Day 22: The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985)

Woody Allen's 1985 flick has been described as a love movie for movie lovers. Let's see if I'll love it.

Starring: Mia Farrow, Jeff Daniels, Danny Aiello
Directed by: Woody Allen

The Positives:

- Jeff Daniels played both of his parts phenomenally. He's definitely movie up on my favorite actors list.
- Though, Danny Aiello stole the show for me.
- About a fifth of the way through the film, there is a dramatic tonal change I wasn't expecting but delighted to see. It was both refreshing and original to say the least (I suppose it may help if you go into this movie knowing nothing about it like I did.)
- The score was fantastic and complemented the film's tone perfectly.
- The scenes set inside the movie within the movie stood out to me as my favorites.
- Political Correctness? The 1930's didn't have it and neither does this movie.
- Religion and the meaning of life is quite a deep subject for something as shallow as a romantic comedy. But then again, this isn't just any romantic comedy.
- It's relatively short and very face paced, just the way I like my movies. No bloated self-appreciation here. Just love and laughs.
- Has little to do with the movie, but when a scandal about a Mr. Fatty Arbuckle was referenced, I took to the Internet to learn more about it. I enjoy movies that make me go out a learn things.

The Negatives:

- Mia Farrow was just a bit too air-headed and spaced out for my tastes. She reminded me of a little ol' granny more than a leading lady.
- You like happy endings? Fuck you. There's your ending.

Grade: A

Not only is this one of the best romance movies I have ever seen, but it's also one of the best films I've watched since I started this project.

Day 4: Sleepless in Seattle (1993)

Part II in the unofficial Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan Love Bug Trilogy. Will it hold up to other Hanks classics like 'Saving Private Ryan' or 'Cast Away'? As long as it's better than 'The 'Burbs' I'm game.

Starring: Meg Ryan, Tom Hanks, Rob Reiner
Directed by: Nora Ephron

The Positives:

- Tom Hanks is the most likable actor of all time. You're wrong if you think otherwise. Don't argue.
- "Do you know where Oklahoma is?" "Somewhere in the middle?" "Somewhere in the middle? I'm not even going to think about what they're not teaching you in school." I shouldn't have laughed as hard as I did at that, but dammit if Tom Hanks isn't one funny sonovabitch.
- Matter of fact, Tom Hank's relationship with his son and the witty banter that transpires between the two is my favorite part of the movie. Their talk about sex and cable made me laugh even more than the "Oklahoma" bit.
- Rob Reiner and Tom Hanks also have some pretty great scenes together too.
- Eff it. Tom Hanks carries this film. Not that is necessary a bad thing I suppose.
- Also, there's a 'Paul is Dead' reference in this film. Immediate letter grade bump for that.
- Lastly, Tom Hanks' and Meg Ryan's characters do not actually meet each other until the 1 hour 12 minute mark, which is quite a dynamic for a 105 minute romance movie.

The Negatives:

- "If you're just tuning in, we're talking to Sleepless in Seattle." Ah. There it is.
- There was nothing particularly exciting about Meg Ryan's character. Maybe women would find sneaking behind your fiancee's back while you whine about chasing down a man you have never met heartfelt but I just think she's a lying tramp.
- I can't stand Rosie O'Donnell, let alone her voice.
- There are a handful of romance movies that speaks to any generation that sees them (Annie Hall, (500) Days of Summer, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind... Just to name a few). This isn't one of those movies. Maybe if I was a thirty-five year old widower/divorcee/single dad I'd be more affected, but as an 18 year old college student, the trails and tribulations Ryan and Hanks go through are meaningless to me.

Grade: C-

Well, at least it was better than 'The 'Burbs'. Barely.