217 reviews
Two women (Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sovino) get into a lot of trouble when they go to their high school reunion and lie about their lives after twelfth grade.
This film is a win. It could not be called a "great" film and maybe not even a "good" film, but it sure is a lot of fun. From the 1980s music, to the outrageous outfits... and the very, very subtle references to "Scream" and "Pulp Fiction". I loved it all. And the guest stars: Alan Cumming, Camryn Manheim, Janeane Garofalo? Classy 90s, too.
Although I have never and will never attend a reunion -- and I doubt this film accurately captures what a reunion is like -- I really had a lot of fun with Romy and Michele.
This film is a win. It could not be called a "great" film and maybe not even a "good" film, but it sure is a lot of fun. From the 1980s music, to the outrageous outfits... and the very, very subtle references to "Scream" and "Pulp Fiction". I loved it all. And the guest stars: Alan Cumming, Camryn Manheim, Janeane Garofalo? Classy 90s, too.
Although I have never and will never attend a reunion -- and I doubt this film accurately captures what a reunion is like -- I really had a lot of fun with Romy and Michele.
"Romy & Michele's High School Reunion" is all about Sorvino and Kudrow as a couple of best friend ditzes who have supported each through and since school and are confronted with their first high school ten year reunion. This female frolic depends entirely on the audience buying into the fun and funniness of the two leads and their nonstop blonde moments. The rest of the film is the usual high school reunion gig with all the stereotypes in place and the usual morals about just being yourself, being happy with who you are, being real, etc. Personally, I adored this flick but then I love "Adventures in Babysitting", "Sixteen Candles", and "Hollywood Knights" which requires going to a whole different place in your head to get away from "Gone With the Wind", "Citizen Kane", and "2001 A Space Odyssey". "Clueless" for the adult dating distaff. Fun, fun, fun. (B)
I don't find Romy and Michele's High School Reunion to be as funny as some seem to—just consistently amusing—but I still like it: it has a warmth and charm that you don't find in many Hollywood films, a few profound points to make about life and true happiness, and two absolute babes with amazing legs—and sometimes, that's enough.
The lovely Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe from Friends) and the possibly even lovelier Mira Sorvino play lifelong pals Romy and Michele, a pair of ditzy blondes sharing an apartment in Los Angeles. In the ten years since graduating high school, the girls have led a carefree existence together, avoiding responsibility during the day in minimum wage jobs, and partying at night.
When they discover that their high school in Tuscon is holding a class reunion, Romy and Michele decide to attend, but on realising that their lack of accomplishment over the last decade is unlikely to impress, they concoct a story to make themselves appear successful. Of course, the whole deception crashes around their ears, but through the experience, Romy and Michele discover that their lives have been much richer than they had realised.
The comedy of Romy and Michele veers towards the extremely silly at times, and is unlikely to appeal to those who enjoy more cerebral humour, but the underlying, heartfelt messages, the effervescent performances from its likable (and luscious) leads, excellent support from Janeane Garofolo (as class grouch Heather Mooney) and Alan Cumming (as nerd-turned-millionaire Sandy Frink), and spirited direction from David Mirkin are guaranteed to provide a fun time for all but the most joyless of souls.
The lovely Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe from Friends) and the possibly even lovelier Mira Sorvino play lifelong pals Romy and Michele, a pair of ditzy blondes sharing an apartment in Los Angeles. In the ten years since graduating high school, the girls have led a carefree existence together, avoiding responsibility during the day in minimum wage jobs, and partying at night.
When they discover that their high school in Tuscon is holding a class reunion, Romy and Michele decide to attend, but on realising that their lack of accomplishment over the last decade is unlikely to impress, they concoct a story to make themselves appear successful. Of course, the whole deception crashes around their ears, but through the experience, Romy and Michele discover that their lives have been much richer than they had realised.
The comedy of Romy and Michele veers towards the extremely silly at times, and is unlikely to appeal to those who enjoy more cerebral humour, but the underlying, heartfelt messages, the effervescent performances from its likable (and luscious) leads, excellent support from Janeane Garofolo (as class grouch Heather Mooney) and Alan Cumming (as nerd-turned-millionaire Sandy Frink), and spirited direction from David Mirkin are guaranteed to provide a fun time for all but the most joyless of souls.
