Diner

Rating:
Summary: French Fries With Gravy & Cherry Colas
Review: I have a lot of affection for this movie, not least because I was born and raised in Baltimore - although I was younger in 1959 and lived on the other side of town. Baltimore is as much a character as any of the actors and the film lovingly recreates the city as I remember it.

Diner is about a bunch of guys who are never happier than when hanging out at the wonderfully nostalgic eatery of the title. The emphasis is on atmosphere and character more than plot, although there are several memorable set pieces - most enjoyably in the cinema when Mickey Rourke's date finds a surprise in the popcorn.

The cast - the heart and soul of the film - are universally strong, except for Kevin Bacon's periodic lapses of overacting. The dialogue seems natural and occasionally improvised - especially Paul Reiser's, whose character unfortunately gets lost in the middle of the film. The female characters are more basic and less deep, but then this is really a film about the guys. And their camaraderie - which developed during rehearsals and filming - is the major charm and attraction of Diner.

I love the film, but then I'm from Baltimore. But it must have universal appeal because my English wife also loves Diner and she's only been to Charm City once. It's a great film that rewards repeated viewings. For me, the only downside is the sight of the Little Tavern and the knowledge that those gorgeous little burgers are now extinct.

Rating:
Summary: Flawed Directing but overall good, original movie
Review: I just rented Diner on DVD for the first time tonight. The movie is an original one and I enjoyed it. Well, most of it. One of the bothering things about this movie was the way the scenes lingered on way after the acting was over. One or two of these scenes is ok but this movie had like 5 or 6 of them. Also, the director, Barry Livingston, put too much camera on some scenes. It was like they were deleted scenes, it was real weird. I have to say though that this movie was entertaining. The actors all did a good job. The music scene in the strip club was unexpected but excellent. I wouldn't buy this movie, because I do agree with the other critic that it lingered on and was rather boring at times. And why did Mickey Rourke have to be so soft spoken and act so weird? I dont know, maybe its just me. He was kind of out there in this movie. Definitely a different kind of actor than the others. The other major complaint of this movie was the sound quality. I can't believe they only used 1 channel stereo sound for this movie. I had to turn up the volume to even hear what the characters were saying. And forget what Rourke was even trying to say! Overall, this is a good movie, but with noticeable flaws.

Rating:
Summary: "Just Say the Words...I Want the Roast Beef Sandwhich!"
Review: I left Baltimore over ten years ago to live in sunny Florida. But whenever I'm feeling homesick for my former hometown, I'll pop Barry Levinson's nostalgic comedy/drama, "Diner" into the DVD player. "Diner" is the first (and the best) of Levinson's 'Baltimore' pictures.These are a series of semi-autobiographical films, that takes place in the Writer/Director's hometown during the late '50's and early '60s. In this case the year is 1959 and it is the Christmas season. A group of buddies in their early twenties are preparing to see one of their own about to go to the alter and get married.In this episodic comedy, we watch as these young men go on dates, drive around, gamble, go to parties etc. No matter what, at the end of the evening they always end up at the diner. It is there, that they hang out and talk about every subject under the sun. From the important to the ridiculous ("Who's better, Mathis or Sinatra?" Answer with sarcastic laughter: "Presley")This is an interesting and humorous film in which we watch how these young guys bond and communicate.They are in a way having their last hurrah before they settle down into lives that involve marriage, jobs, mortgages, kids and other responsibilities of adulthood.This is one of those films where the writing, directing and acting all come together to create something truely special. Levinson's directing (his first film) is right on the mark.He makes us care about these characters no matter how likable or unlikable their behavior may be. The writing (with much improvisation from the actors)is both comical and poignant.One could go on forever listening to the rich and funny back and forth dialogue between these friends(listen to the roast beef sandwich conversation).This film is also known for it's perfect casting, which included star making roles for Steve Guttenberg, Daniel Stern, Mickey Rourke, Kevin Bacon, Tim Daly, Paul Reiser, Michael Tucker and Ellen Barkin.Just about the entire main cast later went on to successful careers in movies and television.Everyone in the cast gives great performances all around.The DVD of this movie is a good transfer and includes extras such as trailers and an informative, half hour documentary in which Levinson and most of the cast talk about the making of the film. This is an excellent movie which I highly recommend!

Rating:
Summary: One of the biggest sleepers of the eighties.
Review: I like this movie a lot. It seems to cover a time in a man's lives that is not covered much, the nervousness in getting married. The film takes place over a short amount of time but that does not detract from the film at all. This film is one of my ten favorite movies of all time. It is a non-violent man's movie.

Rating:
Summary: One of the biggest sleepers of the eighties.
Review: I like this movie a lot. It seems to cover a time in a man's lives that is not covered much, the nervusness in getting married. The film takes place over a short amount of time but that does not detract from the film at all. This film is one of my ten favorite movies of all time.

Rating:
Summary: BORING
Review: i say this is an average boring movie, its not that bad but its definetly not great, it had its moment of humor, but serveral times when i watched this movie i often had to fast forward because it was so boring. well thats just my opion on it. but if you havent seen this movie, i warn you its not worth watching, if you do decide to watch it, you'll find out how the movie is, you decide how it is then.....

Rating:
Summary: Master of dialogue!
Review: I watched this movie because of native son, Barry Levinson. His movies are affectionate toward Baltimore. This movie, like his others, aren't just for Baltimoreans! This could have been the youth of many across the country. It's touching and funny. I laugh out loud at many scenes. Do yourself a favor and get this movie.

Rating:
Summary: A Total Drag
Review: I've heard a lot a good things about this movie, but I would have to disagree after seeing the movie for myself. Four guys talking in a diner. Wow! How great is that? I usually watch a movie through, but I couldn't with this one. It was boring to the point that I fell asleep. You could disagree. That's alright by me. All I'm saying is, the movie was a bomb.

Rating:
Summary: For fans of the movie:
Review: If you loved the movie, then seek out a book by Chip Silverman titled Diner Guys. Mr. Silverman grew up with all of the people who wound up as character's in Mr. Levinson's movie. Mr. Silverman offers fun details about what happened before, during and after the period covered in the movie.

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic
Review: Like reviewer Funk, I believe this film is a testimonial to anyone who grew up in Baltimore during the Colt era. Mickey Rourke's portrayal of furture clothing maven Boogie Weinglass is particularly magnificent.