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Congrats to the Winner!

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This Movie DESTROYED ME

I always heard this movie was supposed to be great, but I didn’t realize it would be this good. I feel like I’m drawn to these types of films - ones that feel so authentic and really resonate on a deeper level. It’s all about the dialogue and the performances, without relying on flashy CGI or action sequences. Just pure, raw emotion that you can hold onto and feel. From start to finish, it was brilliantly captured. The story delves into complex relationships and the challenges of life, and it’s so beautifully cutting. Honestly, this was an outstanding piece of art, with absolutely stunning performances. Classic Ames deep feelings vibe post movie reaction. LOL

Let me know your thoughts!

xx

ames

Files

W.O.W Spin#26 Kramer Vs. Kramer

congrats to the winner! 0:00-0:06 Intro 0:06-2:15 Spin, Congrats and Movie Intro 2:15-1:43:06 Movie Sync and Reaction 1:43:06-2:00:15 Post Movie Reaction

Comments

John

I have never seen this movie, will have to check it out!

Mark D

FYI Kramer vs Kramer

Clay F

Congrats Gary. A modern classic that I have only seen bits and pieces. I will do a full watch now.

Toc

This is a first.....I am standing on a street corner in Queens, don't even have my headphones but I had to see what won! Congrats to the winner! Will be watching this one as soon I get my lunch!!

JM63

Good job, Wheel! 👏👏

Butt Head

Wonderful choice, Gary. They spent about 3 months intensively finessing the script to get it just right, when it came to filming Meryl Streep's testimony in court, the director looked at the dialogue on a Friday and told Streep to re-write it over the weekend from a woman's perspective as it looked like something written by guys. So she came in on the Monday to do the scene, but the director had totally forgotten he'd asked Streep to re-write it. So she handed it to him and he thought, 'OMG I'm going to have to reject this, the actor's going to be unhappy and it's going to be a really bad start to the day' - but to his surprise it was perfect and in many ways the show-stopper of the film

Toc

Outstanding choice, this reaction/commentary is FANTASTIC. Can't wait to discuss. Still got a half hour to go but couldn't wait to comment! I've seen this movie a million times, but not in a long while, this is my favorite ever viewing of it. The frickin' acting in this movie, holy smokes! I'm reminded yet again: it's the greatest practical effect there is! Talk about capturing/simulating private moments, this movie is filled with them!

VivendoBem

I always remember a story Streep told about this movie (and her approach to all her roles) that Ames might find interesting: She always analyzes the script and comes up with something about her character that is a secret, just between her and the person she's playing. It's more than just forming a backstory, which lots of actors do, of course--it's creating an intimacy between actor and role. In this case, Streep decided their secret was that her character hadn't fallen out of love with her husband---she'd never actually loved him to begin with. After I heard that, it knocked me out how much that acting choice informs the arc/motivation of that role. Great stuff!

Butt Head

Childrens' positive & negative feelings are more intense and unbalanced than adults. also they have a tendency to blame themselves for things going wrong with people around them. Feelings of abandonment & neglect in childhood always stay with them, even if they are not logical. Most peoples personalty disorders have their roots in this period, and children who feel unloved grow up never really believing that anybody could love them

Catchermag

As a child of divorce, my parents separated when I was 5. I was just a year older than this kid was the year the movie was released. He was 8 in the movie and I was 9 when it came out. I can tell you this hit hard when I saw it as a few years into being a teenager. I think at my age, and having siblings, I avoided the trap of blaming myself. But I can tell you the upheaval and chaos this causes still to this day has me avoid drama like the plague. A funny story (now) about it, as both my father and subsequent stepfather have both passed away. When my parents were having problems before their divorce they were going to marriage counseling. He was in the Army just back from Vietnam and the therapy was provided by the military, and it was faith based so not a therapist per se but an army Chaplain who counseled couples. They went for a while, it obviously didn’t work out, and were divorced when I was 5 as I mentioned. She got married soon after though, to……wait for it……the Chaplain who counseled them. He had asked her out. This is just the tip of the iceberg for him lol I won’t go into it. But yeah. Not funny haha but definitely funny “WTF”. Not an ice breaker, but instead a ‘get to know me on a deeper level’ story. Anyway, great movie. I’ll skip the watchalong for multiple reasons but I’m positive Ames did a great job as always. Peace.

