Director: Garry Marshall
Starring: Julia Roberts,Richard Gere,Laura San Giacomo,Jason Alexander
In the opening scene of “Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion,” Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino make fun of the part in “Pretty Woman” where the snobs in Beverly Hills won’t let Julia Roberts shop. Two seconds later, both girls admit that they actually like the movie, and are really happy when she gets to shop. For me, that scene pretty much sums up my feelings about “Pretty Woman.” I know the plot is completely ludicrous and melodramatic, but just like most girls I know, I can’t help liking it and getting completely absorbed every time I watch it.
“Holy Sh-t!” cries Vivian (Julia Roberts), and practically drowns herself in her sea of bubble bath. After all, wouldn’t you be caught off guard if Richard Gere walked in on you singing along to Prince in the bathtub, and then proceeded to offer you $3000, just to spend the week with him? “I’m gonna treat you so good, you’re never gonna wanna let me go,” she exclaims, to which Edward (Richard Gere) replies, “3000 dollars… for six days… I will let you go.” Little does he know that by the end of the week, there is nothing he would rather do less than let Vivian go.
The plot goes like this: Edward Lewis (Gere) comes to L.A. on business, and when he gets lost on Hollywood Boulevard, Vivian (Roberts) gives him directions. Pretty soon she is spending the night in his hotel room, and pretty soon after that, he has hired her to be his date for the entire week. Although they meant to keep it strictly “business,” the two soon begin to fall in love. This is where the movie turns on its charm.
After the whole shopping fiasco, Vivian finally convinces the owner of the hotel, (whom she calls Barney), who has been giving her dirty looks all day, to help her buy a cocktail dress (never mind that she doesn’t even know what a cocktail dress is). With Edward’s money and Barney’s help, she finally transforms herself from vixen to glamour queen, one night at a time. “You’re late,” chastises Vivian. “You’re stunning,” responds Edward. Vivian starts to giggle and replies, “You’re forgiven.” Ah, the start of a beautiful romance, which blossoms just as charmingly for the rest of the movie.
Aside from the charming plot, what really makes the movie work is Julia Roberts’ performance as Vivian. Roberts’ Vivian is warm, brash, smart and funny all at the same time. She delivers lines with impeccable comic timing, and can also warm your heart with just a smile. It’s that smile that makes this movie irresistible to women, and that makes Vivian irresistible to Edward.
Gere is equally charming in his role, playing the knight in shining armor with the right amount of machismo and sex appeal. Additionally, Jason Alexander and Hector Elizondo stand out in their supporting roles as Edward’s lawyer and the owner of the hotel, respectively. All of the performances, coupled with the script come together to make a charming movie that makes you smile right along with Julia.
