The Big Chill

Buy This Item The Big Chill by Sony Pictures  Available from Amazon  $10.99  on 8-28-2008     Lawrence Kasdan's 1983 big-budget variation on John Sayles's <i>The Return of the Secaucus Seven</i> finds a cluster of old college radicals--who have since gone on to sundry professions and various degrees of materialism--reuniting over the death of a friend. Both playful and thoughtful, the film represents Kasdan (<i>Body Heat</i>) at his most astute. The attractive cast meshes perfectly into a group of characters for which a former closeness is out of synch with their current lives, yet their warmth is enviable and inviting. The script may be a bit too glib, with many one-liners, but it is still a perfectly designed story with telling irony and no little passion. <i>--Tom Keogh</i> Reader Reviews THE BIG CHILL is one of the few movies that I own, and I will watch it periodically and still be entertained. Lawrence Kasdan is a brilliant movie maker whose projects invite viewers to question their values. Although this movie provokes thought, the clever dialogue is pure fun. I believe THE BIG CHILL was one of the first--if not, THE first--movies that let the music tell a part of the story. And since this comfortable group of friends danced together in the kitchen while preparing dinner, many other movies have included a gratuitous dance scene. This movie was a first to feature an ensemble cast whose sum is greater than its parts. Every part is memorable and clever, but no one overshadows anyone else. Most people--of a certain age--know that THE BIG CHILL was to be a vehicle for Kevin Costner toward the beginning of his career. Instead, Costner's body was featured in the role of the friend who dies at the beginning of the story, and prompts a reunion of friends who once shared similar values. This movie is fun, quirky, clever, and sweet. And unlike other movies, the selection of music is strategically placed within the dialogue and plot to help move the story forward. I recommend this movie to all adults of any age. I tried to add five stars. This should have five stars.

The Big Chill Available from Amazon Price: $10.99 Updated on 8-28-2008.

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