- BA_Harrison
- Dec 26, 2009
- Permalink
ROMY AND MICHELE'S HIGH SCHOOL REUNION (1997) ***1/2 Mira Sorvino, Lisa Kudrow, Janeane Garofalo, Alan Cumming.
Hysterically funny comedy about two best friends/roomies Sorvino and Kudrow (think female "Dumb and Dumber") facing their 10th high school reunion and, realizing their lives are not worth really bragging about, coming up with pseudo lives. Lots of belly laughs especially Kudrow's explanation of how Post-It glue is made and her run in with a limo. Garofalo is a scream as their fellow bitter alumni. Kudos to costumer Mona Maya's outlandishly colorful creations, Robin Schiff's kitschy screenplay based on her play "Ladies' Room" and a waycool soundtrack of ersatz 80s tunes (best one: The Smithereen's "Blood & Roses" to start off the flashback). Directed in high comic style and snappish glee by David Mirkin.
Hysterically funny comedy about two best friends/roomies Sorvino and Kudrow (think female "Dumb and Dumber") facing their 10th high school reunion and, realizing their lives are not worth really bragging about, coming up with pseudo lives. Lots of belly laughs especially Kudrow's explanation of how Post-It glue is made and her run in with a limo. Garofalo is a scream as their fellow bitter alumni. Kudos to costumer Mona Maya's outlandishly colorful creations, Robin Schiff's kitschy screenplay based on her play "Ladies' Room" and a waycool soundtrack of ersatz 80s tunes (best one: The Smithereen's "Blood & Roses" to start off the flashback). Directed in high comic style and snappish glee by David Mirkin.
- george.schmidt
- Apr 20, 2003
- Permalink
- mark.waltz
- Oct 30, 2013
- Permalink
The movie is very funny, I had many laughs at the more dim of the two (the stereotypical dumb blonde) Michele. What's nice about the film is the way it accentuates what true friendship really means, standing by one another. The two went from being the fat girl (Romy) & the girl with the back brace (Michele) to being two attractive fun-loving women. The lesson the pair learn is to be yourself & be proud of who you are. Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino are perfectly cast in this film, as are all of the other characters (including extras - which is unusual). As well as a great script though, this film also has great music. If you like 80's music then this film is for you, as it features throughout the entire film.
Yes, it was over the top. Yes, it was predictable. But Janeane Garofalo's performance made this movie worth buying. I loved how Romy and Michele seemed to be completely oblivious to their own personal lack of accomplishments. The fashion/costume design is delightfully tacky, and there's a sweet message at the end. I also think this was Lisa Kudrow's best performance in all the movies she's ever done and was even more impressive than her ditsy Phoebe Buffay character on "FRIENDS". The film is not meant to be very serious, so don't expect a script that reflects with 100% accuracy the daily lives of people. This is meant to be as a funny story of two people to entertain the viewer and I believe it's quite successful in doing that. Get some snacks, get your favorite drink and start watching to see who invented Post-Its!
Overall rating: 7 out of 10.
Yes, it was over the top. Yes, it was predictable. But Janeane Garofalo's performance made this movie worth buying. I loved how Romy and Michele seemed to be completely oblivious to their own personal lack of accomplishments. The fashion/costume design is delightfully tacky, and there's a sweet message at the end. I also think this was Lisa Kudrow's best performance in all the movies she's ever done and was even more impressive than her ditsy Phoebe Buffay character on "FRIENDS". The film is not meant to be very serious, so don't expect a script that reflects with 100% accuracy the daily lives of people. This is meant to be as a funny story of two people to entertain the viewer and I believe it's quite successful in doing that. Get some snacks, get your favorite drink and start watching to see who invented Post-Its!
Overall rating: 7 out of 10.
- PredragReviews
- Mar 17, 2017
- Permalink
One of those movies you just can't help but smile at. A really sweet comedy with great performances by Lisa Kudrow & Mira Sorvino as the title characters. With a great soundtrack and some absurd humour, it's easy to see why this has become a cult classic.
- johnnyhbtvs27
- Jan 3, 2022
- Permalink
I had always heard this was a "guilty pleasure" or some kind of minor cult classic, and it being my own 10 year reunion this summer I thought I would finally check it out. Well I don't think it's either of those really, though I suppose guilty pleasure always fits to some degree.
