Just got back from the movie. I
really loved it. It's one of the best movies I've seen this year, and certainly the most entertaining Robert Altman in memory.
The whole cast is just amazing, and the chemistry between everyone works like a charm. John C. Reilly and Woody Harrelson are lovable as the cowboy duo. I really enjoyed Garrison Keillor's style and dry humor. Lindsay Lohan steals the film on a number of occasions, and she is stunning. Kevin Kline, once again, displays his incredible comedic timing.
As expected, the two actresses who walk away with the film are Meryl Streep (a superb vocalist) and Lily Tomlin. They play beautifully off each other, and the camaraderie between them is touching, and played just right. Their "Goodbye to My Mama" is transcendant and unforgettable.
The whole movie is akin to a great, warm hug. I wish I could put it in better terms, but that's what it felt like. It's not weighty, but it is meaningful. It is, simply put, about the end of an era. During a late moment in the movie, Virginia Madsen, whose role I can't really discuss, says that listening to this show was like visiting a bunch of good friends. Couldn't have said it better myself. Experiencing these heaven-sent musical numbers - such as Reilly and Harrelson's hilarious "Bad Jokes", and Streep and Tomlin's wistful "My Minnesota Home" - I ask myself: "Who needs television?"
Expect screenwriting, acting, costume design, and original song nominations from this one. It's a gem.
Updated On: 6/10/06 at 10:08 PM
- but I was impressed with how many people were there. 
