Month: December 2021

Today’s quick review: Holiday. Johnny Case (Cary Grant) thinks he’s found the girl of his dreams when he meets Julia Seton (Doris Nolan), a wealthy heiress. But his working-class background and lack of financial ambition sit poorly with Edward (Henry Kolker), Julia’s father. As Johnny tries to convince him that he’s the right man for Julia, he finds an unexpected ally in Linda (Katharine Hepburn), Julia’s sister and the black sheep of the family.

Holiday is a romantic comedy and drama about an up-and-coming young man faced with the dizzying prospect of marrying into money. Cary Grant stars as Johnny Case, a hard-working man who dreams of seeing the world before he settles down. His unconventional ideas sit poorly with both his fiance and his future father-in-law, but they find a more receptive audience with her sister. This simple setup blooms into a capably handled and well-acted story.

Holiday has more nuanced writing than other films of its ilk. The core of the story is a love triangle, with Johnny pulled between Julia, the sister he fell in love with, and Linda, the one with whom he has the most in common. But Holiday goes beyond the basics with its character interactions, layering them with countless little decisions that reveal who the characters are and what they value: wealth, stability, and security, or love and adventure.

The story works so well in part because of the strong performances Holiday gets from its cast. Cary Grant strikes a fine balance as Johnny: reliable and just dignified enough to pass in polite company, but with a playful streak that’s absent from his bride-to-be. His scenes with Katharine Hepburn are as effortless and witty as any of their work together, and their playful interactions are both the comedic heart and the dramatic crux of the movie.

Holiday is an unexpectedly solid pick for fans of the classics. The movie takes a simple premise and, through the quality of its writing and its acting, builds it up into a rich story with effective both effective jokes and full character arcs. Not everyone will relate to its conflicts, and its romance is missing some of the passion of its rivals. But it has enough to offer to please fans of Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, or classic comedies in general.

For an even sharper romantic comedy starring Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn, try The Philadelphia Story. For a more madcap comedy with Katharine Hepburn, try Bringing Up Baby. For a romantic drama about the shackles of wealth, try Roman Holiday.

7.8 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for a satisfying story and a pair of well-used leads.

Today’s quick review: The Amazing Adventure. Sick of his life of luxury, Ernest Bliss (Cary Grant) makes a bet with his doctor (Peter Gawthorne) that he can make it a full year without touching his fortune. Ernest sets out to find an honest job and ends up selling stoves for Mr. Masters (John Turnbull), a struggling businessman. The work is hard, but one thing makes it worthwhile: his relationship with Frances Clayton (Mary Brian), Masters’ secretary.

The Amazing Adventure is a romantic comedy about a millionaire who gives up his fortune in favor of a life of honest work. Ernest faces the challenge of finding a job, the difficulty of keeping it, and the unexpected joys of connecting with other people. The Amazing Adventure is a tidy little movie with a promising setup and a capable lead in Cary Grant. However, the limited scope of its story keeps it from living up to its full potential.

The Amazing Adventure has the setup for an interesting character arc, but its follow-through is lacking. The main issue is that Ernest doesn’t grow as a person nearly as much as the story seems to imply. From the beginning, he’s an honest man who’s grateful for any lucky breaks he gets. All that really changes is how much money he has to work with. Unfortunately, this undercuts the drama of the story; Ernest never seems to suffer for his principles.

The Amazing Adventure still does a decent job of going through the motions. The movie gives Ernest a chance to use his ingenuity, to help the people around him, to develop a real relationship with Frances, and to deal with a few unusual consequences of his bet. Cary Grant is his likable, even-keeled self, and although there isn’t very much overt comedy, the movie makes for a pleasant watch. It just doesn’t have that much to say.

The Amazing Adventure is a decent pick if you’re a fan of the classics and are looking for something quick. The story isn’t as well-developed as some of the other movies from the era, but Cary Grant is a reliable draw, and there’s just enough going on to keep a willing viewer entertained. But those who are looking to be impressed would be better off trying something else. The Amazing Adventure is neither as insightful nor as moving as it could be.

For a romantic comedy starring Cary Grant in another high-society role, try The Philadelphia Story. For a classic rags-to-riches comedy with better character work, try My Man Godfrey. For a comedy about a wealthy man fallen on hard times, try Trading Places.

6.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.0 to 6.5 for a decent story without much meat on its bones.

