Do you have High Expectations for High Fidelity? warning: some Spoilers

Rating: Null/10 (12 April 2002)

I'd like to say that this movie was terrible, just so that I'd fit in with the crowd. Apparently, not many folks liked this movie. But, unfortunately for my reputation I must go against the masses and say that High Fidelity is one of my favorite movies! If I was to break it down by genre, I'd say it was my favorite romantic/comedy....mostly because most other romantic/comedies aren't really plausible. Usually they're a couple thrown into a horrible situation (like cheating) and then act like they hate each other and then fall in love again.
Anyway, High Fidelity is different because the characters are believable and very compassionate. I swear, a friend and I put names of people we knew to each of the characters in the movie and they worked out. Apparently I'm Barry (Jack Black), although I'd like to think of me as the respectably sensitive type.
Secondly, the use of music to express feelings that aren't apparent and emphasis the feelings that are. This is why music is put into films, and unfortunately a lot of movies just put songs that are hits into their movies so that they can sell a soundtrack. The music in High Fidelity was subtle and unique, and they didn't even stick with one genre of music like How High or Exit Wounds.
Also, the self discovering "what-does-it-all-mean" phase that Rob(Cusack) goes through is completely relatable to real people who go through breakups. And his attempt to remember the past, only to realize his memory isn't as good as he thought (breaking up with Penny) is so funny. I can't remember how many High Fidelity moments I've had.
The Comedy in High Fidelity is top notch, and one thing that really surprises my friends is that I'm not even that impressed with Jack Blacks' comedy. Don't get me wrong..Jack Black is fabulous, and his band, Tenacious D rocks...but since the things I say and do are so much like him....its the subtle John Cusack and Tim Robbins humor that really shocks and satisfies me.
I give High Fidelity an 8.5, because its one of the only well done romantic comedies of the late 90's that didn't take place in high school.