One of the best casting jobs ever

Rating: 10/10 (19 December 2008)

If there was ever a movie that deserved an Academy Award for casting, this is it. Every role is impeccably filled, from Richard Gere and Julia Robers in the leads, all the way to Abdul Salaam El Razzac as the Happy Man ("Welcome to Hollywood, what's your dream?"). Yes, the story is catchy and the screenplay is wonderful, but what makes this movie so compelling is the way absolutely every role contributes to the overall tapestry, a tribute to Garry Marshall's attention to detail. Laura San Giacomo, Jason Alexander and Hector Elizondo are at their best in supporting roles, and even the bit parts - Elinor Donohue as Bridget the saleswoman, James Patrick Steward as the bellboy, R. Darrell Hunter as Daryl the limo driver, and so many others (the patronizing salesman, the snobs at the polo match, everyone) - are perfectly cast. It is this, I think, more than any other characteristic, than has prevented a Pretty Woman sequel - and Hollywood has been clamoring for one for nearly 20 years. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to duplicate the ensemble synergy here. Besides, who needs a sequel when the original just gets better every time you watch?