Review of Beautiful Girls (1996) by Mark A — 07 Nov 2008

Surprisingly good romantic comedy. Willie (Timothy Hutton), who plays in piano bars in NYC, returns home for a high school reunion and reconnects with his running buddies from high school who have remained in the town they grew up in.

Each of them is dealing with relationship issues and it is the intersection of these various issues that provides the dramatic framework for the film. Great cast, terrific script and an oddly moving story that touches on our expectations and how life doesn't always turn out the way we pictured it.

Michael Rapaport stood out as Paul, a real first class jerk who had perfected the art of being "teflon" before teflon was cool. In the end, he proves to be human after all. And a very young Natalie Portman turned in a carefully nuanced performance as the little girl next door, who catches the attention of Willie and causes him to inspect the consequences of his choices so far and to contemplate where his life is going.

This viewer particularly enjoyed their playful, yet circumspect developing relationship. One feels they may become life-long friends. The film also looks at loyalty, fidelity, and the secrets we think we have hidden, but which are plain for all to see.

One felt a part of this small town and this group of friends from the outest and for that I credit the acting. Laugh out loud funny at times. Don't miss Rosie's monologue about the ideal women on the pages of men's magazines.

It is priceless! All in all the film was a wonderful surprise that this viewer enjoyed immensely.