It's a just alright, broad, semi-funny look at female friendship above all else. Mira Sorvino's accent is the scene stealer here, it's some kind of Californian valley girl monstrosity that takes on a life of its own throughout the movie. Is it just me or does it become more pronounced when she returns to Tucson, where no one has that accent? Is this a subtle shade of "acting" on her part, the accent an affectation she picked up in SoCal to distance herself from her terrible adolescence? There's also Justin Theroux who plays a cowboy with a goofy southern accent. I've got nothing for that one.
It's a just alright, broad, semi-funny look at female friendship above all else. Mira Sorvino's accent is the scene stealer here, it's some kind of Californian valley girl monstrosity that takes on a life of its own throughout the movie. Is it just me or does it become more pronounced when she returns to Tucson, where no one has that accent? Is this a subtle shade of "acting" on her part, the accent an affectation she picked up in SoCal to distance herself from her terrible adolescence? There's also Justin Theroux who plays a cowboy with a goofy southern accent. I've got nothing for that one.
- spencergrande6
- Jul 7, 2017
- Permalink
Romy (Mira Sorvino) and Michele (Lisa Kudrow) live in Venice, California and love watching the film Pretty Woman. They also adore going out to the dance clubs every night and looking for their own potentially rich boyfriends. However, on most evenings they end up turning down invitations from jerks and dancing with each other instead. Word arrives that their ten year high school reunion is approaching. Since Romy and Michele were certified geeks at school, they get the idea that they will make a triumphant return as winners. After all, they both look pretty and they can make up the rest. So, they outfit themselves as successful businesswoman, with a hot car and cell phone and take off for Arizona. Will they be able to fool the old gang with their new, trumped-up identities? This is a classic tale of dumb blondes who are clueless but, who nevertheless, end up making good. Sorvino and Kudrow are perfection itself as the dimwitted but lovely blondes. Janeane Garofalo is also on hand to steal scenes with her acid wit and intelligence. The costumes are to die for and the overall production values are very nice. But, most importantly, the humor is abundant and zestful. If you need to drop all your worries and get your fighting spirit back, spend an evening with the delightful Romy and Michele. They will make you giggle and get you ready to face the more somber world again with a renewed and optimistic attitude.
"Romy" (Mira Sorvino) and "Michele" (Lisa Kudrow) are roommates in Los Angeles and have been best friends since high school. So, when they learn about their upcoming 10-year reunion in Tucson, they quickly make plans to attend. The problem, however, is that neither of them have really made much of their lives since then with Romy working as a cashier at a car dealership while Michele is unemployed. That said, not wanting to be looked down upon by their former high school classmates, they fabricate a story that they are successful business entrepreneurs who have made it rich by inventing the Post-It Note. What they don't realize, however, is that some people never change and the ruling clique in high school is still just as mean and cruel as it has ever been. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this turned out to be a ridiculously funny movie with both Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow performing their roles to near perfection. Likewise, I also enjoyed the performance of Janeane Garofalo (as "Heather") as well. That said, I recommend this film to viewers who might be interested in a comedy of this sort, and I have rated it accordingly. Above average.
This movie is Horrible. Mira Sorvino is too talented for this film and Lisa Kudrow is playing Phoebe from "Friends". The script is totally unbelievable in that Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow can't find dates, yeah right! There are tons of better movies about loserdom in High School which accurately depict rejects.
This is a perfect friendship movie to sit down with a big bucket of popcorn and watch. I absolutely adore friendship films, and I love 80's music and nostalgia, which is what you get here. The script is hilarious and the funny lines are delivered very well by the stars. The casting is also well done, Lisa kudrow was amazing! The characters are funny, sweet, and likable. This film will make you laugh, cry, and will just make you feel good. Everyone needs a nice feel good movie every once in a while :). The soundtrack is so great in this movie as well. I loved hearing all the 80's songs here: Heaven is a place on earth, Footloose, time after time........ The list goes on and on really. This is not a family friendly film, but it's not meant to be, it's meant for teens and adults, and it caters to that exact audience very well in my opinion. Very cute and enjoyable film about best friends. 9/10.
- davispittman
- Nov 28, 2015
- Permalink
This is one of those movies that doesn't provide any insight into the human spirit or inspire questions of substance. It's just a simple, silly movie about two high-school losers, played by Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow, who are faced with a monumental choice: return to their 10 year high school reunion as themselves, or create new identities, so they can gain the popularity they never had. It's got great 80's songs, and is certainly well-cast: Kudrow (Friends) could play this role in her sleep, and Oscar winner Sorvino, as the brainier (relatively) one of the duo. Janeane Garofalo does her funny, angry shtick well, and Alan Cumming provides a change of character (with a good American accent) as the nerd who became a little more successful after high school. Ironically, Sorvino graduated from Harvard and Kudrow from Vassar, which just proves that these actresses are not naturally dumb blondes !
