Boire et déboires

I saw this film when it first came out and I laughed out loud at quite a few scenes and thoroughly enjoyed it. Both Bruce Willis and Kim Basinger are excellent and there was obvious comic chemistry between them. There also plenty of great lines and performances from the supporting cast too, especially from John Larroquette (Basinger's psychotically obsessed erstwhile boyfriend). It was a complete mystery to me why it was so panned on release, but reading some of the comments here I am glad to see that this minor gem is finally getting the recognition it deserves. All I'll add is: dobermans, golf balls, moonwalking and an abject lesson in why you should never get your new girlfriend drunk.

Bruce Willis (in his pre-action hero days)is perfect as the hapless Walter Davis who finds his whole life crashing down on him after just one night with his sister-in-law's cousin, Nadia (Kim Basigner). The reliable Blake Edwards is in the director's chair so there are many funny moments in store. A winning romantic comedy.

I've always loved Blake Edwards films and although this may not have been regarded as his best work, I feel it was highly underrated. Though thoroughly implausible in many ways, I have to say that this movie made me laugh harder than any movie I've ever seen. My sides literally hurt after watching it. Although I've only seen it a few times since it came out because none of the networks other than FX ever show it. Why I don't know because it's really great!!

The main reason I'd have to say was John Laroquette as Nadia's psychotic ex-boyfriend. I was cracking up in every single scene he was in with his standard line (I'll kill you). His physical comedy is totally brilliant. I don't know why he didn't end up with a film career of his own. But my favorite scene has to be at the end when Nadia sees David hanging from the balcony of the house and squeals as they both dive into the pool and meet at the bottom in a kiss as they come up for air, with David yelling; "Nadia, get your mouth off of him"!!

The movie is flawed in places though. What are the odds that a house moving company would be moving a house at the exact moment that Nadia decides to knock on the door. And it is never explained why Walter is facing 2 years in prison for his night on the town, yet David completely escapes any legal obligations for plowing his car into 3 seperate businesses.

Kim Basinger and Bruce Willis were great as well. Though I didn't understand why they dyed her gorgeous blonde hair brown. Maybe because her image was supposed to be that of a sweet girl looking for love and Edwards thought she'd look too much the vamp and would lack credibility without the dye job. It's also a good chance to see the late Phil Hartman early in his career. I also loved the love song played at the end by Gary Morris and Jennifer Warnes.

All in all, a fun ride from beginning to end. If you haven't seen it yet, go out and rent it now. You won't be disapointed, it's a 10+++!

BLIND DATE (1987)*** Bruce Willis, Kim Basinger, John Larroquette, William Daniels, Phil Hartman. Willis in his first film during his "Moonlighting" hey-day is faced with the blind date from hell Basinger, a bombshell who "loses control" with one drink of alcohol, causing a night of slap-stick heavy consequences. Larroquette is a riot as her zealously jealous pinhead ex hellbent on destroying Willis. Best bit: Larroquette's car destruction. Directed with flair by ace Blake Edwards.

One of my favorite 80's comedies. Many very funny and memorable scenes. It's a fun, light-hearted film about a blind date gone awry. Of course, everything that can happen DOES happen on this particular date, and many laughs are the result. The best scene is when Walter and Nadia go to a restaurant after Nadia has had too much to drink. Apparently, she has some sort of chemical imbalance to liquor, and things go haywire in front of Walter's business associates.