It's only fitting that I start off my first blog entry discussing the movie
that inspired the title of this site. Hopefully you've figured out that it's the
Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan classic, if you didn't then I'm sure you've realised now
and are either really impressed with my wit or shaking your head in disappointment.
That being said, You’ve Got Mail, is one of my absolute favourite movies.
It's not spectacular or ground-breaking in anyway, it's just a good solid
movie. The storyline of the movie is pretty straightforward - guy and girl have
been corresponding online over e-mail, but are unaware that they are real-life
business rivals and as a result cannot stand each other. Trust me when I say they
don't make romantic comedies like this anymore, not only does this movie have
an actual plot, it has a pretty good plot.
Hanks and Ryan, so often referred to as the quintessential 90's movie power
couple (and rightly so) prove that third time's the charm. In their trilogy of 90’s
romantic comedies, Sleepless in Seattle is generally viewed as the biggest
and best, with the scene atop of the Empire State Building still constantly
referenced in popular culture today. While I am a huge fan of the movie and
hold it in high regard, for me, it doesn't exude the same charm and heart as
You've Got Mail does. I mean, who doesn't love getting mail?!
Nostalgia plays a huge part in why I'm such a fan of this movie. No matter
how many times I've watched it, the AOL web browser and icon never fail to make
me smile. I remember the thrill of getting an email at a time when it was
exciting and new, and the two leads do so well to bring that excitement to
life. Then there's the tiny little bookstore, reminding us that world wasn't
always so corporate and that it's important to look out for the little guys in
life.
Everything in this move is effortless, Hanks and Ryan are movie gold, the
pace of the movie is perfect, the script is excellent and the Christmas
setting, the icing on the cake.
I always judge a great movie not by how good it is the first time I view it,
but whether I can watch it again and again without getting bored. This
definitely fits the bill.
No doubt, You've Got Mail, will be playing on TV in December at some point,
and if it is I highly recommend you don't change the channel. Instead sit back,
relax and remember what it feels like to actually watch a good romantic comedy
that doesn't make you want to gauge your eyes out.
Rating: 8/10
