Since You've Been Gone (1998)

Just perfect...

Excellent adaptation.

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

This movie is a very entertaining. The writers nail the stereotypes that exist in everyone's high school class, and continue to exist 10 years later. Thank God they tend to disappear as we get older. The writing is quick witted and doesn't dummy down. While it's star studded, it's not played up. It's one of those movies you'll sit and watch the credits, to see "What's that guy's name?" David Schwimmer is the perfect arrogant ass. Molly Ringwald adorable in her cameo.The music is great for a quick glimpse back to the 80's. I highly recommend finding a copy of it to view before you attend any reunion.

This movie struck my adolescent home... and hard! The story line is rather brief in the drama department, mostly consisting of characterization "sketches" held together by the 10th reunion event. But I must declare, these vignettes were very much as I remember the angst of high school socializations. Every now and then I desire to watch this movie and usually end up watching it 2 or 3 times in one session. I think a good many people who have seen this movie dislike it because of the accurate recollections of those painful, "glory lost" or awkward years in high school. David Schwimmer's character as the class president reminds me of the social strata that necessitated the need to endure extreme torment. The trivial yet paradoxically significant feud between doctors McEldowney and Prince poignantly points out those events which act as a great social forge in our personal developments. There are so many personalities represented in this movie, and these personalities are highly representative of my friend's and my own high school years. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who can look back into their personal past and laugh at those formative semi-adult years in life.

I came across this one while channel-surfing and since it was just starting I left it on. I didn't expect much from it but have to admit I did find it engaging, maybe because I am a graduate of the class of '87 and I never attended my 10th reunion I am more susceptible to this films charms. While the movie covers all the bases by representing all personality types it was nice to see some of the characters weren't truly stereotypical. I also did find myself laughing out-loud at many of the mean-spiritedness of Lara Flynn Boyle's character....her performance alone was worth the watch. Be on the lookout for cameos by Molly Ringwald as "Claire" (coincidence?) and Jennifer Grey (post nose-job) and a funny stint by Liev Schreiber.Overall a pleaser in my humble opinion.

Class reunion films always have the potential to be good entertainment, unfortunately most don't deliver. 'Since You've Been Gone' thankfully does.. .And doesn't.It has its moments of genuine humor, but it also tries to be quirky and even sentimental. It doesn't always succeed, but more than not. It helps that it has a talented cast.Relative unknowns Phillip Rayburn Smith, Laura Eason, and Thom Cox give standout performances, while the more recognizable faces of Teri Hatcher and David Schwimmer (who also directed) do not have much to go on.Surprisingly, the films scene-stealer is its most under-written character, Grace, the class beauty/psycho. You can't help but chuckle when Lara Flynn Boyle comes on screen. It's then you know you can count on a laugh. No reason is ever given for her wicked behavior, but after a while, you won't care. Just further proof that the always sexy Boyle handles comedy just as easily as the heavy stuff.Look for inspired cameos from Marisa Tomei, Jon Stewart, Molly Ringwald and the post nose-job Jennifer Grey (whom after watching this with friends realized I am the ONLY person who recognized her).