You've Got Mail

You've Got Mail

Warner Bros.

December 13, 1998

Romcom
DVD
C

I saw this at the time, a time when I saw a lot of romcoms.  It offended me as a lifelong book-person.  Still, when it came along alphabetically in this project, I wondered what I would think of it now, a quarter century later, especially since I softened on Meg Ryan after watching When Harry Met Sally... a few months ago.

And, well, there are times when it's deliciously dated, from its concept to its OMG cast.  The soundtrack is generally solid, typically for Nora Ephron (who directed, and co-wrote with sister Delia).  New York City looks pretty and ridiculously clean.  But this movie still offends me as a book-person, because nothing about the bookstores is or ever was realistic.  (Don't get me started on its misunderstanding of Pride and Prejudice!) And of course there's the whole Tom Hanks amiably gaslighting poor Meg thing.  Still, I watched it to the end (again) and can't go below a C.

(And, yes, I've seen The Shop Around the Corner, which is over-rated but less offensive, if I recall correctly.)

Saving Silverman

Saving Silverman

Sony Pictures Rising etc.

February 9, 2001

Comedy
DVD
C-

I saw this in the theater and found it funny, although I remember the critics bashing it.  Even now, there are more painful comedies I've tried for this project, and the cast helps.  But I didn't feel like watching it all the way through again.  Dennis Dugan directed, one of five of his comedies I've rejected so far on this project.

Daddy Day Care

Daddy Day Care
Columbia
May 9, 2003
Comedy
DVD
D+

Unfunny and stereotypical (with some cliches even dragged in just for nonexistent laughs, like the "Gypsies").  Still, bumped up a notch or two for the interesting cast, although I didn't get to see everyone.  Steve Carr (mis)directed.

Chicken Little

Chicken Little
Walt Disney
November 4, 2005
Children's, Comedy, Fantasy
DVD
D+

Unfunny expanding of the fairytale, which doesn't make any sense, because in fact a very large object falls on the town and causes damage and havoc, yet somehow the title character is a loser for warning everyone?  Still, it was kind of fun recognizing the voice cast (and the Barenaked Ladies on the soundtrack), so yeah, D+.

Mark Dindal directed and co-wrote, as he did for Cats Don't Dance, and there's the same lame level of pop-cultural references.