Review of Terms of Endearment

How could anyone not love this movie? The acting is marvelous, the writing is brilliant -- sharp, witty and so carefully textured. It walks such a skilled, fine line between comedy and tragedy. The characters are unforgettable. I can't count how many times I've seen this movie, but I'm sure it's been at least fifteen. Some people are puzzled when I refer to "Terms of Endearment" as a comedy. While it technically is a drama because of its "sad" ending, almost everything leading up to that ending is deliriously funny. From that snotty cashier at the grocery store to MacLaine's fiasco of a date with Jack Nicholson -- so much hilarity, so much LIFE. And it's much funnier than some of James Brooks' other films ("Broadcast News" and "As Good As It Gets"). But then the drama comes out of nowhere, catching you off guard, giving it all the more impact. I highly recommend this one.