Opened: March 23, 1990
Directed by: Garry Marshall
Starring: Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, Ralph Bellamy, Jason Alexander, Laura San Giacomo, Alex Hyde-White, Amy Yasbeck, Elinor Donahue, Kathleen Marshall, Larry Miller & Hector Elizondo
While the story – especially in this day and age of Hollywood – may not have aged well, the film is still a romantic comedy classic.
Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts) is a hooker on Hollywood Boulevard who calls upon businessman Edward Lewis (Richard Gere) as he’s trying to find his way back to his hotel one night. What starts as a one-night occurrence leads to Edward renting her out for a week. She gets a taste of the high life and he finds someone he can relate to for once.
It’s the film that catapulted Roberts’ career, and it’s easy to see why. Roberts is effortlessly funny and strong with a smile and laugh that kills, while Gere is a debonair heartthrob. Director Garry Marshall brings the best out of them both.
Final say: Perfect to watch over and over. ★★★★☆