“This is no time to argue. Get married first, then fight.” —Connie

Today’s quick review: That Touch of Mink. Cathy Timberlake’s (Doris Day) rotten luck turns around when Philip Shayne (Cary Grant), a suave millionaire, almost hits her with his car. What begins as a brusque apology turns into a romantic evening in Bermuda as Philip takes a liking to her. But with Cathy nervous about their brief fling and Philip unwilling to commit to anything more, their relationship threatens to fizzle out before it can even begin.

That Touch of Mink is a classic romantic comedy starring Cary Grant and Doris Day. The movie follows the tumultuous relationship between Cathy, a woman with a traditional upbringing and a shy personality, and Philip, a wealthy man who’s a little too effective in sweeping her off her feet. The setup leads to some fun humor as the two change their minds about their relationship, but it’s missing the romantic heft of some of its competition.

That Touch of Mink has an unusual type of romance. Cathy and Philip fall into their relationship backwards, driven by obstinacy and poor decisions as much as genuine attraction. The movie gets most of its comedy from the back-and-forth between the two as they try to decide whether what they have is a brief fling, a marriage in the making, or nothing at all. To its credit, the movie finds ways to keep them coming back to each other in spite of it all.

However, That Touch of Mink doesn’t have as much to offer as some other classics. Cary Grant and Doris Day are well-cast but don’t get the chance to show off their chemistry in an organic way. The story jerks the characters around enough that there’s no chance for a romance to emerge naturally. And while the gags are consistently amusing, they aren’t as sharply written as some of the best films of the era.

That Touch of Mink is a decent pick for fans of the classics who don’t mind something a little offbeat. The odd relationship between Cathy and Philip, a charming sense of humor, and two skilled supporting actors in Audrey Meadows and Gig Young are enough to make That Touch of Mink a worthwhile watch for those interested. Skeptical viewers would do better with one of the other romances of the era.

For a romantic comedy about a similarly mismatched couple, try Sabrina. For a romantic musical with some of the same merits, try Funny Face. For one starring Doris Day, try The Pajama Game. For a more enduring romance, comedy, and thriller starring Cary Grant, try Charade.

6.7 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for a decent setup and a good pair of leads, hurt somewhat by its tricky character dynamics.

Today’s quick review: Chocolat. Vianne (Juliette Binoche) causes a stir in a quiet French village when she opens up a chocolate shop just in time for the fasting season of Lent. With the help of her daughter Anouk (Victoire Thivisol), Vianne sets out to sweeten the lives of the villagers one chocolate at a time. But her decadent treats make an enemy of the Comte de Reynaud (Alfred Molina), the mayor of the village and its zealous moral guardian.

Chocolat is a movie with elements of comedy, drama, and romance. Vianne and her daughter travel from town to town in the French countryside, selling chocolate until they are forced to move on. Chocolat follows them as they settle into a new town and try to make friends with its insular residents. Chocolat is an optimistic movie that shows the good a bit of kindness can do. A talented cast and a nicely varied story make it an enjoyable watch.

Chocolat has the flavor of a romance but not the specific ingredients. Love abounds in the tiny village, and Vianne even finds a kindred spirit in Roux (Johnny Depp), an Irish traveler who passes through. But the focus of the story is on the relationship between Vianne and the village itself. Through a series of kind gestures, Vianne improves the lives of the villagers, shakes up its stuffy traditions, and prompts even the mayor to reconsider his life.

This setup paves the way for both light-hearted moments and dramatic ones. The movie explores the conflict between Vianne’s unconventional lifestyle and the rigid social structure of the village, leading to some good dramatic tension. But the overall tone is upbeat, celebrating the beauty of Vianne’s work and the small ways she improves the lives of those around her. The result is a story that’s satisfying in a lot of little ways.

How much you get out of Chocolat will depend heavily on taste. Those who enjoy uplifting stories peppered with low-stakes conflict and detailed personal relationships will get just what they want out of the film. Those who prefer more focused stories, heavier forms of romance, or protagonists who are less saintly will get less out of the film. In any case, the quality of its story and characters make Chocolat worth trying for those curious.

For a romantic French comedy about a woman who brings joy to the people around her, try Amelie. For an animated Christmas comedy about a man who breathes new life into a joyless town, try Klaus. For a romantic comedy suffused with small-town charm, try The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain.

7.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for a charming premise and solid execution.

