“Kiss Me Goodbye” serves as a wonderful little treat and a reminder that sometimes a comedy has no purpose but to put a smile on your face. That element is often forgotten in the world of comedy, where everything needs to have a deeper meaning or a social context. It is such a breezy and happy-go-lucky treat to just watch some great actors perform in farcical situations.
Kay (Sally Field) is a young widow that is about to get remarried to a sweet but slightly dull man named Rupert (Jeff Bridges). There is one major problem, however, and that is the ghost of her late-husband, Jolly, (James Caan) who seems to object and has no problem being vocal about it.
Is Kay losing her mind? Probably, but it is a funny little journey that you will embark on with her as she tries to reclaim her sanity. Much of the humor is centered around the comical mishaps and misunderstandings that made “Three’s Company” such a treat to watch.
Bridges’ career in Hollywood has been based on his natural on-screen charm that seems effortless. He is always able to put himself fully into the character and rarely plays the same type of role twice. That makes his natural screen presence and diversity as an actor a major reason why he is underrated. “Kiss Me Goodbye” exposes us to the lighter side of the actor, as the bumbling and confused Rupert. Is his bride-to-be crazy, or is the ghost of Jolly really there with them?
Field is opposite Bridges for the second time since the wonderful and rarely-seen comedy “Stay Hungry.” However, “Kiss Me Goodbye” is slightly more audience-friendly and not as offbeat. Field and Bridges have a wonderful romantic chemistry together and compliment each other well.
Sadly, Jolly does not feel the same way and attempts to break them up before the big day.
Caan gives a funny and lively performance as Jolly, which allows us to peer into a lighter side of the Hollywood tough guy. His character may only exist in Kay’s mind and as she uncovers the unfortunate truth about her husband, that comes through in Caan’s performance.
Films such as this are often largely ignored because of their lightheartedness, but people should be aware that a comedic performance is slightly harder then a dramatic one.
So, turn off the rational side of your brain and have a good laugh at the expense of Kay, Rupert and Jolly.
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