I really liked this film. I just want to get that out of the way first. The setting takes place during the holidays in 1959 Baltimore. The audience is introduced to a group of close friends who bond at their after hours hangout, Fells Pointe Diner. For me, right away, I easily related to this group. Their conversations, their jokes, their gambling, it seemed very genuine. I think Mickey Rourke, Steve Guttenburg, Daniel Stern, Kevin Bacon, Paul Reiser (very good limited performance by Reiser), and later on Timothy Daly were all splendid in this film.
I think this film, through all the laughs and great conversations, did a fantastic job of telling a story and conveying an important message(s). This is a group of friends who are verging upon a transition to adulthood, where things begin to slow down. By slowing down, this means marriage, work, and just plain old maturity. This film really shows how tough this transition is for men. Daniel Stern has some great dialogue in the middle of the film that echos the theme when he talks about his marriage. It is just really smart story-telling with dynamic characters and a point to make. I also think their is another theme of male chauvinism in this film as well. Steve Guttenberg's character illustrates that ugly characteristic.
If I was going to nitpick, I wish Paul Reiser's character had more scenes and dialogue. He is a funny guy, but also very witty. I also think this is a total guys' movie. I think many females would struggle to like this film.
I'm going with an 9 out of 10.
I think this film, through all the laughs and great conversations, did a fantastic job of telling a story and conveying an important message(s). This is a group of friends who are verging upon a transition to adulthood, where things begin to slow down. By slowing down, this means marriage, work, and just plain old maturity. This film really shows how tough this transition is for men. Daniel Stern has some great dialogue in the middle of the film that echos the theme when he talks about his marriage. It is just really smart story-telling with dynamic characters and a point to make. I also think their is another theme of male chauvinism in this film as well. Steve Guttenberg's character illustrates that ugly characteristic.
If I was going to nitpick, I wish Paul Reiser's character had more scenes and dialogue. He is a funny guy, but also very witty. I also think this is a total guys' movie. I think many females would struggle to like this film.
I'm going with an 9 out of 10.