766. Broadcast News

Broadcast News
1987
Directed by James L. Brooks

I think I have to embrace the fact that I like William Hurt.  He is apparently a horrible and abusive man, but I can't help it; I really enjoy watching him on screen.  Damn it, Hurt.

The film follows three characters who work in news.  Jane Craig is a workaholic producer who is secretly loved by her friend Aaron Altman.  Jane finds herself attracted to the new news reporter, who is sexy and charming but vacant.  Who will she choose?  At the beginning of the film I thought "If she doesn't choose Aaron I am going to scream."  I really have a decent grasp on reality, don't I?

I really loved this movie.  It seems a lot of people only see the romantic comedy genre as a guilty pleasure, but there are some truly brilliant films that fall under that category.  The cast is obviously amazing. The ending isn't entirely pleasing, but I still appreciate that the "career woman" wasn't portrayed as some sort of cold robot who is dangerous to society.

A great film and one that is getting me pumped for When Harry Met Sally!

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Debra Winger was originally going to play Jane Craig but had to be replaced when she got pregnant.

702. Terms of Endearment

Terms of Endearment
1983
Directed by James L. Brooks

I am afraid I am going to be judged terribly for not shedding a single tear over this film.  Even my sister, who didn't even like this movie, admitted to crying over it.  Perhaps I am made from stone.

Aurora and her daughter Emma are closely connected, although Aurora is often extremely overbearing and judgmental of Emma's decisions.  Both are searching for real love.  Emma seeks it with Flap, a philandering college professor, while Aurora falls for her womanizing, retired astronaut neighbor Garrett Breedlove (who wouldn't fall for someone with a name like that?).

There is no denying that this film is well done.  The acting is spectacular (Nicholson seems to get better with age) and the characters are not your typical good guy/bad guy archetypes.  I just couldn't connect to this film.  The dialogue and story lines certainly didn't remind me of any of my female relationships, although I felt like the director was willing me to find the whole thing relatable.

I think a lot of people will dub this a "chick flick" which is a rather insulting and dismissive term.  We should at least have a male equivalent for this that is just as snobby.  Has anyone coined dick flick?

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

Janet Leigh and Jamie Lee Curtis were considered for the main roles.