- jboothmillard
- Jun 21, 2010
- Permalink
"Romy and Michele's High School Reunion" is a terrific comedy that you can't miss. This film is plain fun and makes you laugh throught the movie!! Mira Sorvino is great as Romy White , as is Lisa Kudrow as the ditsy yet fun Michele, and Janeane Garfolo as the rude and moody Heather Moony. This film is a sure great comedy. If you liked "Clueless" or "Legally Blonde" this is a great film for you!!! The acting is great, and the film itself is a non-stop laughing machine!!!!! This is a great and hilarious film that keeps you laughing!! I give this film a 10 out of 10!!!! :)
"Romy and Michele's High School Reunion" is a movie that I've heard about for a long time, having seen the video stored at someone's house or whatnot. But I've never gotten a chance to see this movie until now. The verdict is while there are some funny moments, and the ending is good, there are enough dead spots to only get it a lukewarm recommendation.
Romy (Mira Sorvino) and Michele (Lisa Kudrow) are two best friends...and first class ditzes. Both of their IQs are far below what is considered normal, and the term "Valley Girl" seems to have been tailor made for them. They are living "stylishly" in LA when an old school chum Heather Mooney (Janeane Garafalo) tells them about their high school reunion. But seeing as the only reason to go to the high school reunion is to boast about their careers (neither Romy or Michele has an enviable job), they decide to lie and pass themselves off as rich and wealthy business women. And the creators of Post-It Notes.
The problem with the film is that it's too plot heavy for its own good. These two bimbos are hilarious in their own right, but Robin Schiff's screenplay (based on her play) spends too much time developing the story and not enough time letting the characters be themselves. There are plenty of flashbacks about how the Queen Bees of their school bullied them, but this material comes off as cruel, rather than funny. The movie is at it's best when it allows them to be the ultra-dim bulbs that they are, but there just aren't enough of these moments.
Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino are terrific as the leads. Romy is the smarter one, although that's not saying much. Neither one is a stranger to playing a mental vacuum, and they're pretty funny. Surprisingly, Janeane Garafalo is ineffective as the cynical Heather. The character has to add a dose of emotional damage to her character, but Garafalo goes way far over the top. Garafalo can play a dramatic character, but she's just not very good in this film. Alan Cumming is good as the geek who has long held a torch for Michele. Camryn Manheim steals her scenes as the organizer. She's one of those people who is so into this thing that she doesn't realize that no one else really cares. We all know someone like this, and that's what makes it funny.
Some people have been calling this a chick flick, and that's not necessarily true. It's not a sappy romance, and while the central characters are girls, the humor is such that members of both sexes can get it.
Fluff, but not that great fluff.
Romy (Mira Sorvino) and Michele (Lisa Kudrow) are two best friends...and first class ditzes. Both of their IQs are far below what is considered normal, and the term "Valley Girl" seems to have been tailor made for them. They are living "stylishly" in LA when an old school chum Heather Mooney (Janeane Garafalo) tells them about their high school reunion. But seeing as the only reason to go to the high school reunion is to boast about their careers (neither Romy or Michele has an enviable job), they decide to lie and pass themselves off as rich and wealthy business women. And the creators of Post-It Notes.
The problem with the film is that it's too plot heavy for its own good. These two bimbos are hilarious in their own right, but Robin Schiff's screenplay (based on her play) spends too much time developing the story and not enough time letting the characters be themselves. There are plenty of flashbacks about how the Queen Bees of their school bullied them, but this material comes off as cruel, rather than funny. The movie is at it's best when it allows them to be the ultra-dim bulbs that they are, but there just aren't enough of these moments.
Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino are terrific as the leads. Romy is the smarter one, although that's not saying much. Neither one is a stranger to playing a mental vacuum, and they're pretty funny. Surprisingly, Janeane Garafalo is ineffective as the cynical Heather. The character has to add a dose of emotional damage to her character, but Garafalo goes way far over the top. Garafalo can play a dramatic character, but she's just not very good in this film. Alan Cumming is good as the geek who has long held a torch for Michele. Camryn Manheim steals her scenes as the organizer. She's one of those people who is so into this thing that she doesn't realize that no one else really cares. We all know someone like this, and that's what makes it funny.
