Other than Steve Guttenberg (of Police Academy, 3 Men and A Little Baby fame) Barry Levinson's first entry in his Baltimore films also features the likes of Tim Daly (one of the brothers from "Wings"), Daniel Stern (the not Joe Pesci home invader in "Home Alone"), Paul Reiser ( Annoying as shit Carter from "Aliens" and the god awful "Mad About You," and all around annoying as shit comedian), Kevin Bacon (mofo's in everything), Mickey Rourke (recently resurrected in "The Wrestler") and Ellen Barkin (the cougar in Oceans 13). With their post "Diner" filmography looking like a big steaming pile of shit, who would of thought this ensemble cast could provide such great performances in such a great little film.The flick surrounds a group of mid 20 somethings who are making their way through post college life during the end of the 50's. The close knit group of friends is lost amongst the bustle of finding love, getting married, sticking together and all around trying to figure out what to do with their lives, with the only thing staying constant is their frequent late night bullshitting sessions at the local diner. The film, much like many other films of its nature ("Dazed and Confused," "American Graffiti") doesn't really follow a strict narrative, rather just unfolds in front of you as if your watching the guys live their daily lives and the confusion and shenanigans that follow.
I think flicks like this transcend any time barriers, it doesn't matter when it was made it's message is something that people from all walks of life can relate to, regardless the era. Life is what it is, and films like this highlight the nuances of everyday life, the hilarity and hardships in the most basic things, and above all the importance of friendship in getting through it all. It was kind of great to watch this movie after watching "I Love You, Man" just a few hours prior (which was also fucking great), they rarely make great movies highlighting the importance of friendship and brotherhood like these do and its a damn shame, because its such an important reality of life. To often movies attempt to do this and get caught up in macho bullshit and objectification of women, which is no where near what this kind of friendship is all about.
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This heartfelt exposition is much appreciated. I'm fan of this one, too. The football test is just terrible, but goddamn if it isn't hilarious. In my opinion, the best of his Baltimore films - Tin Men and Avalon are "okay."
ReplyDeleteBut fuck you for dogging Guttenberg; like the early Police Academy's aren't awesome...
I was actully convinced that he wasn't going to marry her after she failed the Colts test.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing good about the Police Academy movies is the guy who can make ridiculous noises. Guttenberg, shhh, he may as well be Danny Tanner.