#723. The Big Chill (1983)

 "Amazing tradition. They throw a great party for you on the one day they know you can't come." - Michael

That one quote pretty much sums up the entire movie.

The opening title sequence features what appears to be someone getting dressed. Then, ew, you realize it's a dead body! What you don't realize is that dead body is actually Kevin Costner (you never see his face and all his scenes were deleted).

I don't really know what to say about this movie. Sure, it was good. The soundtrack is amazing (probably better than the movie). I remember both being a "phenomenon" back in high school, but more a movie for my mom than for me. I was too busy watching Return of the Jedi for the 19th time. The best comparison for this movie is that it was The Breakfast Club for our parents. It featured an all-star cast - you know this because all of their names are in bold on the poster. Speaking of the poster, how Photoshopped does William Hurt look?

As far as plot, a group of college friends reunite for the funeral of another friend who committed suicide. They turn into the houseguests who won't leave - who even invited them to stay all weekend?? - and talk about how much they've changed over the years. Oh, and there's a lot of Motown and making pasta.

Let's not forget Glenn Close pimping out her husband, Kevin Cline, to Mary Kay Place so she could get pregnant. You know, Glenn, even in the '80s, I'm pretty sure artificial insemination was a thing. 

You can't talk about this movie without mentioning the soundtrack. It featured soul, R&B and pop-rock classics and was pretty much required to be in everyone's households in the eighties. Even though it wasn't on the initial soundtrack release (it later showed up on the Deluxe Edition) I love the use of "You Can't Always Get What You Want" by the Rolling Stones at the funeral / procession. 

Those shorts.

Overall, I enjoyed the movie enough. I'm not sure I would have included it on this list if it were up to me. But, if you're feeling nostalgic for the '80s (or the '60s), pop open a bottle of wine, enjoy the soundtrack, and be prepared for Glenn Close's creepy expressions while her husband is boning her friend in the other room.

Grade: ★★★☆☆

U.S. / RUNNING TIME: 105 minutes

PRODUCER: Michael Shamberg

DIRECTOR: Lawrence Kasdan

SCREENPLAY: Lawrence Kasdan & Barbara Benedek

CAST: Tom Berenger, Glenn Close, Jeff Goldblum, William Hurt, Kevin Cline, Mary Kay Place, Meg Tilly, JoBeth Williams

RELEASE DATE: September 28, 1983

BOX OFFICE: $56,399,659

OSCAR NOMINATIONS: Best Picture, Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Glenn Close), Best Original Screenplay