The Shop Around the Corner

In 1940, a romantic comedy film titled "The Shop Around the Corner" was released, directed by Ernst Lubitsch and starring James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan. The film tells the story of two co-workers who can't stand each other but are unaware that they are each other's anonymous pen pals and falling in love through their letters. Despite its initial lukewarm reception, "The Shop Around the Corner" has since become a beloved classic, inspiring numerous adaptations and even a musical.

At its core, "The Shop Around the Corner" is a film about the power of connection and the importance of communication. Through the characters of Stewart and Sullavan, the film explores the ways in which we can misunderstand and misjudge those around us, and how a simple act of vulnerability and honesty can lead to deep and meaningful relationships. It's a message that still resonates today, nearly 80 years after the film's release.

But "The Shop Around the Corner" is more than just a feel-good romance. It's a masterclass in filmmaking, showcasing Lubitsch's signature wit and sophistication. The film's use of subtle humor and visual storytelling is a testament to Lubitsch's skill as a director, and the performances of Stewart and Sullavan are both charming and nuanced.

So why has "The Shop Around the Corner" endured for so long? Perhaps it's because the film speaks to something universal in all of us - a longing for connection and understanding in a world that can often feel cold and impersonal. Or maybe it's simply because it's a damn good movie, one that continues to delight and inspire audiences year after year.

Whatever the reason, "The Shop Around the Corner" remains a timeless classic, and a testament to the power of love, connection, and communication.

I'm sure you will also enjoy the following films:

"You've Got Mail" (1998) - A Classic Rom-Com with a Touch of Nostalgia

If you are looking for a classic romantic comedy movie that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside, then "You've Got Mail" is definitely worth watching. This 1998 movie was directed by Nora Ephron and stars Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in the lead roles. Set in New York City during the early days of the internet, the movie tells the story of two people who fall in love online without realizing that they are actually business rivals in real life.

The Plot

Tom Hanks plays Joe Fox, the owner of Fox Books, a big chain bookstore that is about to put small independent bookstore owner Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) out of business. Meanwhile, Joe and Kathleen both have anonymous online relationships with each other and share their deepest thoughts and feelings. As their online relationship blossoms, they both realize that they are in love with each other. However, when they eventually find out each other's real identities, they are forced to confront the fact that they are actually enemies in the business world.

The Impressions

One of the things that I love about this movie is the way it captures the early days of the internet and how it was changing the world. It's a nostalgic trip down memory lane for anyone who remembers the sound of a dial-up modem or the excitement of receiving an email notification. The chemistry between Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan is also fantastic, and their characters are both likable and relatable.

In terms of direction and cinematography, Nora Ephron does a great job of capturing the essence of New York City and the different worlds of the two main characters. The scenes between Joe and Kathleen are particularly memorable, and the movie has a great mix of humor and heart.

The Strong Points

One of the strong points of this movie is the writing. Nora Ephron's screenplay is funny, smart, and romantic, and it has a lot of great one-liners and memorable scenes. The supporting cast is also great, with standout performances from Greg Kinnear as Kathleen's boyfriend and Parker Posey as Joe's girlfriend.

The Weak Points

If there's one weak point of this movie, it's that some of the subplots feel a bit underdeveloped. For example, the relationship between Kathleen and her mother could have been explored more, and the subplot about Joe's father and grandfather feels a bit tacked-on.

Conclusion

Overall, "You've Got Mail" is a classic romantic comedy that still holds up today. It's a feel-good movie with a great cast and a lot of heart, and it's a must-watch for anyone who loves a good love story. So, if you're in the mood for a movie that will make you laugh, cry, and feel all the feels, then give "You've Got Mail" a watch.

I recently watched the 1949 classic film, "In the Good Old Summertime," and I must say, I was thoroughly impressed. This movie is a timeless musical masterpiece that has stood the test of time and is still as enjoyable to watch today as it was when it was first released.

