Top Five reasons I love this movie

Rating: 9/10 (23 January 2002)

High Fidelity has become one of my favorite films. It has, in fact, snuck into the top 10. Unfortunately, there's just no room for it in the top 5...
Anyway, the top 5 is as follows:
1. I relate to this film more than any film I've ever seen, as do many guys in their mid 20's, I'm sure. Of course, I haven't personally been through everything Rob has, but I've been through a lot and I've seen others go through a lot. On another level, I relate to the snobbery expressed by Rob, Dick and Barry as they look down on those who know less than them. Not for music, but for film. And I think anyone who has a knowledge of anything that is far superior to that of the common man can relate to these guys, whether it be music, film, books, cooking, politics, whatever.
2. There are a number of great truths in this film. It is quite possibly the greatest film ever made about the relationships between males and females, at least for our generation. Rob's wandering and his eventual epiphinies are presented so well, it knocks you over.
3. It has great characters. Rob is an imperfect hero, but it's hard not to love him, nonetheless. Laura is, on the surface, presented as NOT the ideal for Rob. But she is great, and boy, he really does love her. And I think I love her too! Suffice to say, Jack Black's Barry is a riot and Dick is incredibly painful to watch (in a good way). I think we've all known guys like this in our lives. Joan Cusack has only a few short scenes, but she is spectacular, too, and nails her character. The characters are unforgettable and so is their dialogue. Don't even get me started on Tim Robbins!
4. What a great soundtrack. I have the CD, and whenever I listen to it (or hear a song from it), which is often, I want to watch the movie. That's how you know a film has a great soundtrack. Like Pulp Fiction in that respect, and in the respect that one of the reasons I look forward to watching the movie again and again is because of the music.
5. It has a perfect ending. (SPOILER) Rob proposes to Laura, and she doesn't say yes, she thanks him for asking. Not your garden variety happy ending, but you're happy anyway because you know things are probably going to turn out alright. Same for Rob's career as a producer. He's not exactly setting the world on fire by putting out the record of a couple of skate ****'s, but it's a start.
I love this movie, and it's one of my favorites. I like it more every time I see it, and it gets better every time I see it. However, I couldn't give it an "A" when I first saw it, and I can't give it an "A" now. I give it an "A-" for two reasons, things I can't get past. One, the unforgivable use of rain to heighten the drama. Not once, but about six times. Second, what happens in Laura's car after her father's wake. I just don't buy a girl wanting to do that in that particular situation, time and place. Ever.
A great movie, an instant classic, and a tour de force for John Cusack.