7.17.2008

Pretty Woman (1990)

16 comments:

GetFlix said...

I finally had a chance to see Pretty Woman for the first time. And here’s my take on the “famous classic”.

First, if you were to ask me what year this thing was made, I would have guessed the 1980s. That’s how tuned-out I am when it comes to film. (If you happen to love this movie, don’t get pissed at me yet. I have a couple of nice things to say.) But it is important that you understand my original perspective regarding the PW.

Whether it was made in 1980 or 1990 (actual year), this is a working class chick flick. And while I would never disillusion myself with the thought that I am anything but working class, the concept of the story really used to sullen my already dark mood. Back in the day, when the PW fever was sweeping the nation, I did everything in my power to learn nothing about it. Whenever somebody, (somebody being somebody female) would gush uncontrollably over the PW storyline, I would put my fingers in my ears and shout, “I can’t hear you.” Not that it mattered. The chicks back then were all speaking in crazy tongues. They had all become the Pretty Womens.

But now, 18 years later. With a more profound portfolio of relationships under my belt and the frightening ability to be entertained by the Weather Channel, the PW finally got my attention. And it wasn’t so bad, even if it took me two swings to get through the darn thing. First up, it’s a totally tacky concept. I don’t care what anyone says, I find myself still dumbfounded by the idea of Julie Roberts playing a street hooker. Gere is far more convincing as the corporate vulture, ignored by his father, determined to revenge his mother’s marital neglect. His role at least gives the viewer a hint of dark substance to a rather comedic approach of the script.

But this thing is still Cinderella without the sisters and mother. This is still class envy with knee-high boots instead of a friggin’ glass slipper. Every real woman that became enchanted with the corporate raider prince sweeping the pretty hooker off her feet is just watching a revision of the animated classic. And people always believe the big lie before the little lie. I’ve seen it play out over and over again in real life. There ain’t no prince (or for that matter, princess) that is going to come sweeping down and fill your life with expensive shopping sprees, with the end pursuit of marriage. Money marries money, and I will hear no more on the topic. (Money sometime marries fame, but what’s the difference?)

I found the supporting cast did make the whole experience tolerable. Amy Yasbeck plays Julia Roberts’ hooker sidekick and is very 80’s cute. Hector Elizondo is outstanding in selling the story, and saving scenes, as the hotel manager. (Think Albert Finney in Erin Brockovich) And Jason Alexander’s character really was so sleazy at times, I now understand why he was so effective playing George Costanza.

M-M-M-Mishy said...

I saw Pretty Woman years before I understood what was happening. I saw it again when I was older and I remember thinking "Seriously?" I think its ridiculous. Plus, I Julia Roberts... ugh. I spend most of her movies waiting for her to open her mouth and swallow a co-star whole.

LA said...

You almost forgot one, Flix. Money also does marry beauty.

You're absolutely spot-on in your review. It's Cinderella. And it does seem dated. I re-watched Steel Magnolias recently (hadn't seen it since it was originally in the theater), and I was kind of amazed at how BAD it actually was. It garnered Oscar nominations for chrissake (to be fair, some of the performances are decent, although Julia Roberts' wasn't one of them). I guess I'm just not a chick-flick kind of woman (not into chick-lit either, for that matter), although I didn't judge SM so harshly the first time I saw it.

BTW, if I can spare anyone the pain, do NOT see Rumor Has It. Terrible, horrible waste of time.

GetFlix said...

Mish, "Seriously?" is the perfect one word review. The PK was originally destined to be a dark drama. I think that would have been a wiser choice.

LA, indeed!! Money attracts both fame and beauty. (It's amazing how many bad films came out of the 1980s.)

D.O.M. Dan said...

I never saw it, and you've given me one more reason not to see it.

By the way, I too am entertained by the Weather Channel.

Terrible lie said...

My favorite hooker movie..EVER!

GetFlix said...

Dan, the weather channel is like a peaceful oasis among the hundreds of channels of junk.

Amber, I kept waiting to see boobs, but they never appeared.

prettykitty said...

the original was supposed to be so much more grittier, but then they got gary marshall to direct it and a leading lady who was known for her horsetoothed grin. that being said, my favorite scene was when richard gere thought he busted julia in the bathroom doing drugs but she was just flossing her chompers.

Terrible lie said...

Sex and the city!! hahahahah Soon to be clasic!! Loved it!! And you can watch the movie without having seen the series..

Forgetting Sarah Marshall* Funny shit!

The Happening.. Ble ble blue.. It twas okee

Pathology* Fucked up ...

Definitly Maybe* I enjoyed..Total chick flick..Which I am not usually into these days but whatever I liked it..

Right now I am downloading *Mouth to mouth* with Ellen Page..2005 flick..heard it's good..

Please tell me you have took the time to watch something ANYTHING I have recommended to you??!!

I took some time to watch Kathy Griffin stand up..And I found her HILARIOUS!!! U-Tube is sooo much fun when you are bored!

GetFlix said...

Amber, I watch everything you post on your blog. (I haven't had a chance to watch the Kathy clips you posted.)

Have you seen the new Batman movie yet?

Terrible lie said...

no no no ..I meant the movies I tell you about silly!

Prunella Jones said...

Julia Roberts horsy laugh gets on my nerves. this would have been a good Lifetime Television movie if Melissa Gilbert had played the lead.

GetFlix said...

Amber, you turned me onto JUNO!! Big points.

Pru, only if Gilbert showed her tits.

Diane said...

Thank you. I do, and always have, hated this movie.

will said...

... saw it when it was first released. Boring tripe. About as enjoyable as stuffing your mouth with 10 pounds of sugar and no water.

Figured Roberts was going to make it big 'cause the movie was her vehicle to da A list.

Professor Freud said...

Ist Gere die hübsche Frau?