Today’s quick review: Woman of the Year. Tess Harding (Katharine Hepburn), a political commentator for the New York Chronicle, makes an enemy of Sam Craig (Spencer Tracy), the paper’s sports columnist, when she suggests outlawing baseball in favor of more meaningful pastimes. Their public feud turns into a private romance as the two get to know each other better. But with their very different lifestyles, Tess and Sam struggle to find common ground.

Woman of the Year is a classic romance about an accomplished journalist who falls in love with an ordinary sportswriter. Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy star as a mismatched couple who nonetheless find something special in one another. The movie alternates between comedy and drama without pushing too far in either direction. The skill of its lead actors and an interesting relationship to explore make Woman of the Year a solid pick.

Woman of the Year sets itself apart with the subtle touches it puts on Tess and Sam’s relationship. The two are drawn to each other for reasons that are hard for either one to articulate. They have good chemistry, but unlike the couples in other romantic comedies, their banter isn’t at the heart of their relationship. Instead they have a deeper connection, one that leads to problems as they try to reconcile their different ways of looking at the world.

The catch is that Woman of the Year doesn’t have much in the way of concrete plot. The early part of the movie is spent introducing Tess, Sam, and their unlikely relationship. Later on, the focus quietly shifts to the challenges they face as a couple. There’s no external conflict fueling the drama, just the gradual realization that their relationship will take more work than either one expected.

Woman of the Year is a solid pick for fans of the classics. Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy are great together, and although the movie never reaches the comedic heights of its rivals, its tonal variety and more mature depiction of romance make it an enduring film nonetheless. Those who want something with a more focused plot may want to look elsewhere, as will viewers who prefer their comedy delivered in larger doses.

For a classic romantic comedy with the same leads and similar themes, try Adam’s Rib. For a more farcical take on the give-and-take of relationships, try How to Murder Your Wife. For a classic comedy set in the newsroom, try His Girl Friday.

7.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for a romantic case study brought to life by two talented leads.

Today’s quick review: Bringing Up Baby. Dr. David Huxley (Cary Grant) has a big day ahead of him. Not only is he getting married to his fiance Alice (Virginia Walker), but he also has to deliver an important fossil to the museum where he works. But a chance encounter with Susan Vance (Katharine Hepburn) throws his plans into disarray when the scatterbrained heiress ropes him into taking care of Baby, a leopard she just received from her brother.

Bringing Up Baby is a classic romantic comedy about a mismatched couple and a troublesome leopard. Cary Grant stars as David, a mild-mannered scientist who wants nothing more than to take care of his fossils and get married as planned. Katharine Hepburn co-stars as Susan, a carefree young woman who sows chaos wherever she goes. Their meeting kicks of a sprawling chain of events that drags David farther and farther from where he’s supposed to be.

Bringing Up Baby can be a stressful watch. The story has a lot of moving pieces, the dialogue is an avalance of arguments and misunderstandings, and the chaos only escalates as the movie goes on. Any one of these would make the movie hard to follow; taken together, they are almost overwhelming. But the reward for keeping up is some truly brilliant madcap humor. Bringing Up Baby is an intricate comedic puzzle whose pieces fit together perfectly.

What makes the comedy work so well is that it finds just the right combination of outrageous situations and over-the-top characters to keep the jokes coming. At any point in the film, a calm conversation would clear things right up. What sets Bringing Up Baby apart is how deftly it ensures that a calm conversation can never happen. The jokes, the coincidences, and the lies all line up like dominoes to ruin David Huxley’s big day.

Bringing Up Baby is an excellent pick for fans of classic comedy or anyone in the mood for something cheerful and witty. Bringing Up Baby is a lot to take in, but those willing to dive into the chaos will find it to be a hilarious watch. Those hoping for something more on the romantic side may want to temper their expectations, however. Although ostensibly a romantic comedy, the romance plays second fiddle to the comedy.

For a sharp romantic comedy starring Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant, try The Philadelphia Story. For a similarly madcap romantic comedy from the same era, try Christmas in Connecticut or His Girl Friday. For a classic comedy with sharp dialogue and slightly less chaos, try My Man Godfrey or The Thin Man. For a later madcap comedy with an ensemble cast, try It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.

7.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 to 8.0 for a sharp script and a slate of strong performances.

