One of my favorite films as a kid was the Steve Martin romantic comedy “Roxanne”. I am not sure if it was because of the subject matter or because of Steve Martin’s large clownish nose. Steve Martin, in his prime, was easily one of the funniest people alive. Thanks to the good folks at Mill Creek Entertainment, I was able to revisit one of my childhood favorites with a wonderful new blu-ray release.
The film is a retelling of the classic “Cyrano de Bergerac” in which Martin plays an updated version of Cyrano de Bergerac named C.D. in this film. When newcomer Roxanne arrives into C.D.’s town, he is immediately drawn to her not only for her beauty but because they get along so well. C.D.’s feelings are unrequited however as Roxanne doesn’t find him attractive (due to his comically large nose) and is instead attracted to C.D.’s fellow firefighter Chris. C.D. agrees to help Chris in his quest to court Roxanne and tell her the things she would like to hear from him. C.D. channels his own feelings for Roxanne and has Chris repeat what he says. Roxanne falls in love with Chris due largely to the things he tells her. Unfortunately, things don’t go too well with Chris and Roxanne. Later on, Roxanne ends up finding out that it was actually C.D. saying all those beautiful and romantic things to her. What will she do knowing how C.D. really feels about her?
Steve Martin led a good cast with a knockout performance. Martin had good chemistry with Daryl Hannah in one of her best performances to date. While the film is a great romantic comedy, it also doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s rare for a romantic comedy to allow itself to be silly. One aspect of the film I find ironic is that Steve Martin’s character isn’t considered good looking because of his huge news right around the time French actor Gerard Depardieu was being hailed as a sex symbol here in the United States. Depardieu has a nose that rivals Martin’s prosthetic nose in this film.
The film was a critical and box office success and after rewatching it, it’s easy to see why. The film still holds up fairly well as well. I am just thankful to Mill Creek Entertainment for allowing me to relive a childhood favorite (complete with an incredibly cool retro VHS slip cover). “Roxanne” is a must see classic worth a watch now!
Grade: B+
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