I needed a mental break today, but I just couldn't give it to myself. Thankfully, T. insisted. He put me to bed and made me watch this. I have complained much of late over the whole romantic comedy genre. These are movies that are neither funny nor romantic. Just a whole lot of Tom Cruise being crazy, and me wishing that we hadn't shopped around in this genre.
Sleepless in Seattle worked better than everything we have been watching, I think, because it really didn't try to be funny. This isn't a romantic comedy. It's just a drama that tries to be romantic... That said, it isn't really romantic at all, either. In fact, the two actors share about two minutes of screen time, combined, in the whole film. They could very well have filmed together for one week, and that's it. Double billing extraordinaire.
I liked seeing women be emotional on screen and have men make fun of them. I don't know if that is terrible and politically incorrect, but its true. It's a giant reality check. If T. doesn't remind me that I am getting too emotional, I let it take me over completely, and am pretty much the worst person to be around on the entire planet.
Now: Movies as escapism which set unrealistic expectations. Yes, the women of the 90s are screaming, "rah! rah! down with love and romance!" but secretly hope they can find their Cary Grants and Humphrey Bogarts. This is what I have to say: if it feels good do it, even if you are going to get made fun of mercilessly. If you want to watch these movies and go somewhere else, live the dream (if that's your dream), then more power to you. Especially if it helps you grow and be creative. Just, above all things, make sure it really makes you feel good, and is giving you energy instead of taking it away.
I hate Meg Ryan. I don't know why. There is just something about her. I think she is completely unconvincing in most roles, and that's why I can never manage to really believe she is capable of the strong emotions she professes. I don't know what I want, but she isn't it. Believe the things you say, and I think it comes across better on screen.
Tom Hanks, you are sweet. I like you as a dad, though not as well as I liked you as a kid. This seems like a relatively recent follow-up movie (five years... so only sort of kind of), and I thought you were continuing to endear yourselves in the hearts of women. The scene with your dead wife was a bit creepy, and I loved the awkward scene where he calls for a date.
Overall, this helped shake some stress away, and didn't make my day any worse. I am still hoping to find a better film in this genre, but I am also looking forward to hunting around in another area all together. I wonder what treasures T. will come up with next.
For a different take on this film, check it out as a horror movie. Pretty accurate. Tell me what you think of this 60 seconds of cheekiness.
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