Today’s quick review: The Ugly Truth. Abby Richter (Katherine Heigl), the producer of a struggling news show, is outraged when the network brings on Mike Chadway (Gerard Butler), the boorish host of a dating advice show, to boost ratings. After a rocky start to their professional relationship, Abby reluctantly turns to Mike to help her win over the man of her dreams (Eric Winter). But in doing so, she finds herself turning into someone she’s not.

The Ugly Truth is a romantic comedy about two members of a Sacramento news program who have very different views about romance. Abby is a perfectionist who believes in love and romance, while Mike is a cynic who thinks all relationships are physical. Their battle of ideologies gives way to an unlikely friendship as Abby learns that some of Mike’s advice actually works, even as Mike starts to question the very advice he’s giving.

The Ugly Truth doesn’t aim very high with its comedy, but it does hit the targets it aims at. The rivalry between Abby and Mike leads to some fun situations as the two try to prove each other wrong. Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler play off each other well, with good comedic timing. The jokes can be a little cheap at times, but they are reliable. All this is enough to make The Ugly Truth a light and enjoyable watch.

However, The Ugly Truth doesn’t go as far with its premise as it could have. The romance gets the short end of the stick, with a good setup between Abby and Mike that never gets developed into a complete relationship. The movie goes through the motions of character arcs without actually putting in the work to complete them. And although the script has a lot of good supporting detail, there are no real subplots to help prop up the main plot.

The end result is a decent romantic comedy that packs few surprises. A promising setup, consistent humor, and two well-chosen leads are enough to make The Ugly Truth worth a watch for those looking for some quick entertainment. But there isn’t enough substance to the movie to satisfy fans of romance, while comedy fans can also do better. You should also skip it if you’re sensitive to explicit humor.

For another romantic comedy about a womanizer forced to reevaluate his philosophy, try What Women Want, Hitch, or Ghosts of Girlfriends Past. For a modern romantic comedy about dating and deception, try Man Up.

6.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for solid comedy but not much more.

Today’s quick review: Winter’s Tale. Peter Lake (Colin Farrell) has a brush with destiny when he meets Beverly Penn (Jessica Brown Findlay), a vivacious young woman who’s dying of consumption. Falling deeply in love with one another, Peter and Beverly try to make the most of the time they have left. But their love faces a dire threat from Pearly Soames (Russell Crowe), a devlish mob boss and Peter’s former mentor, who tries to cut their story short.

Winter’s Tale is a fantasy romance about a young man’s attempt to work a miracle and save the woman he loves. Winter’s Tale is set in New York in 1916, where an orphan who grew up on the streets of Brooklyn finds himself in the middle of a much larger conflict. The movie posits a magic beyond the day-to-day world and offers a glimpse of the way it touches the lives of humans. A beautiful, creative story makes Winter’s Tale a worthy pick.

Winter’s Tale is a fantasy through and through. The story deals explicitly with miracles, destiny, and the struggle between good and evil. But unlike other fantasy stories, the magic in the world ties directly into the hopes and dreams of humanity. The fantasy elements aren’t there for their own sake; they are a reflection of the challenges that Peter and Beverly face and the help—sometimes subtle, sometimes overt—needed to overcome them.

The result is a goregous movie with a fairy tale-esque plot, a fascinating setting, and a keen sense of enchantment. The romance skews a little idyllic, a choice that some viewers won’t like, but it does give the film an effective emotional core. The story also takes an odd turn or two, but those willing to suspend their disbelief will enjoy it nonetheless. However, those who can’t lose themselves in the fantasy won’t get much out of the movie.

Winter’s Tale is an uplifting movie that will appeal to viewers who are romantics at heart. Its well-crafted world takes a step beyond the ordinary, showing just a bit of the magic going on behind the scenes, while its romance is simple and pure. Those who enjoy fantastic expressions of the human condition will find that Winter’s Tale sings to them. Those who prefer more grounded, realistic love stories should steer clear.

For a more overt fantasy adventure wrapped around a romantic core, try Stardust. For a fantasy romance with a more bizarre premise, try The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. For a darker portrait of historical New York, try Gangs of New York.

6.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for fine craftsmanship and a beautiful tone.

Today’s quick review: Ghost. When Sam Wheat (Patrick Swayze) is killed in a mugging, he’s surprised to find himself lingering around as a ghost. Able to see the physical world but not to interact with it, Sam keeps watch over Molly Jensen (Demi Moore), the girlfriend he left behind. But when Sam learns that the man who killed him is coming after Molly, he must turn to Oda Mae Brown (Whoopi Goldberg), a phony medium, to warn her.

