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Pretty Woman (1990)

Rating: 3 Stars (out of 4)

His Call Girl Friday

By Jeffrey M. Anderson

Buy Pretty Woman on DVD.

I saw this romantic comedy in the theater in 1990 and found it pleasant, though it falls apart rather quickly under scrutiny, especially given the report that the original screenplay was an unrelentingly hardcore look at prostitution. Julia Roberts became an enduring star with her performance as Vivian Ward, a Hollywood hooker who innocently meets a businessman (Richard Gere) when he asks for directions. He hires her services as an escort for a week and the two fall in love with no illicit sex ever being involved. Director Garry Marshall somehow lucked into a hit despite his oppressive 125-minute running time and excessive schmaltz. The odd thing about Pretty Woman 15 years later is how ill-fitting this role really is for Roberts, who now seems too dignified and sophisticated for an unrefined, streetwise girl. The wonderful Laura San Giacomo plays the uninspired role of Roberts's best friend just after her startling turn in sex, lies & videotape.

DVD Details: Touchstone has released a 15th anniversary edition DVD of Pretty Woman, complete with bloopers, a new commentary track, the vintage production featurette, and footage from the wrap party(!).

Starring: Julia Roberts, Richard Gere, Ralph Bellamy, Jason Alexander, Laura San Giacomo, Hector Elizondo
Written by: J.F. Lawton
Directed by: Garry Marshall
MPAA Rating: R for sexuality and some language
Running Time: 125 minutes
Date: October 1, 2005