Easy Living (1937, U.S.)

This is precisely what you'd expect of a mistaken identity comedy of the 1930s. In other words, very sweet and very enjoyable.

When J.P. Ball, a wealthy financier, gets sick of his wife's spending habits and throws her sable coat out the window, it lands on struggling single gal Mary Smith. This sets off a chain of events that causes her to get fired from her job, convinces hotel manager Louis Louis to think she's Ball's mistress, and leads her to meet Ball's son, who's also out looking for work to get out from under his father's control.

If this was one of those screwball comedies starring Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant, it would be a lot different. I don't know if "sexier" is the word, considering we're talking about the 1930s. "Smarter" may be the word, both in the sense of "hipper" and "cleverer." One should avoid comparisons though, because as I said, this one was very sweet. I do love the sassy ones, but I liked this one too—it's nice to have a little variety.

Rating: 3.5

What Happens in Vegas (2008, U.S.)

Anyone who knows me knows that Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz are on my least favorite actors list. They also know that I'm choosy about romantic comedies, and I never go for stupid ones. So why did I watch this flick? Because I was house sitting and it was on the fancy movie channels and there was nothing better to do.

That being said, it wasn't too terrible. It could have been worse. In fact, the concept was quite good. The biggest problems was the casting, obviously. I imagine that with a wittier (and more tasteful) script and better acting, this could have been a great movie, à la Cary Grant/Katharine Hepburn style romantic comedies. It had that situational/physical/screwball comedy thing kind of going for it, plus a few decent jokes. and again, good concept.

So while it's not a complete waste of time, I wouldn't recommend watching it unless there was something better on.

Rating: 2.5

Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994, UK)

I know everyone is going to be shocked that an Anglophile such as myself is going to say this, but I didn't like this movie. I know it's a classic. I know it's supposed to be great. But it really just didn't do it for me.

The writing was not stellar. There were some funny parts, but mostly it was rather blah. The acting was passable, but not overwhelming. And combining those two elements together, the characters just weren't sympathetic at all. They were all silly and shallow and deserving of their fate.

There were some exceptions. For instance, the gentleman played by Simon Callow was completely lovable, and his plot line was worth watching. But as for Charles and Carrie—forget about it.

I was really disappointed with this.

Rating: 2.0

Pillow Talk (1959, U.S.)

This movie reminded me a lot of Down with Love, which I adore. And when I looked it up after I watched this, I found out that Down with Love was a giant nod to sex comedies of this era, but especially to Pillow Talk.

I liked this film quite a bit. It didn't blow me away or anything, but it was an enjoyable way to spend an evening at home. There were quite a few laugh-out-loud moments, and some sappy parts too.

This might be complete sacrilege or what have you, but I really wasn't too thrilled with Doris Day. I think this is the first film I've seen with her, and I just thought she was so-so. I think her character could have been just as easily played by countless other actresses. And her singing... yeah. I just don't see the allure. Rock Hudson, on the other hand, is dreamy, charismatic, and suave. Kind of Clark Gable meets Cary Grant, but mostly in a mold of his own. Very sexy.

If you like cases of mistaken identity, sex comedies, battles of the sexes, old movies, or a good laugh, you should definitely see this one.

Rating: 3.5

I Was a Male War Bride (1949, U.S.)

I adore Cary Grant, and this film is a Cary Grant film. That's pretty much enough said right there. It was absolutely hilarious and quite risque for the '40s. There was all kind of sexual innuendo and cross dressing and overall bending of traditional gender roles.

It was also interesting because it was like two movies rolled into one. Part one was how these two people who got on each other's nerves fell in love. (Think It Happened One Night for the military.) Part two was how the man dealt with being a role traditionally reserved for women.

Slapstick comedy and witty puns galore. I laughed out loud over and over again. If you need a laugh or a Cary Grant fix, this is definitely a great choice.

Rating: 3.5

Bringing Up Baby (1938, U.S.)

What can I say about this one? It's a classic—absolutely hilarious. I love Cary Grant, and I'm also quite fond of Katharine Hepburn. Add a domestic leopard, mistaken identities, and strange situations, and you can't go wrong.

This one just has to speak for itself. It's a classic, and if you want a good laugh, this will do it.

Rating: 4.5