John Courtright

It's been a while since I've seen this one, but I certainly remember some outstanding performances! Can't wait to see it again with you, Ames! The Wheel picks what the Wheel wants... but my pick was only two away! Ahh, so close!!

Hold Down A

Thanks for sharing! That musta been tough. What a story thou OMGOSH! I was older when my parents divorced but was still hell and I get why this movie can be a hard revisit! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Shawn Goforth

I just wanted to take a moment to say this reaction was beautiful. I think, maybe, it's one of your best yet. I'm going to leave it there. Thank you for this. I'll talk more Friday...promise.

John Courtright

What an amazing and powerful film! I loved your reaction, feelings and thoughts during and after the film, Ames! I thought the movie was a very authentic and honest portrayal of a heartbreaking situation. In particular, the performances by Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep were remarkable and nuanced! I could appreciate them more this time around because I was emotionally prepared. The first time I saw it, the film WRECKED ME! ***** SPOILERS ***** I thought Dustin Hoffman did an amazing job as Ted, and his character arc was truly stunning! The dialogue where Ted reassures Billy that he was not at fault for Joanna leaving and Ted takes responsibility for it blew my mind! By the end of the film, Ted is so connected to Billy and is fully engaged as a father. It was so beautiful to see! Comparing the tension and chaos of the initial French toast-making debacle to the calm and peaceful vibe of Ted and Billy reading a bedtime story together is so emotionally satisfying! While I thought Dustin Hoffman was great, I thought Meryl Streep was on another level! Whenever I looked at her character, I saw only Joanna, never Meryl! Joanna appeared so fragile at times it seemed that, at any moment, she might break into a thousand pieces. Her demeanor, facial expressions, tears, and body language were PERFECT and completely convincing in every scene!! I can see why Dustin and Meryl each won an Oscar for their performances! Amazing film and a lovely heartfelt reaction!

Hold Down A

I love this WRITE UP!! Wow they both won! Ugh soo good! I love what ur pointed out about the arcs and only seeing Joanna ! I concur! And add that to my longggggg outro lol

JM63

I forgot about the classical music in this. It's such a great choice, it acts as an anchor that keeps the story from spiraling out of control. Both parents are portrayed in sympathetic and unsympathetic lights, and that balance is key to elevating this to a great film. There's no villain, just three people struggling to adjust to one of those upheavals that life throws at you. (MILD SPOILERS) Love the bookend French toast making scenes, what a wonderful example of visual storytelling. And while it would have been nice for Streep to get more screen time, it's another effective choice to have her hanging over the middle section like a ghost. Even though Ted comes across as a jerk early on, I really feel for him when Billy spills juice all over his presentation materials. The scene wonderfully captures one of those moments when an adult is so tempted to blow his stack but has to reorient himself, in real-time, to the perspective of a child. I also really like the non-romantic relationship between Ted and Margaret. It's an interesting aspect that adds to the slice-of-life feel of the film. This was an unexpected, but wonderful, surprise from the wheel. As always, another fantastic and heartfelt reaction!

Hold Down A

So true, great comment … laughed out loud when you said “blow his stack” … i agree, I loved how Ted and Margaret did not get together!

Butt Head

I hope this gets a YT edit, it's one of those films hardly anyone reacts to but once it catches on everyone will - a bit like 12 Angry Men

Henry Graham

Great reaction, I cried along with you. Such a beautiful, patient, nuanced drama about ordinary people just trying to navigate a painful situation. Isn't it wild to think that this was the highest grossing film of 1979? Impossible to imagine today. We used to be a society of adults.

RFK Fan

Spot on reaction! Was a movie that hit a lot of nerves when it came out because it was such an accurate portrait of divorce. Meryl was still a relative unknown when this came out and by all accounts Hoffman REALLY pushed her limits on set. The scene where they fight at the restaurant and he comes back to smash’s his wine glass off the table was unscripted and her shocked reaction was REAL…