Review of Continental Divide (1981) by Robyn M — 17 Jun 2012

All of the pieces are in place for a movie that we should love. Director: Michael Apted, fresh off of his success in "Coal Miner's Daughter." Screenplay: written by Lawrence Kasdan, who had recently struck gold in "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark.

" Female lead: Blair Brown, who had shown off her sex appeal in the 1980 hit, "Altered States." Male lead: John Belushi? That's the only piece that doesn't seem to fit. And yet in Belushi's first non over-the-top comic role, he shows his ability to be simultaneously romantic, dramatic and funny.

The plot isn't exactly stirring (a hard-edged Chicago reporter flees to the Rockies and falls in love with an expert on bald eagles). But somehow, the talent in front of and behind the camera pulls it off, and pulls us into the midst of a very unlikely love affair.

I was a fan of this movie when it debuted in 1981, and today it seems even more enjoyable. "Continental Divide" would never be confused with an Oscar contender, but it stands up well, especially as a glimpse into who and what John Belushi could have been had he not left us too soon.