City Slickers: Surprisingly Solid Comedy (and a bit deeper than I thought!)

Okay, so I just rewatched City Slickers (1991) for probably the millionth time, and I'm still laughing. Billy Crystal is genuinely hilarious throughout, and I think it's the perfect example of a comedy movie. Forget about the 'classic' movies, this one is more like the movies I like to watch in my free time. It's comfort food of cinema, you know? But... watching it with my 'film student' glasses on this time, I noticed a few things I hadn't before. The director (I need to look that up, I honestly don't know! lol) actually does a pretty good job visually. There are some nice wide shots of the landscape, especially during the cattle drive itself, that really emphasize the vastness and isolation they're feeling. It's not groundbreaking cinematography by any means, but it's effectively used to support the story. What I also appreciated this time around was how the humour wasn't just slapstick. Yeah, there's plenty of physical comedy (the birth scene, anyone?!), but there are also some surprisingly poignant moments. The Curly character (Jack Palance, RIP) actually brings a lot of depth to the film. His 'one thing' speech is genuinely thought-provoking, even if it is a little preachy. It's really well filmed to, the way he's got the firelight on his face, it makes him look wiser and more mysterious. I think what makes it so good is that it's relatable on some level. Who hasn't felt stuck in a rut? Who hasn't questioned their purpose in life? It's a comedy, sure, but it also touches on some universal anxieties. Plus, Daniel Stern's character is SO underrated. He's the perfect foil to Crystal's Mitch. Anyway, just some rambling thoughts on a '90s classic. Is it high art? Absolutely not. Is it a genuinely funny and enjoyable movie with a surprising amount of heart? Absolutely. If you haven't seen it in a while, give it another watch. You might be surprised by what you find! What do you guys think of it?