Some people have been calling this a chick flick, and that's not necessarily true. It's not a sappy romance, and while the central characters are girls, the humor is such that members of both sexes can get it.
Fluff, but not that great fluff.
- moviesleuth2
- Jun 16, 2010
- Permalink
- Polaris_DiB
- Feb 10, 2010
- Permalink
I can see why it's one of the many beloved 90's movies!
The two protagonists are fun, funny and very endearing...you just can't dislike them.
It's full of humorous moments but don't you think that it's just another superficial movie about two stupid and blonde girlfriends. It surely knows how to deliver a message.
Also, the ending is very satisfactory!
The two protagonists are fun, funny and very endearing...you just can't dislike them.
It's full of humorous moments but don't you think that it's just another superficial movie about two stupid and blonde girlfriends. It surely knows how to deliver a message.
Also, the ending is very satisfactory!
Don't get me wrong. I love the 2 leads. Lisa was the only reason I watched Friends when it first aired and I tune in any movie Mira appears in just to see her. There were a few things wrong with this movie.
First it is difficult to see these two as losers. They are both very attractive and their jobs are not all that bad. It's not like they are plain Janes that work as clerks in the 7-Eleven.
Second I did not find their old classmates all that offensive or uppity. It was just difficult to imagine the two as underdogs being degraded or the subjects of snobbery. These were the ingredients needed to make this movie work.
And last I did not find the material very funny. It was nothing more than typical sit com stuff.
First it is difficult to see these two as losers. They are both very attractive and their jobs are not all that bad. It's not like they are plain Janes that work as clerks in the 7-Eleven.
Second I did not find their old classmates all that offensive or uppity. It was just difficult to imagine the two as underdogs being degraded or the subjects of snobbery. These were the ingredients needed to make this movie work.
And last I did not find the material very funny. It was nothing more than typical sit com stuff.
- rinterrante-1
- Jan 8, 2015
- Permalink
I'm not sure the amount of time that has to pass before a film is considered a classic but this is definitely one to me. It's unique, funny, heartfelt and with a retro zing. Mira Sorvino (Mimic) and Lisa Kudrow (Friends) star as Romy and Michelle two bright, sassy, stylish young women who receive an invite to their high school reunion where they were once bullied and made fun of. To show up their old nemeses they come up with a plan to create two new, more impressive lives and get the respect they wanted for so long. Throw in a dream sequences, some hilarious jokes, great performances from the leads and Janeane Garofalo (Reality Bites) amongst others and a clever, heartfelt screenplay and you have the makings of this comedy classic. Revisiting it's easy to see why it's attained it's cult status.
Budget: $20m Box Office: $29m
Budget: $20m Box Office: $29m
- rivertam26
- May 23, 2020
- Permalink
- lisafordeay
- Apr 9, 2022
- Permalink
- bhirschhoab
- Jun 23, 2019
- Permalink
Unpretentious exhilarant sexy comedy starring the hottest Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow, this charming movie is really great, they play a dumb unmarried girls around thirty from Tucson, sharing a small apartment at Los Angeles for ten years, also they suffer of inferiority complex due weren't a successful girls henceforth, Romy (Mira Sorvino) is a simply cashier meanwhile Michele (Lisa Kudrow) is temporarity unemployed, now they are invited to class reunion at Tucson, sadly no good memories from that period of time, actually they were rejected by a self-called A-team, a foursome of snobbish pretty girls, in other hand Romy still was in love by his classmate, they are wondering, how go back at your hometown being two unmarried girls as loser, then came up the stupid idea to embody themselves as well-heeled businesswomen, rocked by a sugary soundtrack it sounds really fresh conceptive comedy, artsy and smart, Mira Sorvino is prettier in between Lisa Kudrow is sexier with those beautiful legs & hearty breasts letting me crack up along the picture, pleasant experience mainly on Blu-ray!!
Resume:
First watch: 1999 / How many: 3 / Source: Cable TV-Blu-Ray / Rating: 7
Resume:
First watch: 1999 / How many: 3 / Source: Cable TV-Blu-Ray / Rating: 7
- elo-equipamentos
- Aug 5, 2020
- Permalink
- MSusimetsa
- Feb 11, 2002
- Permalink