[Editor’s Note: I had been waiting to write this review, hoping to put it out around New Year’s Eve, but the death of Carrie Fisher has spurred me to do it today. May she rest in peace, one with the Force for ever and ever.]
As far as I’m concerned, anything touched by Nora Ephron is of value. Anything by Rob Reiner is probably good, and anything starring Billy Crystal and/or Meg Ryan already has one redeeming quality. When you put the four of them together, it’s probably going to be great no matter what.
When Harry Met Sally… is certainly great. It’s the type of movie that comes on TV, and you just stop what you’re doing to watch it. You know they’re going to end up together, but my goodness, you really can’t see how. She’s difficult and he’s such an oddball.
Harry and Sally, at first, drive from Chicago to New York together when they’re coming out of college. And then a few years pass, and they end up on an airplane together. A few years more, and their respective dates end up falling for each other, leaving Harry and Sally in a fairly awkward position. They fall apart once more, until they finally realize they’re meant for each other after all.
You might think of this film as cheesy, and I guess I could see that. But writer Nora Ephron gives the story so much more than hackneyed plot points, really setting the standard for romantic comedies ever since. There is a tender, beating heart in this film, the type that I find remarkably endearing and genuine.
I try to watch this film every year before the ball drops on New Year’s Eve, as I’m sure at least a few people do. I attempt a lame Billy Crystal impression towards the end, and then I wonder if I could ever pull off that line in real life. You know, “I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start assoonaspossible.” (I got that right on the first try.)
What a marvelous film. When I think of anyone involved, even Carrie Fisher, this is the first movie that comes to mind. Something special happened when Harry met Sally… and I’m so glad it did.
When Harry Met Sally… is available on Blu-ray, DVD, and digital.
The Stoplight 