When Harry Met Sally | Christian Toto saw, Romance, Comedy | Coming Soon!!
When Harry Met Sally
The 1989 feature gets a spiffy re-release this month [Jan 15] complete with new feature-ettes and seven deleted scenes.
Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan clicked as both feisty friends and later something more in this Rob Reiner comedy. Nora Ephron's script, which lets the leads get to know each other in five-year intervals, builds the romance in jagged, but believable stages. The adorable leads do the rest.
Sure, the film echoed Woody Allen's superior "Annie Hall" in its unabashed affection for Manhattan, but Reiner's comedy delivered a healthier relationship than Allen could ever pen. And Ephron's dialogue is both breezy and poignant.
We may be no closer to answering the film's key question - can men and women be friends without the sex getting in the way? - but at least we have "When Harry Met Sally…" to distract us while we mull it over.
1. The goods: It's only 19 years old, but it's safe to say they don't make 'em like this anymore. Rent "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days," or rather don't, and you'll know what we mean. Ryan was the perfect romantic comedy foil for a good decade, and it's easy to see why. She's approachably beautiful and can convey heartbreak with the slightest of gestures. The lead's chemistry is palpable and while Crystal is considered a better comedian than actor, he's remarkable as the affable Harry. Reiner's touch at this point in his career was unparalleled. Every gag and lump in the throat moment works.
2. The Mandatory Extras: The DVD's extras aren't window dressing or extended back-slapping, although we do get a bit of the latter. "When Rob Met Billy" recalls the director's first meeting with his star -- they worked together on "All in the Family." Their bond continues to this day, but their camaraderie helps illustrate their working relationship. Here, we learn Crystal came up with "I'll have what she's having" line, and Crystal complains that Reiner laughed so much he ruined a few takes.
The deleted scenes are mostly solid and could easily be stitched back into the movie without a discernible dip in humor or pacing. The best is watching Sally describe an awful date who would collect the "air" outside when great moments in history happen.
3. Above and Beyond: The commentary track features Reiner, Crystal and Ephron riffing on the film's production. Their memories and banter are razor sharp and will be catnip for the film's hardcore fan base. But where's Meg Ryan?
— Christian Toto