erwinkath

This poignant look at three couples in various stages of life can touch even the most stoic of hearts. I was barely a teen when I first saw this film, and almost 20 years later, I find it still has insight. Within minutes you feel like these people are your life-long friends, over for a July 4th barbecue. Single, married or divorced, many of the themes will hit home. No glitz and glamour here, it's down to earth and gets you thinking and reflecting on your own life decisions. And best of all, it grows with you.

From David & Judy's reminiscing about the speech he made on their first date, to their quirky bearded philosophical neighbor, I alternated between smiles, laughs & tears by the end of it. Fans of L.A. Law will recognize Alan Rachins as a hapless husband, drowning in the mediocrity of his own life. A young Melissa Leo (Homicide:Life on the Street) plays sister to the main character's wife, Jaglom's real-life ex, Patrice Townsend. Even the soundtrack, from Astaire to Torme, lends a wonderful backdrop to the film. Henry's stream-of-consciousness style doesn't suit all tastes, but it's what I love most about his work. I'm more than happy to leave behind the super-quick cuts, special effects, plastic characters and overzealous editing of today's blockbusters to savor this delicious slice of life.