High Fidelity

Starring: John Cusack, Iben Hjejle, Jack Black, Todd Louiso, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Tim Robbins, Bruce Springsteen (cameo)
Directed by: Stephen Frears
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Drama
2000

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: Record-store owner Rob Gordon (John Cusack) bases his life around music. After his girlfriend (Iben Hjejle) breaks up with him, he reexamines his life, trying to discover why he's been dumped so many times. He does this by examining his Top 5 worst break-ups.

Review:

Tim: Like I've said before and I will say again, I am a huge John Cusack fan. His brand of acting is just so real- he doesn't have all the hype and glimmer that accompany so many of today's biggest stars. He makes smaller films, but no less decent for that matter. I have to admit, the first time I saw this movie, I didn't really like it. However, a year or two later, when I watched it again, I saw exactly what I was missing.

High Fidelityfeatures the usual great performance by Cusack. He speaks directly to the camera (and to us) throughout much of the film, which really connects the audience to his character. Cusack plays the injured relationshipee incredibly well, and as worse and worse things happen to him, you can see his own descent into his personal hell. Also, when things get better, Cusack switches gears, and it's just a great sight to see.

Jack Black gives a decent performance as a worker in the record shop. At times he's really, really funny; other times he is downright annoying. More often than not, however, he adds to the quality of the film. High Fidelityalso benefits from good performances by newcomer Iben Hjejle, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Todd Louiso. The cameo by Tim Robbins is great, and he ends up being in some of the film's funniest scenes.

High Fidelity is far from a perfect film, but for anyone that's experienced difficult break-ups in their life (and that includes almost everyone), this film will make you realize you're not alone. And, as Cusack goes on his own journey of self-discovery, you may find yourself contemplating your own situation, and maybe coming to some important conclusions as well.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Grosse Point Blank, Pushing Tin, Identity, Serendipity, Better Off Dead, Dangerous Liasons