Ghost is a fantasy romance about a murdered man who lingers on as a ghost, unable to return to the woman he loves. Sam Wheat must master the rules of his new state of being and convince Oda Mae, the only person who can hear him, to help him with his unfinished business. Ghost serves up romance, drama, and mystery in equal parts, all topped off with a smattering of comedy. The result is an eclectic movie that manages to make good on its premise.

Ghost is a jumble of different ideas that somehow play nicely together. The core of the movie is Sam’s relationship with Molly and his attempts to take care of her from beyond the grave. But along the way, the movie also touches on grief, the nature of the afterlife, and the details of Sam’s death, with a few forays into comedy as Sam tries to work with Oda Mae. Ghost is a movie that isn’t afraid to dabble in whatever areas it needs to tell its story.

The gamble pays off for the simple reason that Ghost picks a compelling premise to work with, one that’s capable of supporting all the different things it tries to do. Sam’s regrets and Molly’s grief give the movie some powerful emotional material to work with. The rules of the afterlife are explored clearly and have a direct effect on the plot. Even the rare parts of the movie that flirt with horror feel like a natural consquence of the premise.

Still, what Ghost has to offer won’t appeal to everyone. The romance doens’t get as much attention as in other movies, and the movie cares more about the fact that Sam and Molly are in love than the details of them as a couple. The fantasy premise can feel like a cheat for those used to more grounded dramas. The movie’s willingness to switch between poignant love story, buddy comedy, and vengeful haunting will also throw some viewers for a loop.

Ghost is a surprisingly well-crafted movie that makes the most of a creative premise. The particulars of its story and tone mean that it won’t resonate with audiences as deeply as some other romances, but there’s plenty of tenderness for fans of the genre and enough variety to keep the interest of a wide range of viewers. Give it a shot when you’re in the mood for something emotional that also has a substantial story.

For a more comedic romance about a dead loved one, try P.S. I Love You. For a more suspenseful brush with the afterlife, try The Sixth Sense. For a more sentimental drama about looking at one’s life from the outside, try It’s a Wonderful Life.

7.0 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it the same for a creative premise that’s handled well.

Today’s quick review: The Notebook. In the summer of 1940, Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling), a working-class boy, falls in love with Allie Hamilton (Rachel McAdams), the daughter of a wealthy Southern couple. Through dogged persistence, he manages to get her on a date, and their relationship blooms into a full-blown summer romance. But the end of the summer, coupled with the disapproval of Allie’s parents, threatens to tear them apart.

The Notebook is a romantic drama about the lengths a young couple must go to in order to be together. Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams stars as Noah and Allie, whose passion for one another must overcome a world of obstacles keeping them apart. The movie captures the careless energy of young love as well as the pang of loss. A well-matched couple, a touching story, and solid craftsmanship all the way around make The Notebook a rich and satisfying watch.

The Notebook invests deeply in its story. Noah and Allie’s story takes place over the course of several years, and it’s drawn out further by the film’s framing device: an aging man (James Garner) narrating the story to a woman with dementia (Gena Rowlands) in a retirement home. The drama along the way is solidly constructed, made from a combination of the characters’ conflicting desires and the circumstances handed to Noah and Allie by fate.

The Notebook also benefits from a great lead couple. Noah Calhoun is a determined young man, bold enough to earn Allie’s affection and faithful enough to keep it. Allie Hamilton is every bit his match, a smart and vivacious young woman willing to fight for her love. Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams capture the exuberance of the relationship well. The two lovers are backed by an unusually supportive cast of supporting characters.

The Notebook is a strong choice for fans of the romance genre. The movie fits squarely into the subgenre of romance that deals with historical settings, forbidden love, and the way a relationship plays out over a lifetime. The Notebook doesn’t serve up any real surprises, but the quality of its acting and storytelling makes it a satisfying watch at minimum, with plenty of potential upside for the right viewer.

For a retrospective romance with a historical setting and a fantasy twist, try The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. For a more embellished story with a similar framing device and strong craftsmanship, try Big Fish. For an animated romantic drama that hits similar emotional notes, try Millennium Actress.

7.8 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for an earnest, well-crafted story with the potential to mean much more to the right viewer.