Plot Summary

The movie takes place in the 1900s and follows the story of Veronica Fisher (played by Judy Garland), a salesgirl at Oberkugen's music store. She butts heads with Andrew Larkin (played by Van Johnson), a new hire at the store who she believes is snobbish and arrogant. Despite their initial dislike for each other, they slowly begin to fall in love through a series of musical numbers and romantic encounters.

Impressions

The first thing that struck me about "In the Good Old Summertime" was the incredible talent of its cast. Judy Garland is an absolute gem in this movie, showcasing her incredible singing abilities and natural charm. Van Johnson also gives a strong performance as Andrew, and the chemistry between the two leads is palpable.

The musical numbers in this movie are simply outstanding. From the opening number "In the Good Old Summertime" to the sweet and romantic "I Don't Care," the music in this film is catchy and unforgettable. The cinematography is also top-notch, capturing the essence of the time period and setting the tone for each scene.

Another strong point of this movie is the heartfelt and genuine romance between Veronica and Andrew. Their love story is sweet and believable, and it's easy to root for them throughout the film.

Weak Points

One of the few weak points of "In the Good Old Summertime" is its pacing. At times, the movie can feel slow and drawn out, particularly during the non-musical scenes. However, this is a minor complaint in the grand scheme of things and doesn't detract too much from the overall enjoyment of the film.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I would highly recommend "In the Good Old Summertime" to anyone who appreciates classic musicals and heartfelt romances. The talent of the cast, the unforgettable music, and the charming romance between Veronica and Andrew make this movie a true gem of its time.

"She Loves Me" - A Charming and Heartfelt Musical Comedy

"She Loves Me" is a 1978 movie adaptation of the 1963 Broadway musical of the same name, which was based on the 1937 play "Parfumerie" by Hungarian playwright Miklós László. The movie was directed by Robert Moore and starred a talented cast, including Barbara Cook, Madeline Kahn, and James Coco.

Plot Summary

The story revolves around Georg Nowack (played by Robin Ellis), a young and idealistic employee at a perfume shop in Budapest, Hungary. He has been corresponding with a woman he met through a lonely hearts ad, and they have fallen in love without ever having met in person. Meanwhile, Amalia Balash (played by Barbara Cook), a new employee at the shop, also has a secret pen pal, and she hopes that he will turn out to be the man of her dreams.

As Georg and Amalia work together at the shop, they constantly bicker and argue, unaware that they are each other's secret pen pal. However, as they begin to learn more about each other and their respective pen pals, they start to realize that they may have feelings for each other. The plot twists and turns as the characters try to figure out the identity of their mystery pen pal while navigating their own personal and professional lives.

Impressions of the Movie

As a movie expert, I must say that "She Loves Me" is a delightful and charming musical comedy that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. The movie captures the essence of the original stage production, with its catchy songs, witty dialogue, and endearing characters.

One of the strongest points of the movie is its cast. Barbara Cook shines as Amalia, bringing both humor and heart to the role. Madeline Kahn also delivers a standout performance as Ilona Ritter, a sassy and independent shop clerk who has a complicated love life of her own. James Coco is hilarious as the shop owner, Mr. Maraczek, and his interactions with the other characters provide some of the movie's funniest moments.

The movie's cinematography is also noteworthy, with its colorful and vibrant sets and costumes that evoke the charm and elegance of 1930s Budapest. The musical numbers are expertly choreographed and filmed, with each song and dance adding to the overall joy and exuberance of the movie.

While the movie does have some weaknesses, such as its slightly slow pacing and predictable plot, these are minor quibbles compared to its many strengths. "She Loves Me" is a feel-good movie that will leave you humming its catchy tunes and smiling from ear to ear.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, "She Loves Me" is a delightful and heartwarming musical comedy that is well worth watching. With its talented cast, charming storyline, and catchy songs, it is a movie that will lift your spirits and leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling. If you're a fan of classic musicals or just looking for a fun and uplifting movie to watch, "She Loves Me" is definitely worth checking out.

