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Before male bonding was a term and before we laughed at "Seinfeld" in the 1990s, there was "Diner." Directed by Barry Levinson before he was a famous director, this 1982 movie was set in Baltimore and covered the lives of several young men who met nightly at a diner in 1959. First, there is Boogie (Mickey Rourke). He has placed a bad bet on a basketball game and is now in debt to the tune of $2000. With only a job in a beauty shop and attending law school, he has little ability to pay the debt and is now being pursued by a hit man. Then, there is Shrevie (Daniel Stern). He has married too young to Beth (Ellen Barkin), and neither is ready. They are both getting on each other's nerves. Next is Fenwick (Kevin Bacon). He is the most juvenile of the group. He plans phony car wrecks with his face covered with ketchup and strips to pose in a Christmas manger scene as the baby Jesus. Next is Modell (Paul Reiser). He does not have much of a story line but manages to keep the group stirred up at their nightly meetings in the diner. Next is Eddie (Steve Guttenberg). He is engaged to be married but will only marry Elyse (we never see her) if she can pass a True-False, Multiple Choice, Short Answer test on the Baltimore Colts. He doesn't really want to get married either but thinks that that is the thing to do. Finally, there is Billy (Tim Daly). He is attending college in New York City but has returned to Baltimore to attend his best friend's wedding (Eddie). We learn as the movie progresses that a Baltimore girl, Barbara, recently visited him in NY and now she is pregnant. Since this is 1959, there is no abortion. Plus, Barbara has a great job at a local TV station. Melding all these characters together is the focus of this movie. Like a "Seinfeld" TV show, each story has a link with the others'. And there are other minor characters that add to the result. In a special feature on the DVD, we learn that the movie studio moguls did not like this movie when it was first made. But because movie critic Pauline Kael gave it a great review, it was released to the public. We also learn in the special feature that none of these actors knew each other before the filming of this movie. So to get them introduced to each other, Levinson forced them to live in a cramped "camaraderie camper" on the movie set. Their bonding was quick. The movie now has become a cult favorite. There are people who relate to the football quiz, eating french fries with gravy, and to cataloging LPs like a library. I suggest that if you liked the "Seinfeld" TV series, you will especially like this movie. Otherwise, forget it.Read full review
What a great movie with a great cast. This is a great mix of a chic flick and a great "dude" movie. Well written and really brillantly acted!! You feel as if you are one of the "gang" getting into and out of trouble, with the typical male lack of good sense for those going thru their early 20s. When every evening adventure begins with or ends at THE DINER. Your buds are your touchstone and you feel as if life is one big adventure. This movie is fabulous for a holiday alternative, when you want a bit of holiday feel without the sugary sentiment. What a great cast, Ellen Barkin, Micky Rourke, among many many others before they hit it big. This was one of my favorites from years ago and I am so glad I found it on DVD. It is a great first date DVD or a great DVD to share with your significant other. A real INDIE feel while you get a real feel that you are living in the late 50s early 60s. Don't miss the documentary on the making of the film. Sounds like they really had a blast. The inside jokes are still going on today amongst them. I just wish I was there. And by the way I am a female!! A must have for any DVD Collector!! A real 5 star underappreciated jewel. TRead full review
I have Vol.1, 2 and 3 now. I ordered the hardcover book.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Barry Levinson's first major film is a true classic. If you like a killer script, have a nostalgic love for late-50s/early 60s American culture and/or want to take a peek at some fledgling performances from some great actors who all went on to become successes, don't miss this film! IF...You're looking for some great story, this movie might dissapoint. What you do get in this film is an ensemble of talented young actors in their early years, portraying richly written characters with issues, humor, (much of it improvised on-the-set while filming!) and the glue of genuine friendship that's rarely seen in movies. One of my favorites.
This one has a great story line. I love the conversations at the diner. They sound so impromptu. It always reminds me of the group of people I used to meet up with and go out for coffee until all hours of the morning. And we ate French fries with gravy! And talked about dumb stuff like the meaning of words (just this morning, I had to look up "quintessential" in the dictionary before I could leave the house) and our favorite groups. I learned to be a fanatic of how my record collection was arranged from my dad. And the trivia about what was on the flip side of a record. Great cast of characters that most of them went on to do a lot of movies after that. This was truly a stepping stone for Kevin Bacon, Mickey Roarke, Paul Reiser, and Steve Guttenberg.
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