Customer Reviews

Romy and Michele's High School Reunion [VHS]

5 star:		(114)
4 star:		(36)
3 star:		(15)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

Who doesn't want to go to their high school reunion, and show everyone they look better then they did then with success beyond anyone's dreams? This laugh out loud satire of course takes it to the extreme, but it is a fun movie. As the movie switches back and forth between the present and the past, we see how they were tortured in high school. Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow act well together with great screen presence. The supporting cast is priceless! Well done comedy!

Love that quote. I actually had mono in college and lost about 10 pounds, but I wouldn't recommend it as a diet. Anyway, my college roommate and I would watch this movie when fighting stress, trying to hide from stupid people at college, and for relaxation (which means that we watched it about every other week). A most necessary escapism!

The opening scene, in which R & M are making fun of "Pretty Woman" ("As if the salesgirls there aren't bigger whores than she is"...."i get so happy when they let her shop!") is pretty much evocative of the whole movie - comparing themselves with other women, shopping for jobs and men.

Another great scene is when they're at the club, looking for suitable men, and Romy gets away from one guy with the excuse, "I cut my foot before, and my shoe is filling up with blood."

A wonderful movie in general, especially for individualists who were never part of cliques, who despise people that still grade others with shallow high school hierarchy systems.

Laugh outloud funny, and Janeane Garafalo's character is a perfectly independent blend of bitterness, sarcasm, and bitchiness. "This dress exacerbates the genetic betrayal that is my legacy."

Especially enjoyed the 80s high school flashbacks. Dressing like Madonna for the prom, happily basking in their fashion skills and originality (but of course Billy had to ruin it). When one of the A-list crowd put the magnets on Romy's back, it was so tragic. As Michele said later, "You couldn't help that you had scoliosis!" Duh! Bullies who pick on people for traits that they cannot change should be dragged out into the street and shot (Garfield used to say that, I believe).

The reunion itself is both sad and a relief. The post-it notes lie was taken advantage of by the knocked-up Chrissy, who should be a laughingstock herself just for being pregnant and having a husband who's an alcoholic and manwhore (and who was never cute, in my opinion). Well, she does end up a laughingstock by the end of the movie, when the wind from the helicopter blows up her dress. Ha!

Also, Chrissy never satisfied her dreams of becoming a news anchorwoman/weatherwoman because of marrying early (which is rarely a smart idea), effectively forcing herself into a little hole - unlike Romy and Michele, who have lived as they wanted to live, have had fun even though they aren't "successful" in the eyes of the world.
[...]

Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow are Romy and Michelle, two ditzy blonde friends who live together in LA. When Romy runs into a high school classmate (Jeanne Garofalo, at her finest) the two women decide to attend their tenth high school reunion. Michelle and Romy decide to fabricate lives for themselves- successful careers, boyfriends, etc., to impress the people they went to high school with.

Using "like" after "like every "like" word "like," the two drive a Jaguar from LA to Arizona, reliving memories from the past- including old crushes and avoiding the "A" crowd of popular girls. While at the reunion, a lot of things (some of them improbable, to be sure) occur.

Although not of the highest calibre, this movie is extraordinarily funny, light comedy. It reminds us of what was good (or bad) about our high school years, while making us laugh at the same time about the foibles of the past.

Kudos to the other reviewer who mentioned why they don't attend High School reunions. I told my alma matar to put me on a do not call list but luckily I live 3000 miles away and my family left town as did I LONG AGO! The 80's flashback and songs carry this film. Romy and Michelle are an adorable duo who have lived their life on their own terms. Like many independent souls, the two were a pair of teenage girls who were desperate to fit in and only experienced social torture from the popular crowd. One very telling scene in the film was how one of their former tormentors, now a fashion editor for Vogue in New York, defended them against the former "hot girls" who still slugged them at the reunion despite being married (trapped), unhappy(of course), and pregnant (baggage). I agree, those who looked like shoe-ins for a life of success sometimes don't live up to their teenage glory.

