It's awesome river phoenix is fantastic
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Very entertaining and enjoyable with Endearing River Phoenix
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
River Phoenix comes on like Jett Rink's autistic twin, Samantha Mathis is achingly gorgeous and the music is rather listenable. Peter Bogdanovich handles the material unpretentiously and the great performances all round make The Thing Called Love quite watchable.
I first saw this excellent film very soon after its star, River Phoenix died. At the time I was unable to separate it from that recent tragedy, and my main memory was of a film that left me depressed. (I should also mention that back then I was only vaguely aware of the other actors, who all went on to prominent careers shortly after). Many years later, I am finally able to enjoy a terrific movie without being weighed down by baggage. It's also a lot better in this cut, which includes additional/extended scenes, and a (rather dry and repetitive, but nonetheless informative) commentary by the director. Yes, River looks like he's on drugs all the way through, which has bothered many fans. But he still gives a typically excellent performance. And this time around, I am able to better appreciate the talents of the other lead actors, who are now far better known to me than they were first time around. And this film is truly worth seeing for their performances alone - even if Phoenix wasn't in it! Samantha Mathis shines in every scene, as does Dermot Mulroney. Both display musical talents that come as some surprise after seeing many of their more recent movies. And Sandra Bullock is on top form here, demonstrating her fine comedic talents when she was still pure and un-tarnished by later, horrible films! (Not including Speed, in which she was still terrific!) But to sum it all up, the film's greatest achievement is this: I loathe country & western music! I find it almost impossible to listen to. And yet I LOVE this film! I enjoy all the songs. I'm interested in and care about all the characters. And I want them to all have a very successful career in country & western. Go figure! Great acting. Great directing. Great Music. (I can't believe I said it!) Timeless story told in a simple and honest way. Well worth a watch!Read full review
This movie has a great storyline and an amazing cast, including River Phoenix, Sandra Bullock and Samantha Mathis. It's a nice lovestory with a lot of music and humor!
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