Popcorn Reviews With Cybèle: You've Got Mail!

By Cybèle Elaine Werts  
CybeleW@aol.com

First  published in the Shelburne News, Shelburne Vermont

Popcorn Kernel Rating (four possible): 2.5 kernels for a charming romantic comedy, even if it isn’t anything horribly original.

In one of the opening moments of You’ve Got Mail, Meg Ryan talks about the thrill she gets when she hears those three little words. No, not "I love you," but "You’ve Got Mail." I know the feeling because I too have done a bit of internet dating, although none so successful as in this film. Knowing that a letter, maybe a love letter, is there on line waiting for you is enough to make my socks roll up and down. That’s pretty much what it is for Meg too, not to mention Tom Hanks, her internet paramour. In this remake of The Shop Around The Corner, Director Nora Ephron allows these two lonely strangers to find each other among the hustle, bustle, and heartless business ethics of New York City.

You probably know that this same director and stars made Sleepless in Seattle a big hit a few years ago, and you may have caught it on TV last month. I’ll admit that Sleepless did cause me to snuffle into a few hankies. Who couldn’t identify with love found, lost, and just whispering by. But great art? Probably not. If Sleepless was watchable for it’s charming and romantic moments, You’ve Got Mail has the same moments, but far fewer. While amusing, I was hardly glued to my seat and you probably won’t be either. Still, it’s a good date movie, and decent fare if your spirits are low.

Suggested Gustatorial Accompaniment: No crumbs or drips allowed near your computer, so fresh pears will have to do.

Copyright 2000