Overboard (directed by Garry Marshall)

IMDB page

Released: 1987
Starring: Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Mike Hagerty, Edward Herrman, Jared Rushton, Hector Elizondo

She said:

This film has been one of our family picks since I can remember. It is one of those films that always makes me smile no matter what. Overboard is probably one of my favourite comedies of all time. To start with has anyone ever seen a Garry Marshall film that didn't make them feel all warm inside? A few other of his directorial masterpieces include Beaches, Pretty Woman and, more recently, Valentine's Day. He has a theme of comedies with heart and this one is no different.

Of course the main credit I have to give to Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, the leading actors and also a real life couple. I class this as their best comedy roles on screen. Interestingly when this film came out it was actually a big flop for both of them and I really can't understand why. They have fantastic chemistry when they play hatred of each other and when they fall in love. Perhaps it was one of those films that needed a few years post-release perspective. Or maybe I am the only person who loves it! But I doubt that very much.

While this film is a 'bit silly' in its plot it does have a wonderful warmth to it. It is essentially a film about how true love can cross boundaries of class and expectation. It is also about giving people second chances: Hawn plays a - how can I put this nicely? - upper class stuck up bitch who has only disgust for Russell's character (a hardworking dad who struggles with parental control). When she gets amnesia what begins as a tale of revenge and payback turns into something special, something real and deep.

I can't recommend this film enough. It has fantastic comic performances from leads and supporting actors alike, and it has some real gems of moments that give you a fuzzy feeling and make you want to hug your pillow (or partner!). I give this film (((5 out of 5.)))


He said:

Overboard is one of those films that you can't help but to smile all the way through. It has some moments that are a bit suspect, but endearing all the same. Garry Marshall was one of the first directors that enjoyed casting his friends in every film.

Hector Elizondo has a small part in this film that nearly goes by unnoticed. (You would recognize him as the Hotel Concierge in Pretty Woman) And there are others that have slipped my mind.

There are some scenes in this film that are a bit close to being beyond awkward. I think it goes with out saying that if a film about kidnapping ad forced parenthood was released now, it wouldn't do well in theatres.

My Dad (Happy Fathers Day!) really enjoys this film as well, it's fun to hear him laughing the whole way through the film. This is a great family film and is completely worth viewing. I enjoyed it and I think you will as well. I give it [[[4.5 out of 5]]]

They said:
This is a fantastic film, and one of the few Eighties films you can watch that doesn't feel completely and hopelessly dated with each viewing. It is well worth your time and we fully encourage everyone to watch it soon. we give it{{{9.5 out of 10}}}

Valentine's Day (Directed by Garry Marshall)

Watched: 28th February
IMDB link

Starring: Jessica Biel, Patrick Dempsey, Jessica Alba, Ashton Kutcher, Julia Roberts, Topher Grace, Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Garner, Taylor Lautner, Taylor Swift, Eric Dane, Queen Latifah, Hector Elizondo, Shirley MacLaine, Kathy Bates, George Lopez, Bradley Cooper

He said:

I, like a lot of others went into this film expecting an American take on Love Actually. I honestly think that had any other director attempted this film that would have been exactly what we were given. Thankfully Garry Marshall is a brilliant and gifted director. This film is touching, has great humor and is genuinely sweet with out being saccharine or forced.

As I have said this is a heart warming film what seemed like an obvious and predictable film found little amazing ways to surprise you. Every type of relationship is explored in this film varying from Puppy Love, Old and Familiar, extra-marital, inter-racial, gay, friendship, familial, and school age crushes. If the relationship you are in isn't touched on in this film, I fear for your relationship.

I really enjoyed this film and with out reservation give it the coveted {{{{5 out of 5 rating}}}}

She Said:

As James mentioned this film appears to very much be a L.A. set Love Actually from the intertwining stories of love to the 'how many names can we fit on the bill' mentality. But I agree that it was more than this. While there are many similarities to Love Actually (sweet, funny and heartwarming with a good bit of moral) Valentine's Day manages to be its own film.

If I had to compare the film to another it would actually be Pretty Woman. Obviously Garry Marshall directed both and for I'm sure reasons such as 'it's Pretty Woman's 20th anniversary' and 'Pretty Woman is one of the best love stories of all time' this film had so many nods to it you could not count them on two hands. There were many actors in both films including Julia Roberts, the Hotel Manager and the 'suck up guy' from the shop. Also much of the dialogue particularly toward Roberts were lifted from the Pretty Woman script. A great outtake during the credits has Julia quoting 'BIG mistake. Big. Huge.' about shopping on Rodeo Drive. Movie lovers like James and I get a real kick out of this sort of thing.

The film was well paced and well structured. The intertwining plot was based around Ashton Kutcher's character, a florist (what could be more romantic on Valentine's Day than sending flowers) with the 'satellite' relationships connected in varying ways outwards from him. Always a danger with these types of films is that one storyline is too focused on or that actors are fighting for top billing but this was not the case. No one story or actor stole the show (although Anne Hathaway as a part time adult phone entertainer is sticking in my mind. Very funny). But every relationship was heartwarming or heartfelt in someway and you invested in pretty much every character from the outset.

I love romantic comedies and this one is definitely a new favourite. I highly recommend watching it. I can't wait to have this on DVD and get it out whenever there is rain clouds on the horizon and I need a pick-me-up. I give this film <<<4.5 out of 5>>>

They said:

We thoroughly enjoyed this film and it was great to see as a couple. I think whether you see this with your partner or with a group of friends everyone will leave with a smile. We give this film <<<9.5 out of 10>>>