SNMR 1.18: "Working Girl"

The second of this weekend's SNMR double feature is "Working Girl" (1988, R, 116 minutes) starring Harrison Ford, Melanie Griffith, Sigourney Weaver, Alec Baldwin and Joan Cusack. The film was directed by Mike Nichols.

This film came out the year after I graduated from high school and was one of the first Harrison Ford films that I bought on VHS. I can't even tell you how many times I've watched this movie. This is the pre-botox Melanie, and she was hot, back then. This is one of those films where I always get the watery eyes at the end because the story hits home in a way in which we all can relate.

From the DVD's dust jacket:

Nominated for six Academy Awards, director Mike Nichols' witty, romantic look at life in the corporate jungle stars Melanie Griffith as Tess McGill, an ambitious secretary with a unique approach for climbing the ladder to success. When her classy, but villainess boss (Sigourney Weaver) breaks a leg skiing, Tess takes over her office, her apartment, even her wardrobe. She then creates a deal with a handsome investment banker (Harrison Ford) that will either take her straight to the top- or finish her off for good.

From Martin & Porter's DVD & Video Guide 2006, p. 1281:

Clever, sophisticated comedy makes up for a lack of all-out belly laughs with the ring of truth. Melanie Griffith is teriffic as the good-hearted gal attempting to work her way up but is thwarted by her scheming boss. A high-powered deal maker comes to the rescue.

Harrison Ford gives a strong performance as the good guy hero. Melanie Griffith is very believable as someone trying to get ahead in her career, despite the rules stacked against her. Sigourney Weaver is excellent as the nasty after her stereotypical heroine role in the Alien films. I think this film has something to do with why I despise Alec Baldwin in almost everything he's ever been in, with possibly one exception (Beetlejuice). I think the dialogue is snappy and the script is well written, moving along at a comfortable pace. This is an all around feel good movie, and you can't have enough of those these days. It's now a very reasonably priced DVD to add to your collection. I'll give this movie four and 1/4 out of five stars.