Exoticalot
People are voting emotionally.
AnhartLinkin
This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.
Adeel Hail
Unshakable, witty and deeply felt, the film will be paying emotional dividends for a long, long time.
Jared_Andrews
The Big Chill is an exceptional title for a movie. It could be used for a number of different stories, ranging from some sort of action sci-fi flick to a get together of old friends. This movie is about the latter. This movie opens on a grim note. An old college pal has killed himself, so all his closest friends (now in their mid-thirties) gather for his funeral. One man gives an emotional speech about their lost friend. Everyone tears up. The funeral proceeds, then it ends with the playing of a favorite song from the past. It's the first of many classic songs played throughout the film. At first, they seem fine, even soothing and nostalgic. But they soon grow tired and stale. It's clear that the movie didn't believe enough in itself to establish the nostalgic vibe through the dialogue and visual palette, so it opted to blast hit song after hit song. This would make for a great mix for a road trip, but it's not an effective way to make a movie.After leaving the funeral, the friends gather at a country house and share stories of the old days. Past feelings re-emerge, as do realizations of the current dissatisfactions in their lives. Not much happens over the course of the weekend, save for a few strange adulterous moments. One is alleged to be for a greater purpose, but that claim is dubious and bizarre. They seemed more like typical college hookups, probably brought on by the emotional vulnerability they experience after the death of a friend. The movie is well-acted, and the characters are interesting enough. The jokes are hit and miss, with a few too many misses to score big points as a successful comedy. On the whole, it's not a total failure. For the appropriate crowd, it could really strike a chord and make a meaningful impact. As far as I can tell, the appropriate crowd is anyone in their mid-thirties to mid-fifties, especially those who grew up listening to the Rolling Stones. The movie doesn't offer any resolution-there isn't one to be had. They shared moments together in college, and they did so again during this weekend. It's a story about growing into later adulthood and accepting the life you've made. A reunion with old friends will not provide an antidote for all that ails you, but it can offer a temporary reprieve from your day to day. Maybe this time together will remind everyone that they should gather more often. Or, maybe this is just another moment in time.
statman122
I would have given this a 7 20 years ago, but it hasn't worn that well with me. The basic point of the story, that this could be you and your group of friends (and probably will be one day), is not lost. Many have already experienced a similar situation. Everyone raves about the music, and while there is no doubt it is good, this is where I have my largest bone to pick. The overly clichéd use of most of these songs is unforgivable. "Bad Moon Rising", in fact, makes the leap from cliché to utterly absurd. Add in the fact that Glenn Close has never done a thing for me, and a 6 is generous I'd say
Python Hyena
The Big Chill (1983): Dir: Lawrence Kasdan / Cast: Tom Berenger, Kevin Kline, William Hurt, Jeff Goldblum, Glenn Close: Disjointed yet engaging drama about unity within the midst of tragedy. It opens with news of a suicide and eight friends from college who gather for the funeral and eventually spend the weekend at a summer estate. Tom Berenger plays a TV star who questions his abilities when a stunt goes wrong. Kevin Kline and Glenn Close play a married couple. He is about to score financial success in his running shoes business, while she is a doctor who once had an affair with the deceased. Interestingly their relationship is fueled by an understanding that is admirable at best. Jeff Goldblum plays a sex obsessed journalist setting his sights on the nightclub business. William Hurt plays a Vietnam vet struggling with drugs and impotence. Mary Kay Place plays a former attorney looking for someone who help her conceive. Meg Tilly plays the girlfriend of the deceased. Jobeth Williams plays an unhappily married woman looking to possibly ignite an old flame. They all interact or cross paths throughout this hazy weekend. While not overly satisfying director Lawrence Kasdan of Body Heat brings forth a portrait of several friends sharing a common bond with the deceased while reflecting upon why their bond will last long after winter turns to spring. Score: 8 / 10
grantss
Okay, but not great. Script was rather basic, and contrived at times. I didn't find the characters and their relationships completely believable.Acting was, on the whole, average. Kevin Kline, Glenn Close and Tom Berenger are solid in their roles. William Hurt, as always, overthinks his part. Jeff Goldblum gives his usual irritating look-at-me performance. The entire movie ends up being saved, and made, by the soundtrack. The music is fantastic, really helps the feeling of nostalgia and keeps the movie from bogging down completely.
