In the Spirit

I keep hoping that it will be released on DVD. I have a VHS copy (my 2nd actually, because I wore out the first) but I no longer have a VCR. What to do, what to do...

This film is a subtle, brilliant gem.

I was once in a bar in NYC and I realized it was the setting for the bar scene with Melanie Griffith. I got very excited - and tried to quiz the bartender about it. But she had no idea what I was talking about.

In any event, this is one of my all time favorite movies. So witty, so clever, so underplayed. Someday I will screen it for a huge audience. And show them. What is funny.

You don't know me, but take my word for it, this movie is a true gem. These high-power, smart, funny, comic savant women got together and (I'm sure) had the best time of their lives making this film. And we are the beneficiaries.

There are only a few wonderful "screwball" comedies. The last one I remember seeing was "What's Up Doc?", until now "In the Spirit", directed by Sandra Seacat, is right up there with the best of them. In fact, I might suggest that the "spirit" is not only Reva's inner guides, but the ghosts of Hitchcock ("Mr.& Mrs. Smith"), Cukor ("The Awful Truth"), and Hawks ("Bringing Up Baby") are alive and well and kicking up their heels!

I hope you have as much fun watching as I did!

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!

I stumbled across this movie when it first came out on video. The cover looked interesting so I rented it and immediately loved it. I bought it so I could watch it everyone once in a while. It's like an old friend. It's one of those rare, quirky comedies that touches you.

Marlo Thomas is amazing as nutty Reva Prosky, and Elaine May (from Mike Nichols/2nd City fame) was incredible!

I highly recommend this movie. It rocks.

"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.