Garry Marshall directs Michelle Pfeiffer, Al Pacino and Nathan Lane in this romantic comedy set around a New York diner where two lonely people work.

Based on a clearly grittier stage play this feels misjudged, softened. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t pass as entertainment. Pfeiffer is far too breathtaking to play dowdy but her acting is strong. Marshall can’t resist his light romcom schtick but to be honest it actually works with the support ensemble. The bruising content never rubs smoothly against the soppy gloss yet I’d watch this a dozen times again before Runaway Bride or New Year’s Day. The messages about recovery from past trauma and renewed trust resonates, rare to see such uncomfortable themes work in this genre.

6

Perfect Double Bill: Pretty Woman (1990)

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We also do a podcast together called The Worst Movies We Own. It is available on Spotify or here https://letterboxd.com/bobbycarroll/list/the-worst-movies-we-own-podcast-ranking-and/