Roxanne

Roxanne continues to strike me as a sweet RomCom, one that is nice for a date night, but is a little weak standing the test of time. Any film will eventually show its age, but some can rise above that and carry us anyway. There are elements here that were a bit tough even back in the day (some of the less chivalrous elements come to mind), but one keeps in mind the timeframe in which they were filmed and place in history and hopefully understands it as a snapshot of the times. Beyond that, Roxanne, written by Steve Martin, offers a light and fun take on Cyrano, and how one man’s love for the woman of his dreams can grow beyond the physicality of how he looks. That this play has been remade multiple times speaks to its universality, so too here, do we go on a journey of love and looking beyond the outward towards the inward. Steve Marin as CD is a great turn, a guy with a large nose and short temper that becomes tempered as he falls for Daryl Hanna’s Roxanne. Martin’s comedic turns are always a delight and it’s fun revisiting his time playing on screen. Rick Rossovich is Chris, the love interest Roxanne is drawn to. A complete 1980’s hunk with no brains - the 8-s liked this character archetype - is sweet and charming, but a bit much - not that Rossovich can’t act, this is more about the character. I like the guy in other films, but this one... I wish they’d made him a little... less. This is a fun albeit quirky town - the word works here - always ready for the set up to let CD (Martin) riff off about his nose in some way or another. But in the end... while you can guess, I won’t spoil it. Let’s just say, this is a sweet film ready for a great date night. And while it doesn’t hold up in someways, in the ways of universality of story, Cyrano will always be a classic, and so too does this Roxanne hold up.

I've always had a certain fondness for this movie and yet I've only just watched it beginning to end for the first time. Perhaps it is because this movie is comfort food for the eye. This is a pleasant pleasing romantic comedy. This is also something of a watershed moment for leading star and cowriter Steve Martin. For me Roxanne has always represented the cinematic moment when Steve Martin stopped being the over-the-top "wild and crazy guy of SNL, and The Jerk" and admitted that not only was he intelligent but that he could respect his audience.I never really thought of the 1897 play Cyrano de Bergerac as a comedy. I'd always thought of it as a swashbuckling romantic drama along the lines of the Three Musketeers. As a romantic comedy it makes more sense. Having tied Roxanne to the famous Cyrano play I will very quickly cover the bare bones of the plot.Steve Martin plays small-town Fire Chief C. D. Bales an intelligent, resourceful and brave man with a confidence problem tied to his very large nose. Into his life comes Daryl Hannah playing Roxanne an intelligent astronomy student who promptly falls for the good-looking and vacuous Rick Rossovich playing Chris. CD assumes that Roxanne can never love a man with an outsize nose and therefore he lends his verbal skills to the inordinately shy Chris. This being a romantic comedy there will be some confusion and some twists but romance will win all.If there is one subtle complexity this pleasant evening's entertainment it is gal pal Shelley Duval as the not conventionally beautiful Dixie. Dixie is was friendly and supportive and beloved by none. Love wins over looks just not always. And just in case you think this movie is about subtle complexities there is just enough physical comedy, slapstick and associated silliness to keep you in cheap laughs. Perhaps Steve Martin insisted on these last few easy giggles just in case there was not enough of his clever writing.This is a movie for quiet relaxing evening. It is the cinematographic equivalent of a very well-made macaroni and cheese side dish - warm a little bit gooey but satisfying.

I think this is one of Steve Martins best movies. There are no 30 minute fight scenes or massive CGI, but just a fun movie.

This review pertains to the "retro-VHS-style" Blu-ray edition of 'Roxanne' from 2019.First, don't be fooled by the 'retro-VHS-style' designation, it refers only to the packaging: The disc in its standard Blu-ray case comes with an outer cardboard slipcase, cleverly designed to look like an old VHS carton from the late 80s. That's all it means. This edition (at its irresistible bargain price considerably under $10.00!) includes the film only. No fancy special features or Easter eggs. The disc menu is bare-boned and basic, and that's just fine as far as I'm concerned.Why?Well, I have loved this movie since first catching a sneak preview the summer it came out (1987). Subsequently, I've owned it on VHS, DVD, and now--best of all!--on Blu-ray. FINALLY! The film has been beautifully re-mastered and presented in true widescreen format, taking the bad taste of that abysmal 1998 DVD with its amateurish pan-and-scan away for good! Every detail (and subtle facial expression) is visible in sharp, vivid resolution--no cut-off heads or blurry edges. And the film is just as delightful as I recall; a clever contemporary adaptation of Rostand's classic 'Cyrano de Bergerac' with ingenious comic twists and a feel-good happy ending, making it one of the most enjoyable summer movies of all time!Enthusiastically, joyfully recommended!

A good classic turned into a good move. It doesn't always work out when they try to turn a classic into a movie, but this one worked well! Great rainy day movie.

He has a big nose

Transplanting from old France to contemporary middle USA might seem difficult, but the film achieves this superbly. Steve Martin is outstanding as the nasally-challenged fire chief, and from the fight with the tennis louts, through the virtuoso display in the bar, to the hilarious scenes prompting his gormless fireman to woo the heroine, he is on top form. One of his best films.

This is a sadly half-forgotten film with Steve Martin on top form and some great supporting performances. Now it has a good quality blu-ray transfer also, treat yourself!

Is there anybody out there who does not have a sense of humour besides Prepaymania, SoundTap,and the Amazon Claims Department. Steve Martin should work for you all. One difference, he really cares!!! The Movie is Great!Just been invited to edit my review. I shall. Steve Martin is still great.

Loosely based on the story of Cyrano de Bergerac, big nosed, trying to win the love of a beautiful woman (in this case Daryl Hannah), updated by Steve Martin, comedy genius. Funny and touching film, surprisingly good.

One of the most charming, witty, delightfully feel-good rom-coms ever made. No matter how gloomy or down you may be feeling, you will be smiling by the end! (And the scenery, filmed at Nelson in British Columbia, is stunning)