STARS: ***
DIRECTOR: Stephen Frears
PRINCIPLE CAST:
John Cusack
Iben Hjejle
Jack Black
Todd Louiso
Lisa Bonet
Joan Cusack
Tim Robbins
Catherine Zeta-Jones
TAGLINE: A comedy about fear of commitment, hating your job, falling in love, and other pop favorites
Whatever happened after the plane flight in Say Anything? Though not a sequel, this
film pretty much sums up everything. John Cusack apparently got dumped by Ione Skye and, then,
many more members of the feminine gender. Eventually, the feeling of rejection struck a
penetrating blow to his heart and what we are left with is an emotionally discharged record-store
owner. I guess no one can remain a sweet, innocent teenager forever, if anyone managed to be one
in the first place.
Enter the Top-5 Breakup world of Rob Gordon, a record-store owner that just cannot seem to
keep a steady relationship with a member of the opposite (or opposing) sex. A reject from grade
school, high school, college, post-college, and now the working world, Rob tries to put together
the pieces of his love life through numerous Top-5 pop moments and with the help of his two music
store lackeys. The story flashes back to Rob�s many relationships and the heartbreak they caused,
using many memorable 80s tunes to soundtrack the events. The story progresses through narration
with arguments, relationship backlash, and one very humorous dream sequence that all lead up to
an enjoyable closing musical number.
John Cusack has always been a favorite of mine, but I must say that Jack Black as Rob�s
opinionated co-worker Barry steals the show. Every scene he is in, he involuntarily claims his
own. He is truly a highlight to the film. In a way, he so unlikable he is actually likeable.
Although, Jack Black is a truly great addition to the film, everyone gives wonderful performances.
John Cusack is always entertaining. And it�s enjoyable to see Lisa Bonet in her small, but
notable role as singer/songwriter Marie DeSalle. I thought Todd Louiso so amusing in 8
Heads In A Duffel Bag and here he is just as comically goofy. As a whole, gracious
performances are given by all.
At first watching the movie, I thought, ok, cute story, but nothing classic, but by the time
I reached, and mainly highlighted by, the wonderful ending I was thoroughly sucked in. To
anyone that has ever wondered what it would be like to take one of those late-night infomercial
compilation tapes and turn them into a music video, High Fidelity is the answer.
Combining offbeat humor and relationship study, this film is all out fun. Who are your
Top-5?
