In the Spirit

"In The Spirit" (1990) is a refreshingly female-oriented buddy comedy-mystery (despite the title, the fantasy elements are mininal), with an eclectic and unapologetically middle-aged cast. Marlo Thomas and Elaine May look damn good in their fifties and are perfectly in tune with each other as a comedy team (with some serious moments, too). May also shares some scenes with her real-life daughter, Jeannie Berlin, who co-wrote the film and has a smaller but amusingly foul-mouthed role. With all that said, the film itself could have been funnier. It feels mild and low-budget, perhaps ideal viewing for a lazy evening. **1/2 out of 4.

This is one of those movies I have to go back and watch every now and again. It's like very dark chocolate -- it doesn't cloy, and has enough of a bite to keep it interesting. It's funny, managing to skewer New Yorkers, Californians, New Agers, and middle-age crises, all on the same shishkabob; it has great cameos, snappy dialogue, and a pace that keeps it moving right along, with none of the non-nutritive filler that bloats so many films. As the crystal-waving, aura-reading proto-Feng-Shui "decorator," Marlo Thomas is such a NICE person that you just want to smack her. Fortunately, the movie is in on this angle, and Jeannie Berlin expresses the viewer's exasperation very well. Give it a shot as a rental, and you'll probably end up buying a copy.

This movie is highly underrated. The story line is good and keeps the viewer entertained while moving at a good pace. All of the actors do a fine job with their characters. If you're ever in the mood for a little laughter and need to get away from your troubles, watch this movie as I am sure you will enjoy the two hours of entertainment.

I keep hoping that it will be released on DVD. I have a VHS copy (my 2nd actually, because I wore out the first) but I no longer have a VCR. What to do, what to do...

This film is a subtle, brilliant gem.

I was once in a bar in NYC and I realized it was the setting for the bar scene with Melanie Griffith. I got very excited - and tried to quiz the bartender about it. But she had no idea what I was talking about.

In any event, this is one of my all time favorite movies. So witty, so clever, so underplayed. Someday I will screen it for a huge audience. And show them. What is funny.

You don't know me, but take my word for it, this movie is a true gem. These high-power, smart, funny, comic savant women got together and (I'm sure) had the best time of their lives making this film. And we are the beneficiaries.

There are only a few wonderful "screwball" comedies. The last one I remember seeing was "What's Up Doc?", until now "In the Spirit", directed by Sandra Seacat, is right up there with the best of them. In fact, I might suggest that the "spirit" is not only Reva's inner guides, but the ghosts of Hitchcock ("Mr.& Mrs. Smith"), Cukor ("The Awful Truth"), and Hawks ("Bringing Up Baby") are alive and well and kicking up their heels!

I hope you have as much fun watching as I did!