Based on the 1940 Jimmy Stewart/Margaret Sulluvan film, "The Shop Around the Corner" (itself based on Miklos Laszlo's play "Parfumerie"), "You've Got Mail" not only proves that one can successfully update a charming film, but also that lightning can strike twice.
By that, we're referring to the second pairing of Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, and writer/director Nora Ephron who previously delighted romantic comedy fans with 1993's "Sleepless in Seattle." Like that film, this one's rather lightweight, fluffy stuff, but oh, what a tasty concoction of cinematic cotton candy it proves to be.
Sure, it's rather predictable (considering how few romantic comedies end with the couple not being together), and some may complain that it's too saccharinely sweet for its own good. Nonetheless, you can't beat the wonderful and naturally easy chemistry between Hanks and Ryan, or Ephron's direction and script (co-written by sister Delia Ephron) that take full advantage of their on screen chemistry with a crisp plot and smart and funny dialogue.
Instead of using the contemporary romantic comedy plot where the two destined lovers crisscross each other's paths but only meet at the end, this one allows the protagonists to fully interact with each other while still maintaining that anonymous, "we almost met" element.
Because of that, the film comes off as more enjoyable than "Sleepless" since the audience gets to see the two characters together throughout much of the story, and thus consequently laugh, worry and wonder about when and how they'll finally both know the other's true identity.
By including the entire bookstore rivalry subplot where the two characters don't like each other, Ephron adds another whole level that easily stands on its own, but also perfectly complements the main romantic plot.
In addition, she adds plenty of fun montage scenes (Hanks playing with some kids, Hanks and Ryan constantly running into and then trying to avoid each other, etc...) along with the standard diverse soundtrack selection (where the songs are actually chosen for the moment's theme or feeling, instead of used simply to fill a soundtrack for profit's sakes), all to keep things lively throughout.
Of course what makes the film work so well is the perfect cast, and Hanks and Ryan couldn't be more well-suited, charming and likeable than they are here. With this, their third film together (the first being "Joe Versus the Volcano"), Hanks and Ryan are so comfortable playing with and against each other that their relationship always seems perfectly natural and believable.
Hanks (who's had a banner year with "Saving Private Ryan" and producing the wonderful HBO series, "From the Earth to the Moon") is easily our generation's Jimmy Stewart or Cary Grant. Playing the everyday man with extraordinary ease, Hanks nonchalantly slips into every role he plays and makes the characters instantly likeable, but more importantly, he also makes them human. While there's clearly nothing complex about his character here, his timing, mannerisms and the overall joy he brings to the role are priceless.
The same can be said about Meg Ryan ("When Harry Met Sally," "City of Angels") and her performance. Like Hanks, she's becoming synonymous with contemporary romantic comedies and her portrayal of charmingly cute, contemporary women who still dream of "white picket fence" lives is always perfectly played. Certain performers can always bring a smile to moviegoers' faces, and Ryan is one of those actresses with that innate gift, and she uses it to full advantage in her role here.
The supporting cast, while not given a great deal of screen time, is fantastic and all deliver solid performances. Jean Stapleton (TV's "All in the Family") is always fun to see, while independent film queen, Parker Posey ("The House of Yes") plays something of a more "normal" role than usual. Greg Kinnear ("As Good As It Gets") is decent as Kathleen's scholarly columnist boyfriend, while the wacky Steve Zahn ("That Thing You Do!") and David Chappelle ("Half Baked") provide the supplemental comic relief.
Easily the best "feel good" and perfect date movie of the year, "You've Got Mail" is a decidedly lightweight, but fun and charming film that will lift everyone's spirits and put a smile on their faces. Featuring a smart script and Hanks and Ryan at their best as romantic comedy characters, you simply can't go wrong with this picture. We give this delightful, audience pleasing film an 8 out of 10.
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