"Pretty Woman"
is a contemporary Hollywood fairy tale, a classic tale
of love and redemption, that is a sweet romantic comedy;
an innocent 'love story'. Edward Lewis (Gere) evolves
into a better person, and Vivian Ward (Roberts) each have
the chance to start over again, as a result of their love
relationship.
The basic story involves
a handsome, rich, out-of-town guy, Edward Lewis, who hires
a pretty young hooker, Vivian Ward for an extended, sexless
"date," after she helps him to become unlost,
and find his posh hotel. He winds up hiring her for the
week; both as his night time "date," and as
his assistant during the day, as he needs a female companion
for business/ social reasons. When they fall in love with
each other, complications ensue.
Richard Gere delivers his
standard cool, hunky performance, in stylish threads.
What is perceived as his charm or charisma works in this
film, similar to his performances in "An Officer
and a Gentleman" and "Runaway Bride."
Roberts, as Vivian 'Viv'
Ward, is radiant in the title role. With her youthful
good looks and energy and that wide-screen smile, she
lights up every scene she's in. "Pretty Woman"
did great things for her career, becoming her signature
film. She earned an oscar nomination for her performance,
and won The People's Choice Award for Best Actress.
Jason Alexander, as Philip
'Phil' Stuckey, excels as a slimy business associate of
Gere's. As Alexander is a prolific actor of stage, screen,
radio, and TV, it's amazing to me that Alexander's hot
career is based on playing characters we'd rather punch
in the face than talk with.
Laura San Giacamo, as Kit
De Luca, makes a strong impression as Roberts' friend
and roommate. She is also a well-trained stage actress,
and has done Off-Broadway productions as well as Regional
Theater. After the birth of her son, who has cerebral
palsy, she decided to put her efforts into television,
because of the regular schedules, and no traveling. She
has scored big on TV, in "Just Shoot Me."
My favorite scene is the
film's storybook ending. Considering that this is a modern
"Cinderella" story, the ending is seamless.
Julia gets the perfect, romantic rescue scene, which includes
a limousine, a fire escape, balcony, birds, music, a romantic
kiss and red flowers.
"Pretty Woman"
is a great date movie because it is a great chic flick!
Female viewers will be carried off into a warm, wonderful,
romantic, fantasy world, of rags to riches. You just can't
go wrong with a film that women love, despite some humorous
situations, that can cause the sensitive to squirm a little.
Quotes:
Lewis: "So what happens
after he climbs up and rescues her?"
Vivian: "She rescues
him right back."
