Entertainment

At the Movies

Posted on by Stacey Bewkes

I was going to feature a different movie today that was more directly related to Thanksgiving but as we cleaned up after our turkey dinner, it was clear that this had to be the one. My daughter put her play list into the stereo system and as I stood at the sink, all the kids cleared the table, grooving to the beat as they brought the dishes through. It immediately reminded me of that famous kitchen scene in The Big Chill.

I would imagine that most readers have seen this classic but if not, it should go to the top of your Netflix list! From 1983, this Lawrence Kasdan film defined a generation. With an all star cast and a fabulous sound track, this movie has broad appeal beyond just the baby boomers. For those who aren’t familiar with the plot, the film opens with seven friends from college, meeting at the funeral of a fellow University of Michigan alumni.

And although this isn’t a Thanksgiving movie per se, there is a famous deleted Thanksgiving scene that was originally set to close the film – a flashback from college featuring the now deceased friend, played by Kevin Costner, who we never see in the final film.

The movie alternates between laughter and tears as these old friends relive their idealistic pasts, trying to justify their present lives while recapturing lost dreams. One of my favorite actors, Kevin Kline plays host, with wife Glenn Close, to an eclectic crew including JoBeth Williams, Jeff Goldblum, William Hurt, Tom Berenger, Mary Kay Place, Don Galloway and Meg Tilly as the space-cadet girlfriend of the dead friend. While some elements of the film might be dated, the themes of abandoned ideals and imagined lives are timeless.

Take a peek at the trailer and see why this almost 30 year old film still holds appeal for a new generation of movie watchers.

24 thoughts on “At the Movies”

  2. I have to see this again! And I doubt if Remi has ever seen it. I am also a huge Kevin Kline fan–an actor’s actor. I love imagining the modern day version of the kitchen scene with your family all dancing! Wishing you a relaxing weekend. :)

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  3. I just never get tired of seeing this film. From the opening chords of “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”, you just knew this movie was going to be a classic.

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  5. Love this movie. Love it. Haven’t seen it in so very many years. I used to have the soundtrack on Tape! I think I will make this part of my weekend agenda!

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  9. This is such a great Thanksgiving movie! Thanks for the reminder, I will need to see if I can track it down over the weekend. Hoping you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

    xo Mary Jo

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  10. One word – Classic – might need to rent it tonight. The soundtrack is awesome and play it all the time. Perfect movie for this time of year.

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  12. I can’t believe this is 30 years old! I love this movie and that house. Although today they would probably have a bigger kitchen! Thanks for the reminder, I’m going to check it out again. I love movies with great houses. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, Stacey!

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  13. Love, love this movie. I have seen it many times and never tire of it. The opening scene is so great and of course the kitchen scene. Thanks for the reminder of a terrific film!

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  16. you know, I have never seen this film I’m sad to say…
    but will definitely add it to my list..(well, actually, it’s on my list..I’m slow..just never seem to get around to watching…after all, you have to sit in one spot for an hour and a half..who can do that?!!)…
    thanks for the reminder…
    best,
    maureen

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  21. This one is a classic, on the list of those few films we might actually own if we ever saw them at a screaming deal price!

    Hope you holiday weekend was bliss, it has been a busy fall for you!
    tp

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