92 Minutes
Directed By: David Mirkin
Written By: Robin Schiff
Staring: Mira Sorvino, Lisa Kudrow, Jeneane Garofalo, Justin Theroux, Camryn Manheim, and Alan Cumming
Actually, I have been trying this new fat free diet I invented. All I’ve had to eat for the past six days are gummy bears, jelly beans, and candy corns. -Romy
Synopsis
Two women get into a lot of trouble when they go to their high school reunion and lie about their lives after twelfth grade.
Review
Most people can relate to being the nerd in school rather than being the popular cheerleader, and because of this Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion is going to resonate with people whether they think it’s dumb or not. When Romy and Michele’s ten year reunion comes around, they want to prove that they aren’t the same fat and geeky girls they were in high school to the popular cheerleader girls. This plot could make for a drama, but what makes it a comedy is the dim witted shallowness of our two main characters.
Visually Romy and Michele look like they’ve rolled out of barbies closet. All of their clothing is skimpy, bright and shimmery and both are blonde and hot. Unfortunately for them, their heads are just as empty as barbies too. It’s obvious the two are compensating for years of being unattractive on the outside and focused entirely on that rather than developing any common sense, and so they learned to shop.
The most interesting part about the reunion is that it isn’t actually all that predictable. It has elements that you can forsee, but the way it unveils itself is actually very innovative. The ridiculous idea they come up with to say they invented “post it’s” is hysterical. More ditzy jokes interlude, and after awhile it seems impossible anyone could be as dense as our two leads, but there is something so charming about them, you can’t help but chuckle. When they finally reach the reunion some of the predicatble events happen, but as a viewer you’re already so warmed to the character’s it becomes insanely comical.
Romy and Michele exudes the same sweetness that Clueless has. It doesn’t pull itself together as well, but it is successful most of the time. This was a movie that caught me by surprise. I was certain it would be on my worst list and I was gladly proven wrong. These airheads are infectious and hilarious. Romy and Michele are definitely worth spending your afternoon on.
