A Disappointing Continuation

Fanciful, disturbing, and wildly original, it announces the arrival of a fresh, bold voice in American cinema.

Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

I was a college kid when I first saw this movie. I was a college kid at a University for 10 years and have nothing to show for it. But I did see this movie, and by the media gods it told a lot about life.Back then it told me that People magazine was on the path to the shark that everything must jump. It told me that the really good interviews were those given in the past. That is kind of scary, really when you think about it and then live your life.Now, I am contemplating watching it again and I have not seen it since then. The reason for this is about the long slow walk to the shark that I must jump and about interviews in the past being a lot better than any thing I have to say now....

On paper, "The Big Chill" doesn't seem like my kind of movie at all. I'm no baby boomer (of which this movie so finely targets) so I won't be waxing nostalgic along with any of these characters. Which is the whole point when you really think about it. What the hell would I know about having a midlife crisis in the materialistic '80s? And yet, I was hooked. For one thing, this is one hell of an ensemble cast each one somehow making unrelatable material very watchable. And you come away from this feeling like these people have undergone something profound over one weekend and come out the other end stronger than ever. There's humor, drama, and great performances throughout.Oddly engrossing.7/10

The Big Chill (1983): Dir: Lawrence Kasdan / Cast: Tom Berenger, Kevin Kline, William Hurt, Jeff Goldblum, Glenn Close: Disjointed yet engaging drama about unity within the midst of tragedy. It opens with news of a suicide and eight friends from college who gather for the funeral and eventually spend the weekend at a summer estate. Tom Berenger plays a TV star who questions his abilities when a stunt goes wrong. Kevin Kline and Glenn Close play a married couple. He is about to score financial success in his running shoes business, while she is a doctor who once had an affair with the deceased. Interestingly their relationship is fueled by an understanding that is admirable at best. Jeff Goldblum plays a sex obsessed journalist setting his sights on the nightclub business. William Hurt plays a Vietnam vet struggling with drugs and impotence. Mary Kay Place plays a former attorney looking for someone who help her conceive. Meg Tilly plays the girlfriend of the deceased. Jobeth Williams plays an unhappily married woman looking to possibly ignite an old flame. They all interact or cross paths throughout this hazy weekend. While not overly satisfying director Lawrence Kasdan of Body Heat brings forth a portrait of several friends sharing a common bond with the deceased while reflecting upon why their bond will last long after winter turns to spring. Score: 8 / 10

This one has it all. If you ever had a really tight knit group of school friends that you absolutely love and then spent years without them, this film will allow you to feel like you are having a reunion with your friends. The closeness, inside jokes, various personalities, mini-dramas all add to the flavor. The soundtrack is one of the best of all time and the storytellers use the music to connect the audience with the characters. For such a large cast of strong actors, this group does a wonderful job not to overshadow one another. It is a harmonious blend of styles and personalities that can make solid use of non-verbal communication. I have viewed thousands of movies. Very, very few deserve a second viewing. The Big Chill is one that I have enjoyed at least ten times over the years.