Mikes Film Talk

Directed by David Mirkin this 1997 comedy, like fine wine, gets better with age. Romy and Michele’s High School reunion also benefits from repeated viewings. It is based on two characters developed in the stage play; Ladies Room.This is a lightweight delicious romp through two unfocused girls memories of high school and their first ten-year reunion.

The story

Starring Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino the films opens with these two best friends in their everyday lives. They then discover their upcoming ten-year high school reunion. We learn in rapid order that neither of the two girls are what could be termed successful; they are amazingly shallow for the age of 28 and they are not the sharpest tools in the shed. The other thing we learn is that they cannot, either of them, make a decision.

After hysterically trying to “success themselves up” by losing weight, getting boyfriends and landing great jobs, the girls admit defeat and decide to attend the reunion with a list of lies about how rich they are.

We are treated to the Romy and Michele’s high school memories. They clung to each other as the “ultimate” misfits of the school. The flashbacks in the film are as funny as the present day events. The film is not side-splittingly funny, but, it is funny. With both Kudrow and Sorvino on top form the film could not help but be funny.

What works

Kudrow, who sharpened her comedic skills and timing on Friends, was no surprise. The woman is a naturally gifted comic actress and this film confirms it. The real surprise to me was Sorvino. I had seen her in Mimic and The Replacement Killers, neither one of which was comedic in nature. I remember watching the film and saying, “Damn! That Mira Sorvina is funny. Who’d have thunk?” Well the casting agent, apparently.

Both the women work extremely well as a double act. It is in essence a female buddy movie.

The stereotypes that they portray from the two girls high school days are funny and pretty much spot-on. The A list group who puts down anyone not in their sphere of specialness; the loners and socially inept (that Romy and Michele were a part of) who hover around in the background of pretty much every high school in the world; plus the other little cliques (the sports crowd, the drama crowd, et al) and the way these groups formed allegiances to pick on the loners.

The Reunion

The reunion itself continues to pile on the stereotypes with the school sport star running to seed. He has become an overweight alcoholic who married the lead cheerleader. The cheerleader leads a promiscuous life with everyone but her husband.

The class emo (or goth) has become rich after inventing the “fast” cigarette. The A-list group all have carbon copy lives. They cannot entertain the idea of original thought. Although one girl broke away and became a fashionista. The geekiest kid in school has become a multi-millionaire with his own helicopter. He laos hs a case of unrequited love for the Romy and Michele.

Yes the film relies on stereotypes and a certain schmaltzy feel to the comedy elements of the film. But…but…It works; beautifully. In fact the comedic deluge is almost relentless. At no time during the film did I not sit there without at least a smile on my face. The thing I did most was chuckle and laugh. Despite the fact that Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion did not garner more than 29 million dollars at the box office; the film has gone on to achieve cult status with its fans.

All I can say is, “Bless you Netflix.” I stumbled over this film while trundling through the movies on offer. I am glad I did because being a huge Kudrow fan it was a pleasant surprise and Sorvino’s performance was an even more pleasant surprise. The soundtrack is hip and relevant fitting the scenes like a wry glove.

The Verdict and the trailer

I wouldn’t give this movie a 5 star rating, but damn it, it’s at least a 4 if not 4 1/2, definitely worth popping up a bowl of popcorn; cracking open a coke and enjoying yourself till the end credits roll.

POSTSCRIPT:

Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion is streaming on Hulu and Paramount +. You can stream this or rent it fromPrime Video. This 1997 movie has aged pretty well.

Michael Knox-Smith

07/09/2024

USA