Review of Grand Canyon (1991) by Chris S — 17 Nov 2007

It's like Crash if it was less dramatic, more philosophical, and made in the late 80s, early 90s. I was drawn towards this movie because Kasdan's earlier movie, The Big Chill, is one of my all time favorites and so I was hoping to see the same written and visual craft here like he did in his previous movie.

However, I only got half of what I was looking for. The script, although a little sentimental and talky at points, is well-written and similar thematically and humor-wise as The Big Chill. The story might stretch a bit but the way it ties up in the end makes up for its lofty beginnings.

The acting, especially by Kevin Kline and Steve Martin, is very well-done; not their best but still good. But where the movie falls flat is the presentation. It felt too much like an 80s soap drama, what with the cheesy electronic music and the not-so-dynamic presentation of the events.

If the movie had been polished or had been presented it differently and more maturely, it would've come out amazing. But as it is, it's a movie with enough good moments to outway the bad, but not enough to make it more than a "Okay, borderline good" movie.