Originally posted by Sola



#1 and #2 sound like you're giving the movie credit for NOT being something. For me, NOT being an Adam Sandler movie and NOT being a romantic comedy do not a good film make. #3- I can see, although I found the music to be excessive, even beyond the intended punch-drunk effect.

You and Barry have the same car? Maybe you'll end up with Emily Watson too!
OK, I've now had 2 message erased from trying to mess with this quote function. I'm worn out, but I'll try to rehash my argument once again.

PTA has created a movie that is both a romantic comedy and a criticism of romantic comedies at the same time. I see criticisms of the film that the characters aren't well developed, that Sandler's character is not cohesive. Well, most would agree that PTA in "Magnolia" and "Boogie Nights" did create coherent, believable chracters in real situations. I agree that this movie is different. So, was PTA simply off his game in this movie. Well, I think he did it on purpose, and that's what I like about the movie.

But, what's clever is not just the characters' lack of believablity, because that in of itself would be too easy to do. It's also the other ways that PTA stretched the limits of a romantic comedy. The music, for one, as already discussed. The fact that Barry flew to Hawaii on a whim just to be with her. Doesn't that go beyond "romantic" and become kindof strange. The fact that, apart from one conversation, Barry never asks her about herself or her background. Is this really a relationship that's going to work? Are the really going to live happily ever after?

Some people who see the movie love it simply as a romantic comedy (See Harry Knowles' blathering review on AICN.com). But, clearly PTA wasn't simply trying to create a standard romantic comedy. He was pushing the limits, pushing the buttons of the audience, in very interesting and unique ways. And, in that sense, it made the movie both intellecually stimulating as well as emotionally stimulating.

As for the '92 Buick LeSabre, it exudes class (and money). It's a babe magnet.