source: Roxanne

Trailer—Roxanne

Roxanne

I have never read "Cyrano de Bergerac" or seen any official movie version of it, so Fred Schepisi's "Roxanne" is the only version that I know. And it's a good one. More than just a silly comedy, it looks at the relationship between C.D. (Steve Martin) and Roxanne (Daryl Hannah) and lets it play out just right. Personally, my favorite scene is Martin's string of comments about his over-sized schnoz. But no matter how you look at the movie, it's truly a great one, located right in the midst of Martin's heyday (along with "All of Me", "Three Amigos", "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" and "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels"). I definitely recommend it. Also starring Michael J. Pollard, plus early appearances of Damon Wayans and Kevin Nealon.

This was a "sweet" romantic-comedy in which Steve Martin was near the top of his game, so to speak, and Darryl Hannah never looked better. Just staring at her in some scenes was awesome. Martin's character, "C.D. Bales," thought so, too. This movie, based on the famous play, "Cyrano de Bergerac," was pretty charming throughout with Martin providing light humor and and sporting a humongous nose. Unfortunately, that nose helps prevent the object of his affection, "Roxanne" (Hannah) from receiving that back, the latter prefer the handsome-but-dumb "Chris McConnell" (Rich Rossovich). The only thing that was not sweet or charming was the abuse of the Lord's name in vain, used about 10 times in here. For a movie of this nature, that is uncalled for and ruined the enjoyment of this film for me. There was no need for that. Without it, I would elevate this to a "9."

Steve Martin's genius as a comic actor has never been in doubt. But once in a while even a genius does something astounding. For Martin it is "Roxanne". Possibly THE funniest movie that I have ever seen, not to mention passionately romantic, it also does something that so few movies are able to do today... it stays intelligent despite the humor. In today's Hollywood so many comedies fall into the trap of deplorable slapstick and gratuitous cussing, "Roxanne" succeeds in entertaining us through colorful characters, enchanting surprises, and witty intelligent dialogue. Where have movies like this gone to? Where were they to begin with? A rare jewel in the sands of Hollywood, see this movie like your life depends on it (tip to the wise: take a date). Pay special attention to the character of Andy, he is a special treat throughout the film. Also look for a VERY young Damon Wayans. The treats abound.

"Roxanne" is a one of the most satisfying movies ever made. It has a perfect cast delivering terrific performances across the board. It's location photography looks great. Every time I watch "Roxanne" it makes me want to live in that town. Steve Martin is one of the greats. Nobody makes a love story like Martin. He's in a class by himself. "Roxanne" manages to strike a perfect balance between laughs and romance. It was great when I saw it in the theater (Movieworld, Diuglaston, NY) and it's still great now. Honorable mention: Fred Willard.

It is not quite Steve Martin's best film, The Jerk, Man with Two Brains and especially Planes, Trains and Automobiles are slightly better, but for me Roxanne does feature one of Martin's best performances. He is wonderful in this film, and this film perfectly showcases his talents. My only criticism of this otherwise excellent movie is that it is slightly too long, but it is charming and hilarious and manages to stick remarkably faithfully to the Cyrano De Bergerac tale while transporting it to the present day. Roxanne is beautifully filmed, confidently directed, smartly written and features very good supporting performances from Daryl Hannah, Michael J.Pollard and especially Rick Rossovich. Then there are also some very memorable sequences particularly the brilliantly funny nose-jokes sequence. All in all, one of Steve Martin's best and recommended. 9/10 Bethany Cox

Mozart would have loved Roxanne. This perfect film rests on some of his greatest hits...as choreographed and performed by Steve Martin. There is nothing "Roxanne" lacks, from aliens dropping out of trees to "make love to older women", to a water ballet courtesy the local fire department. The characters are beautiful: the brilliant misfit; the gorgeous "astrologer or astronomer, or something"; the bronzeable but- alas, dumb- hunk...all gather on the mountainside for our pleasure. Toss in a big rubber nose, a couple of the greatest lines from literature, stir with that Mozart stuff, and poof...a great valentine evening.

If you don't like Steve Martin, watch this movie and you will. This movie so perfectly showcases his talents, both physical and verbal. The supporting cast is good too. The first scene with Daryl Hannah is great, as was the 20 better insults scene, but the highlight of the movie, at least for me, was Chris's first date with Roxanne. The whole thing where he's at her house is so hilarious. This movie is very funny, yet it never sacrifices the characters for humor. An underrated classic, sure to brighten your day.