andrewiangillies

If I don't give this film a 10, I'm not giving anything a 10. The only other film that rivals it for me is Shawn Of The Dead. Interestingly, when I first saw it, I certainly liked it, but can't say I loved it. But it's a film I've come back to again, and again. I must have seen it 20-30 times now, and each time, I love it again. And I'm not a wine drinker. Maybe it's because when I first saw it, I was a hopeful 30 year old.... I had to grow into middle age and relate to the existential angst that both characters share, albeit in different ways.....''you don't understand my plight''. But this isn't a miserable film, for all the character's woes, I find it deeply optimistic and brimming with life. Most importantly, it's very real. Very human. It's funny. And the soundtrack is perfect. Over the years I've recommended this film to many people....many of which ignore the recommendation. And some of those that watch it, do like it....but don't love it. So it's always a lovely thing to talk to someone who loves this film like I do. Sort of feels like being in an exclusive club.

It's easy to understand why film divides people. What can be great in one person's eyes, can be dull in another person's. This film is by no means a brilliant film, but I find it hard to believe that anyone could dislike it, and that's a pretty rare thing. Absolutely full of character, charm and humor. Cage is typically wonderful, but for me, Pascal just about steals it. But only because Cage gives him the perfect platform to shine. It took me a couple of years to get round to seeing this.... I kept prevaricating for some reason....but I'm glad that I've seen it, and might watch it again sometime.

All I ask of a comedy these days is that I actually laugh a few times. It's not a big ask I don't feel. If I had rated this in 2001, I'd probably have been a bit of a snob, and given it a 5, even though I would have laughed a few times. Today, I'd give it a 6.5....and so I'm rounding up to a fine 7. Jack Black really made me laugh several times, perhaps more in this film than in any other film he's done. Steven Zahn also made me laugh. That yoga position......And Jason was typically Jason. The world seems kind of tough right now, and I reckon we all deserve to take a day off from the seriousness and laugh at this nostalgic silliness.