Chasing Liberty (2004)

Instant Favorite.

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

The best thing about this movie is the on location European filming - Prague, Venice etc. with some opera thrown in. The story is another matter. The basic premise should work - a Roman Holiday kind of romance involving a first daughter and s secret service agent. BUT the dialog is for the most part terrible and many situations are unfunny and some of the situations are painful. One of the worst parts is how she throws herself at him and gets angry when she is rebuffed. Her character is quite unlikeable.The actors are hit and miss. Anabella Sciorra and Jeremy Piven look a little ill at ease as secret service agents. As does Mark Harmon as a disheveled looking president. Mandy Moore has a really annoying role to play. Matthew Goode as her love interest is a bit unsuited to her. He looks too mature for such a spoiled brat.Watch this for the scenery and locations but the screenplay is dreadful.

The story is simple : Anna is the USA president's daughter who wants to live a normal life, without being followed at all times by bodyguards. So when she arrives at Europe with her family for business she ripes the chance and gets away with a young English photographer, Ben. But she doesn't know that Ben is an under covered agent, working for her father. The rest is typical romantic-comedy script. The first part of the movie is promising, as it is the most original one. However, in the end, it doesn't escape from the typicality of it's kind. The wrongs of the movie: -The secondary story, of the two agents following the couple is cute but unnecessary. -The couple ,Ben and Anna, fail to convince. -The story gets "massy" at some parts. Now, the good things about the movie are the great shoots of the scenery and the clever dialogs. All in all, a nice movie for a Sunday afternoon, but not one worth remembering.

Forgive the pun, but Matthew Goode made all the difference between this film and "First Daughter" with Katie Holmes and Mark Blucas which are basically exactly the same in terms of plot. I believe "Chasing Liberty" came out first although in the same year (2004).The stunning locations in which they filmed Chasing Liberty can not be overlooked: Venice is a real treat in any movie, but add a bit of innocence and romance and you have a winning formula. Prague is absolutely beautiful, the epitome of European architecture and the excellence of Austrian country side goes without saying. To all this add Berlin and London and you can't go wrong. An excellent mixture in the cast between Americans and British, special note to the ones playing Italian characters, they did a superb job. So, location, cast, and script are all superb, but Matthew Goode with his boyish charm, sexy accent and wonderful good looks took it all. I totally agree with a previous reviewer, that he can go on to become a real star and easily fill in the shoes of the next Bond when Daniel Craig tires of it. And what a Bond he would make!! To all the girls out there, watch Chasing Liberty with your girlfriends, not boyfriends. You will truly enjoy this light chick flick and sigh to your hearts content.

I am a sucker for a good, sappy, romantic comedy. I have always liked Mandy Moore (especially in "A Walk to Remember") and I thought she was pretty good in this.Nothing that will make you think which is nice if you're looking for a fun girly movie.My only complaints are that the movie dragged a bit long for this type of movie... could've cut out some of the chase scenes. But I liked the different places they went, those are such beautiful areas of the world and the movie reminded me of my trip to Europe when I was in college. If you're looking for something deep or an epic romance, this is not for you. But if you want something good to watch on a night home alone or with girlfriends, this is a great pick.