In contrast to all the dark and depressing movies ready to hit theaters soon, The Holiday offers a fun, lighthearted romantic comedy that's drawing good comments from both males and females alike.

Iris Simpkins (Kate Winslet), the bridal columnist for the London Daily Telegraph, has been dating Jasper (Rufus Sewell) who also works for the paper. She’s head over heels in love with him. Imagine her surprise when she learns her next column will feature the engagement announcement he makes at the company holiday party. Only the “bride to be” is not Iris.

Meanwhile, across the globe Amanda Woods'  (Cameron Diaz) movie-trailer editing business is so successful she can't find time to spend another penny. Amanda has also just discovered that her true love, Ethan (Edward Burns), has been unfaithful.

Both women go into uncontrollable poor-me crying jags at home. Not only are they alone; it's only days until Christmas. With a little trip to the internet, a house swap is soon in order for these strangers. The grass always looks greener on the other side, right? Iris can't imagine what she'll find in Amanda's posh Hollywood home, while Amanda wants to hide in Iris's small, comfy abode in Surrey, England.

Amanda's first day in England is spent crying in Iris's bed. She's interrupted when there's a knock on the door and she discovers a good-looking gent standing there. Graham (Jude Law) informs Amanda he's Iris's brother and didn't know she was gone. Either a touch of melancholy about the holiday or simply raw sexual chemistry sends Graham and Amanda into each other's arms and into bed together.

On the other side of the pond, Iris has met a man as well. It’s Amanda's elderly neighbor Arthur (Eli Wallach). What starts out as a rescue trip when he gets lost jogging, turns into a budding friendship when Iris discovers Arthur was a well-known Hollywood screenwriter who is still as sharp as a tack, but also lonely. Arthur soon has Iris sitting in on card games, cooking for his friends and joining him in outings. Iris also meets Miles (Jack Black) who writes music for Amanda's ex-boyfriend.

Writer/director Nancy Meyers proved she has the romantic-comedy theme down pat in such recent films as Something's Gotta Give and What Women Want, which she directed but didn't write. While some of her earlier work with former partner Charles Shyer was pure formulaic romance, Meyers's current effort is more spontaneous and innovative. It includes highly creative dialogue and compelling characters we can laugh with and pull for.

Diaz and Law display a great chemistry together. Law’s Graham comes across as secretive and intriguing about the women constantly calling his cell phone when he spends the weekend with Amanda. Although Amanda tries to deny it, Diaz makes us see Graham’s mystique drawing her character in even more. Within days of seeing each other, Graham finds himself in place he didn't expect. He couldn't resist Amanda's charms when they first met, but he never figured he wouldn't be unable to walk away from her.

Iris's friendship with Arthur has fueled her self-esteem. He's introduced her to classic movies and heroines such as Barbara Stanwyck in The Lady Eve and Rosalind Russell in His Girl Friday. Iris is  optomistic to opening new doors in her life, which includes her affection for Miles, who has just broken up with his girlfriend. 

Winslet makes easy work of her transition from the single wreck to the calm woman in charge of her life. Black is his usual funny self in a few scenes but never seems grounded in his character. The seasoned  Wallach, who has appeared in more than 150 films and TV shows, is a pleasure to see on the big screen again. Diaz brings her amusing humor and likeable naiveté to her role. Law is terrific as a man on the brink of a big decision and who bears a heavy weight on his shoulder.

"The Holiday is about leaving your baggage behind and opening your eyes to what's in front of you and what you're really feeling," Law said.

He's absolutely right! This movie is a welcome package of honest moments wrapped in lots of laughs, merry holiday songs, and snow. I found The Holiday a perfect film to settle into.

(Released by Universal Pictures and rated “PG-13” for sexual content and some strong language.)

Review also posted at www.reviewexpress.com.