet it's still good fun to tag along for the journey.