This poignant moment reminds me of a Greek quote: "Whom the Gods adore they sent turbulence, turmoil and thunderbolts. Whom the Gods would destroy they crown with early glory"

Almost ten years after the fact, "Romy & Michelle" endures as one of those personal Top Ten Feel-Good Movies that can be watched over and over with any kid or teen in your family, much like "Mrs. Doubtfire." When all else fails....

As a matter of fact, my college-freshman niece is receiving for Xmas this year a brand-new copy of the DVD and a stamper that says, "Let's Fold Scarves"!! R&M created traditions for us!

This movie was actually a LOT better than I thought it would be. I watched it on TV out of mere curiousity, esp. since my own reunion wasn't too far off at the time. It really does make anyone reflect on their high school days & wonder what really has changed. Romy & Michele "like totally" remind me of the relationship I had with my best friend & how we were like in high school... best friend loners that just wanted to be noticed and accepted. The thing that always blew my mind was that for some reason, there were only the select few that were "popular", but who really gives them that position, only for it to not to even matter after graduation? Other than just mere wishing, I never actually tried to be apart of the "in" crowd, I was too busy being a band nerd, & that was what my high school life was centered on so I wouldn't have to dwell with the social aspects. Even still, I tried so hard to be the best, which I succeeded in, but what was I really doing it for, myself, or for everyone else's approval? That's exactly what Romy & Michele want is approval, & they're gonna try as hard as they can to get it...only to realize, what were they actually doing it for in the first place? I think a LOT of people can relate to this. Another question still weighs my mind... "What's the point of going if we're not gonna impress people?" For the most part, you should go to a reunion because you want to, not just to impress people... but wouldn't it be nice at the same time to make someone gasp at your envious life? Just for the record, I did have mine, but I didn't go because of various (convenient) conflicts. If I did go, I at least wanted to talk & reflect with those classmates of mine (mostly in band) that actually did make that difficult period worth while.

Kudrow & Sorvino make a cute, awesome pair...I can't really think of anyone else able to pull off their characters as well. Janeane Garofalo's character is equally amusing with her uber sarcastic comments. There are so many funny scenes & memorable lines, like the hilarious "Oh Ramon" scene, esp. when she says "you wanted it to be believable"....yes, smile if you wish. Romy had her voice all too well planned out for when she announces: "I invented post-its". Then when they try to impress the A crowd, you can't help but laugh when Michele says "We're not the ones who got fat," or "I hope your babies look like monkeys!" Very very silly, but you can't help but laugh and agree. You also can't help but feel for the girls' relationship, like when Romy realizes that they can't accessibly find new jobs & boyfriends in 2 weeks, & Michele says in her encouraging voice, "But I thought you said we could?", & then later she also tells her "I thought high school was a blast", referring to the fact that it was a blast because of Romy... which I totally related to. And who can't help but love the 80's tunes!

The main drawback to the movie is the audience it caters to... which, of course, is female. I even made my mom watch it, and she liked it. I certainly have never met any men who have admitted to watching it, but I'm sure some could find it enjoyable once they get past the girly-ness. It does seem overly girly at times, like all the fashion talk (I'm not much of a fashion buff myself), but this is overlooked for me because I'm always drawn to the various points the movie makes, like how it pokes fun at stereotypes & how materialistic society is. Quite possibly I liked it so much because I related to the characters, and if you don't relate to the characters, you might not "get it"... or maybe you will. In a way, they reminded me of female versions of Beavis & Butthead... where they're in their own world, one's smarter, but they still have lots of witty things to say. Who knows, it may have been really boring if the girls had been extremely intelligent... but who cares, it was fun the way it was. Either way, even though the movie may seem silly & simple on the outside, on the inside is a lot of laughs & thoughts to stay with you through each viewing. Highly recommended!!