Alright, folks, let's talk about the 1986 release of "Little Shop of Horrors." This is a musical comedy horror film directed by Frank Oz and based on the off-Broadway musical of the same name.

Plot Summary:

The story follows a nerdy florist named Seymour, played by Rick Moranis, who discovers a new plant species he names Audrey II, after his coworker and crush, Audrey, played by Ellen Greene. The plant's unique feature is that it can only thrive on human blood. As the plant grows bigger, it becomes more demanding and manipulative, eventually leading Seymour down a dark and dangerous path.

Impressions:

The first thing that stands out about this movie is the fantastic cast. Rick Moranis is perfect as the lovable Seymour, and Ellen Greene's portrayal of Audrey is charming and endearing. Steve Martin's appearance as the sadistic dentist is also a highlight and provides some comic relief.

The music in the film is catchy and memorable, with songs like "Skid Row" and "Suddenly Seymour" being particular standouts. The practical effects used to create Audrey II are also impressive, and the plant's design is genuinely terrifying.

Strong Points:

One of the strengths of "Little Shop of Horrors" is its ability to balance comedy, horror, and musical elements seamlessly. The film manages to be both hilarious and creepy, and the musical numbers never feel forced or out of place.

Another strong point is the film's themes of greed and ambition. Seymour's desire for success and recognition leads him down a dangerous path, ultimately leading to his downfall.

Weak Points:

While the film is generally well-paced, there are a few moments where the plot feels rushed or underdeveloped. The ending, in particular, has been criticized for being too abrupt, and some viewers may find it unsatisfying.

Conclusion:

Overall, "Little Shop of Horrors" is a unique and entertaining film that has aged surprisingly well. The cast, music, and practical effects all contribute to making this movie a must-watch for fans of horror, comedy, and musicals alike. While it has its flaws, the film's strengths more than make up for them, and it remains a classic of its genre.

Alright, let me share my thoughts on "The Goodbye Girl" movie from 1977. This romantic-comedy film was directed by Herbert Ross and written by Neil Simon. It stars Richard Dreyfuss and Marsha Mason in the lead roles.

Summary and Plot:

The story of the movie revolves around a divorced mother named Paula McFadden (Marsha Mason) who lives with her daughter in a small apartment in New York City. Her ex-boyfriend, Tony DeForrest, who is also an actor, has left her for a role in a movie. Paula is left alone to take care of their daughter and pay the rent. In the meantime, an aspiring actor named Elliot Garfield (Richard Dreyfuss) arrives in the city to sublet Paula's apartment.

Paula and Elliot initially don't get along with each other, but eventually, they become close friends. As they spend more time together, they fall in love, but Paula is hesitant to commit due to her past experiences. Meanwhile, Tony returns to the city and tries to win Paula back. This leads to a series of events that change the course of their lives.

Impressions:

Overall, I found "The Goodbye Girl" to be a delightful movie. The chemistry between Richard Dreyfuss and Marsha Mason was fantastic, and their performances were top-notch. The movie had a perfect blend of humor, romance, and drama.

Strong Points:

One of the strong points of the movie was the screenplay. Neil Simon's writing was sharp, witty, and engaging. The dialogue between the characters was well-crafted and added to the film's overall charm. Additionally, the direction by Herbert Ross was excellent. He managed to capture the essence of New York City and create a believable world for the characters to inhabit.

Weak Points:

One of the weak points of the movie was the pacing. The film felt a bit slow in parts, and some scenes could have been trimmed down. Additionally, the supporting cast was not as strong as the leads. They did a decent job, but they were overshadowed by Dreyfuss and Mason's performances.

Final Thoughts:

In conclusion, "The Goodbye Girl" is a movie that I would highly recommend to anyone who loves romantic-comedies. It has a great cast, a fantastic screenplay, and excellent direction. Despite its minor flaws, the movie manages to leave a lasting impression on its viewers.