The Big Chill.

Review #1059: The Big Chill.

Cast: 
Tom Berenger (Sam Weber), Glenn Close (Sarah Cooper), Jeff Goldblum (Michael Gold), William Hurt (Nick Carlton), Kevin Kline (Harold Cooper), Mary Kay Place (Meg Jones), Meg Tilly (Chloe), JoBeth Williams (Karen Bowens), and Don Galloway (Richard Bowens) Directed by Lawrence Kasdan.

Review: 
Admittedly, recollections about the past can tend to make for an interesting subject for a film, so it is no surprise to see that Lawrence Kasdan, writer of films such as The Empire Strikes Back (#114), Raiders of the Lost Ark (#168), and Return of the Jedi (#115), directed and wrote a film involving the reunion of old friends from the baby boomer generation (with this film along with Return of the Secaucus 7 (1980) serving as influences for the creation of the show thirtysomething). It is strange to note that there were scenes cut out that had featured Alex, the one who had committed suicide (featuring a then-unknown Kevin Costner), and I do wonder what it would've done to the pace and tone of the film. In any case, it's not hard to say that this is neither a great nor terrible movie, falling in the middle fairly easily, for better or worse. The ensemble cast is fairly enjoyable, particularly Berenger, Hurt, Kline, and Tilly. Each of them has something that stands out, such as Berenger and his entertaining type of allure that contrasts with his thoughts on having fame (and memories from the past), or Hurt and his bitter but honest nature that clicks in some way with Tilly (the lone standout in the main ensemble not part of the main generation), with Kline being a fine straight man and pillar along with Close. Goldblum is also fairly entertaining and amusing, and Kay Place and Williams are also fine. The cast manages to make what could've been a bunch of cliches seem a bit more fruitful and watchable. The movie (shot in Beaufort, South Carolina) has a fine look to it that certainly clicks with uniting these people without looking too fake. The soundtrack of the film is pretty interesting, having highlights such as "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye and Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Bad Moon Rising", so I'll give the film credit for having a fine pick of music.

The film has its serious moments of looking at the past, but it also has a few moments for some laughs that make for a good enjoyment for most of its running time of 105 minutes. I will admit that the ending is probably a bit too neat and probably a bit too convenient for someone looking for something a bit more, although that depends on what one is expecting. Do you want something that tries to say something about nostalgia? You'll get it with this movie, although you may not get everything with it. If you want something that tries to face nostalgia with reality, this could (or could not) be for you. I can't exactly fault someone for liking films that try to throw itself back with nostalgia (after all, I am writing this review in the same year that Ready Player One is coming out, so make of that what you will), but I find that the movie is fine (if not really anything too great) with weaving a story with some depth from its recollection. For lack of a better way to say it, The Big Chill is a finely packaged film if you're in the mood for what it offers you.

Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.