I have been unfair to Anniversary Party

Films/DVD Asylum

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I tried to watch it a few times before, each time cathing it about 30 minutes into the action, and each time turning it off quickly.
This time I was able to catch it from the beginning, and it presented itself as something watcheable. Apparently there is something to be said for continuity there - some films don't care.
Not great, but with enough interesting observations to keep me till the end. It follows the old formula, and as such doesn't break any new grounds, you will feel like you have already seen it many times before, but that is OK, we all have seen people live and behave in a seemingly "normal" fashion and yet being able to make an interesting statement here, a surprising move there. Same in this movie - while predictable, some of the many story lines do make intriguing stops along the way.
I never understood the fascination with Big Chill... it always bored me to near clinical death, a few people going out of their way to say something meaningful, only to see their lips produce more of the same cliche's and things completely uninteresting to anyone except the screen writer.
The Party suffers from the same illment, but to a lesser degree, it seems. Perhaps simply because it doesn't try to elevate the trivial thinking and mediocre dialog to something they are not. In the Party people mostly act more like normal people, with a few exceptions, and that alone might be a significant achievement in today's movies. Even the inclusion of the whole Kline family did not seem too contrived. Except they could have left papa Kevin at home... he is as dull as ever.
And... of course in any such group there had to be a beautiful woman whose presence would work mostly as an eye relief... Jennifer Beals is it, and at 40 she is a quiet pleasure to watch - no nude shots, no hysterics... bummer... just an elegant woman.
Overall, not a bad effort for two young writers/directors.

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Topic - I have been unfair to Anniversary Party - Victor Khomenko 19:36:39 09/26/05 (7)

Re: I have been unfair to Anniversary Party - Pepe Le Loco 22:17:56 09/28/05 (0)

Re: I have been unfair to Anniversary Party - jamesgarvin 06:55:59 09/27/05 (0)

"Big Chill" touches a nerve with us white boomer types........... - photoguy 20:15:16 09/26/05 (4)

Re: "Big Chill" touches a nerve with us white boomer types........... - Tom Brennan 14:05:04 09/27/05 (0)

It's an American thing, too. Vic wasn't around to understand those days. Anyhow, Kasdan - tinear 06:40:18 09/27/05 (1)

Ain't much to understand there... it is just a bad movie. Get over it. (nt) - Victor Khomenko 07:12:46 09/27/05 (0)

The Anniversary Party is for quite a different generation - grinagog 01:14:33 09/27/05 (0)

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