In the Spirit

It is important to pay close attention to the first part of the movie, or you miss a lot, as it lays a foundation for the rest of the movie. This movie had me in stitches, and I love to watch it whenever I can use a good belly laugh. Ditzy New Age follower, Marlo Thomas has advice for everyone she meets. She crosses paths with Elaine May and Peter Falk, and that sets off a series of events leading to Marlo Thomas and Elaine May being hunted by murderous criminals...they hide away in a New Age camp, and plant booby traps for their hunters. This was the funniest part of the movie, to me, and some of the dialogue is hilarious, if you listen closely. Strangely, no one seems to know of it, and I just happened upon it years ago. I have two VHS tapes, and wouldn't get rid of my VCR, because I need them to watch this movie and a couple others I have. This one is a real gem, and anyone who hasn't seen it is missing out on some great comedy.

I only wish it would come out on DVD! I've been an Elaine May fan forever and this is typical of her off-beat humor. Love this film so much, I actually suffer watching it on VHS. It's about two women who are extremely different. One (the Elaine May character) is a materialistic princess who is married to Peter Falk. The other, Marlo Thomas, is a ditsy new-ager. Somehow their paths cross and they must combine forces against the evils of the New York streets. Marlo Thomas plays her silly, idealistic part to the hilt. Don't over-analyze it - just enjoy! This is screwball comedy at its finest!

And if anyone knows where I can find the DVD, please let me know!

This is one of those movies I have to go back and watch every now and again. It's like very dark chocolate -- it doesn't cloy, and has enough of a bite to keep it interesting. It's funny, managing to skewer New Yorkers, Californians, New Agers, and middle-age crises, all on the same shishkabob; it has great cameos, snappy dialogue, and a pace that keeps it moving right along, with none of the non-nutritive filler that bloats so many films. As the crystal-waving, aura-reading proto-Feng-Shui "decorator," Marlo Thomas is such a NICE person that you just want to smack her. Fortunately, the movie is in on this angle, and Jeannie Berlin expresses the viewer's exasperation very well. Give it a shot as a rental, and you'll probably end up buying a copy.

"In The Spirit" (1990) is a refreshingly female-oriented buddy comedy-mystery (despite the title, the fantasy elements are mininal), with an eclectic and unapologetically middle-aged cast. Marlo Thomas and Elaine May look damn good in their fifties and are perfectly in tune with each other as a comedy team (with some serious moments, too). May also shares some scenes with her real-life daughter, Jeannie Berlin, who co-wrote the film and has a smaller but amusingly foul-mouthed role. With all that said, the film itself could have been funnier. It feels mild and low-budget, perhaps ideal viewing for a lazy evening. **1/2 out of 4.

This movie is highly underrated. The story line is good and keeps the viewer entertained while moving at a good pace. All of the actors do a fine job with their characters. If you're ever in the mood for a little laughter and need to get away from your troubles, watch this movie as I am sure you will enjoy the two hours of entertainment.