Watching this movie brought so many memories of high school. I graduated in 1987, and also had my 10th reunion when this movie came out. I identify with the characters' Romy and Michele in the loner way, in the way that they always wanted to be accepted by their peers, and were tortured repeatedly by the "A" group of their class. IT is great hearing all the music again too that I listened to back in my high school days. This is a light hearted film, that shouldn't be taken too seriously. It has a lot of great dialogue, and the best acting nod has to go to Alan Cumming as Sandy Frink. He is an extremely talented and versatile actor. He will make you laugh in this movie. Both Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino are very funny and very believable as the "airheads" Romy and Michele. Janine Garofelo plays the "loner" Heather Mooney. She is hysterical in this film. This film is in my video library and it's fun watching it again and again. It's a great light hearted comedy, and although I think they could have done more with the ending, it was a cool ending. If you are 31 years old(male or female), and feeling nostalgic for the high school days, rent Romy and Michele.

ROMY AND MICHELE'S HIGH SCHOOL REUNION is a hilarious comedy favorite starring the fabulous Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow.

Romy White (Mira Sorvino - MIGHTY APHRODITE) and Michele Weinberger (Lisa Kudrow - LUCKY NUMBERS, TV's "Friends) are the self-proclaimed outsiders at Sagebrush High in Tucson.

When 10 years pass and Romy and Michele receive invites for the 10-year reunion in Tucson, the girls realise that they have done almost zilch with their lives since moving to LA shortly after graduation. They resort to dressing up like businesswomen and coming up with the "foolproof" story of having invented the Post-It. The ruse almost comes off, but not before the girls come face-to-face with their old demons....the "A-Group"!

Full of snappy lines and dead-on performances by Janeane Garofalo, Alan Cumming, and a wonderful supporting cast.

I could watch this classic every day.

Since I am a child of the 80's, I have embraced the culture of it. I love the music, I love to laugh at the styles that were popular then, and I love to laugh at pictures of myself with mile-high hair.

"Romy & Michele's High School Reunion" brought back a lot of those memories. From the music to the clothes to the "high-school mentality," I laughed continuously through it. Even my boyfriend got a kick out of it. He doesn't normally like "chick flick" movies - he steers clear of them. However, I found him laughing right along with me.

This movie also struck a nerve with me: high school pettiness. References to the "A", "B", and "C" crowd made me practically nod my head in agreement.

Romy and Michele's desperate effort to fit in can mirror many people's experience when it comes to being liked by the "in" crowd. Their attempts to fit in and appear successful are laughed at and announced to the whole school (this is where the old high school pettiness comes in, even after 10 years) and Romy is devestated. All she ever wanted was to fit in, to have others like her.

Michele is quick to remind Romy that when it came right down to it, their high school years weren't all that bad. She had FUN. So, why not do at the reunion what they should have come for in the first place? Be themselves! Stop trying to impress people! Who cares what other people think?

Overall, this movie is a fun romp to liven the spirits. The 80's soundtrack is a must, and the 80's kitsch will bring back many a fond memory.

Okay, it doesn't matter that I've seen this movie at least 36 times, I never get tired of plugging it.

Romy and Michele are invited to their 10-year High School Reunion. But when they start filling out their questionnaire ("They want to know what we've been doing for the past ten years.") they realize their lives aren't all that glamorous after all. So they devise a little scheme, making up a story involving the invention (and design!) of Post-It Notes. Thus spawns the great debate: Who's the Mary and who's the Rhoda.

Of course nothing goes according to plan, and the two decide to part ways once they arrive at their reunion back at Sagebrush High in Tucson, Arizona ("This town is, like, so unhip!" "Oh, I know!")

Despite the lengthy dream sequence in the middle of the movie, it made me wonder which group I belonged to in High School. Definitely not the A group. Lisa Kudrow was made to play Michele, the half-wit blonde with a heart of gold. Mira Sorvino was just as convincing as her best friend forever, Romy. The two could only be upstaged by the inimitable Janeane Garofalo. Throw in the perky Toby Walters (played to a "T" by Camryn Manheim) and Alan Cumming as the "pocket-protector" geek who constantly lusts after Michele and you have one cute story.

Of course, no matter how much I like this film, the cheesy dance sequence towards the end always makes me cringe. But it's still cute nevertheless. When I want to reminisce of my own 80's high school days, I'll pop in this video and wax nostalgic.