Two Weeks Notice (released in theaters on December 20, 2002) serves as a delightful vehicle for two masters of the genre, blending witty repartee with a classic “enemies-to-lovers” arc that still resonates with fans of urban romance.
Lucy Kelson (Sandra Bullock) is a brilliant, Harvard-educated lawyer dedicated to social activism and preserving historic landmarks in New York City.
Her primary nemesis is George Wade (Hugh Grant), the charming but feckless public face of the Wade Corporation, a massive real estate development firm.
In a desperate attempt to save a local community center, Lucy corners George, who impulsively offers her a job as his Chief Counsel, promising to protect the building if she joins his team.
What follows is a hilarious descent into codependency. George, incapable of making even the smallest life decisions—from choosing a tie to navigating a divorce—begins treating Lucy more like a personal nanny than a top-tier attorney.
Exhausted by the 2 a.m. phone calls and the abandonment of her legal principles, Lucy gives her “two weeks notice.”
However, leaving proves difficult when George hires her replacement, June Carver (Alicia Witt), a savvy young lawyer who clearly has designs on George.
Supported by her traditional parents (Dana Ivey and Robert Klein) and her quirky friend Meryl (Heather Burns), Lucy must decide if she is truly walking away from a job she hates or a man she has unexpectedly grown to love.
Sandra Bullock in Two Weeks Notice (Photo/Warner Bros.)
Reception for Two Weeks Notice
Two Weeks Notice grossed $27.5 million on its opening weekend, finishing second at the box office.
The film would gross $199 million worldwide
Roger Ebert gave the film three out of four stars in his review.
The Legacy of the “Last Great” Rom-Coms
Two Weeks Notice‘s legacy is centered on the undeniable, lightning-in-a-bottle chemistry between Bullock and Grant.
It arrived at the twilight of the “superstar” romantic comedy era, where the charisma of the leads was the primary special effect.
Bullock’s relatable, slightly neurotic energy provided the perfect foil for Grant’s stuttering, self-deprecating aristocratic charm, creating a dynamic that felt both modern and reminiscent of 1940s screwball comedies.
The film is also remembered for its affectionate portrayal of New York City, treating the skyline and its landmarks as central characters in Lucy’s struggle for preservation.
Two Weeks Notice remains a comfort-watch staple due to its sharp script and the genuine warmth of its central performances.
It stands as a testament to a time when a simple story about two people talking in a boardroom could be just as captivating as any blockbuster, securing its place as a quintessential entry in the romantic comedy pantheon.
