A Scientist at the Movies Reviews by Greg Paris

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Title: Runaway Bride

Date Viewed: 7/30/99

Details:

Joan Cusack

Paul Dooley

Hector Elizondo

Richard Gere

Christopher Meloni

Julia Roberts

Jean Schertler

Rita Wilson

Director: Garry Marshall

Score: +

The Review: Romantic comedy.

Richard Gere is a divorced national newspaper columnist based in New York, whose occasionally misogynist columns continue to infuriate readers and sell newspapers. While clutching at straws for his next column's topic, he stumbles onto an odd tale about a bride (Julia Roberts) who has left multiple grooms standing at the altar. The remainder of the film is his quest for the story, for vindication, for respect, and for the girl. It's a lot of fun.

And simply a superb cast. Although Roberts seems to work well with other leading men, Gere has had less than stellar reciprocal success; together, however, the two are fabulous (as they were in Pretty Woman). Supporting roles are well cast, in addition to having interesting and quirky parts. This is small town America after all, with some real characters. Joan Cusack is the ditzy hairdresser and best friend. Christopher Meloni, a very focused high-school sports coach, is to be husband number four. A small role, Jean Schertler is a stitch as Roberts' grandmother. Paul Dooley (a familiar face, easily remembered from Breaking Away) is Roberts' father, who is despairing of ever marrying her off. And the entire town shares his cynicism. Back in NYC, Rita Wilson is Gere's ex (and, coincidentally, his boss at the newspaper), and Hector Elizondo is droll and unperturbable as friend, photographer and Wilson's current husband.

The magic is still there. Recommended.

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