Embrasse-moi, je te quitte

I realize this movie is a remake of the 1978 Brazilian classic 'Dona Flor and Her Husbands' with the stunning Sonia Braga..but some things should be left alone. While I adore Sally Field, she seems majorly miscast as Kay Villano, widow of philandering choreographer Jolly Villano, played by James Caan, who also seems woefully miscast. Jeff Bridges is delightful as Rupert, the befuddled Egyptologist in love with Kay, and a hilarious standout, especially during the scenes in the diner, and at the inn. Claire Trevor is smashing as Kay's mother, an acid tongued woman who still holds her late son in law in high regard. The dialogue seems stilted at times, and some of the humor forced, with a silly subplot about exorcism. There is a basic sweetness about the movie, and the thought of a ghost of a husband wanting his wife to move on irresistible (which 'Ghost' did so much better 8 years later). But Robert Mulligan (who helmed 'Summer of '42 and 'The Man in the Moon'..two classics if you've never seen them) lacks that light touch that would have made this a classic. This is like a fine meal, elegantly prepared, but after you've had a bite..it leaves an unpleasant taste on your palate.

This Hollywood remake of the popular Brazilian movie "Dona Flor And Her Two Husbands" has all but been forgotten since it was first released thirty years ago. Watching it, it's easy to see why it hasn't built much of an audience, if any. Certainly, Sally Field, James Caan, and Jeff Bridges bring some charm to the movie, enough so that the movie is almost endurable at times. But the movie sinks because of a screenplay that is very lacking. The characters of all three leads are poorly written. Sally Field's character never asks obvious questions like why her deceased husband returned, what the afterlife is like, and other questions a normal person would ask in the same situation. James Caan's character doesn't come across as someone who loves his former wife, interfering in her life repeatedly so that her life is turned upside down. And Jeff Bridges' character acts like a complete idiot at times. If you see a copy of this movie in some thrift store, don't pick it up as I did - say goodbye and move to something else.

So where do I begin? 'Kiss Me Goodbye' (KMG) starts out pretty well. A widow (Sally Field) is starting to reclaim her life after her husband's (James Caan) accidental death three years earlier. She's now contemplating marriage to her new beau, (Jeff Bridges), much to the dissatisfaction of her mother (Claire Trevor). I will admit it was a pleasure seeing Ms. Trevor in what would end up being her last film. Too bad this was her final bow after a most distinguished career.. The young couple decide to inhabit the same beautiful NYC brownstone she lived in with her first husband. This is where it starts going downhill.

The ghost of the widow's first husband appears making plans difficult for the widow. Shes the only person who can see him. Caan clearly doesn't belong here. This picture might have worked better with just Field and Bridges exploring their future together. They can easily carry a movie. However, now with the 'ghost plot', Field overacts terribly trying to hide the fact that Caan's spirit is present. Comedy isn't her forte. The script also suffers as a result. Bridge's character is reduced to a boring boyfriend who nobody likes, including the dog and her mother. I won't go on further, but this is not something I'd recommend to the fans of Ms. Fields, Mr. Bridges and Mr. Caan. I gave it four out of ten stars only because of Ms. Trevor's inclusion in the film and the precious dog who might be the funniest character than any of the others. I also liked the Dusty Springfield's opening number which should have been nominated for best song. It might be the best thing about KMG.

I think I may have been one of the few people who saw this film in the theaters, but I really enjoyed KISS ME GOODBYE, a lighthearted comedy about a widow (Sally Field)preparing to remarry, who, days before her wedding, is visited by the ghost of her deceased first husband (James Caan), who was a Broadway director and choreographer. The story goes to all the familiar places that you would expect it to, but it is played with such an exuberant energy that you can't help but start to care for these people. Field and Caan are in top form and Jeff Bridges is at his adorably nerdy best as Field's new fiancée (a precursor to his performance in THE MIRROR HAS TWO FACES). There's also a brief, but memorable turn by the late Claire Trevor as Field's mother. A charming romantic fantasy that will grow on you upon repeated viewings.

A light movie that is a lot of fun to watch, 'Kiss Me Goodbye' is also not the first movie you think of when doing a filmography for Sally Field, Jeff Bridges or James Caan. But they are all perfectly cast in this comedy that has a lot going for it.

James Caan plays Jolly, the Bob Fosse-like (well, without the cigarettes and open heart surgery) and deceased husband of Sally Field, who reappears the week Field is marrying a 'nerd', Jeff Bridges. Only Sally can see or hear James Caan so it sets up a lot of comedy, most of which is hilarious. Everyone liked Jolly, alot, including Sally, and Jeff is less likable. He's like Cary Grant in 'Bringing Up Baby', down to the research job at the museum doing what Claire Trevor calls 'digging up dead people.'

Stand-out scene - the three of them going to the country for a relaxing weekend, and all hell breaking loose.

Claire Trevor is funny as Sally's domineering mother, Paul Dooley is his usual dependable self as a former priest who gets involved when Bridges decides to 'exorcise' the ghost of Jolly, and Mildred Natwick is the owner of the country bed-and-breakfast.

Touching at the end, funny most of the way through...8/10.