I’m behind on my movies, I admit it.

I have 465 movies on my Netflix list, and more to add every day.

Rae, my friend and next-door neighbor, who’s a history Ph.D. candidate at Columbia, and I decided to take a walk down to Kim’s tonight. As we perused the available rentals, nothing appealed equally to both of us. I wanted to watch War of the Worlds or Crash, but she preferred a light romantic comedy. She wanted to watch Guess Who and Dick.

After some negotiation, we settled on two John Cusack films, High Fidelity, which I have been wanting to see, and Say Anything.

When we got back to her apartment, Rae cooked pasta and meatballs, then we sat on her couch and popped in High Fidelity.

…

Three things stand out as we’re watching the film.

1. The direction. Stephen Frears is one of the most reliable and consistent directors. I’ve been a fan of his since My Beautiful Laundrette. In this film, I find his sense of comedic timing flawless, but equally importantly is his romantic timing. We care about the characters, and we want them to find happiness, if not with each other, with themselves.
2. The acting. Besides John Cusack’s remarkable and funny performance, the rest of the ensemble, which consists of Joan Cusack (his real-life sister), Iben Hjejle, Jack Black, Tim Robbins (in a hilarious pony-tailed role), Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Lili Taylor, shine.
3. The writing. It’s based on Nick Hornby’s book, and John Cusack contributed to the screenplay. The writing is sharp, funny, and heart-felt. More important, the moments of romantic confusion, missteps, and longing are captured with great delicacy and warmth.

…

High Fidelity has ended now, and we’re watching Say Anything, the early Cameron Crowe film, which besides John Cusack, also stars Joan Cusack, and Lili Taylor (!). Rae’s knitting a scarf, and I’m typing, and we’re both waiting for the cookies in the oven to rise.