Filmmaker reacts to High Fidelity (2000) for the FIRST TIME!

[@JamesVSCinema]

John Cusack & Jack Black!? Sounds like a great time. Want to vote on what I should watch next? Click here! www.patreon.com/jamesvscinema Watching Paranormal Activity for the first time Friday! Enjoy the day!

[@johncampbell756]

I had a first and only date with a girl and we rented this movie. She cried her eyes out because everything he did to his exgirlfriend her ex had done to her. I haven't watched this since. Did you notice that Steven Segal was Andy from Shawshank?

[@BrianNIL]

@@johncampbell756 I notice you left out JOAN Cusack, quite a prestigious actress in her own right, real life sister of John, and the one you refer to as "whoever that friend is." Yes, I'm that pretentious guy in the comments that reminds you of the music snobs in the movie 😛

[@so5075]

How is your fake millionaire roommate doing?

[@johncampbell756]

@@BrianNIL "She's a G." Which is fact. I ran out of time.

[@chrisbowling4060]

Tim Robbins and Jack Black: Bob Roberts. Also Alan Rickman, Giancarlo Esposito, Helen Hunt, Fred Ward, Susan Sarandon and a host of guest cameos (including Epstein from "Welcome Back, Kotter).

[@Bills_Place]

The Jack Black singing reveal at the end had SO much more impact back in the day since nearly no one knew who he was, and therefore had no clue he was about to hit them with that stage performance.

[@chriskelly3481]

my LIIIIFE!❤😂🎉

[@JH-lo9ut]

Yes! I remember seeing this movie back then and had that exact jaw-dropping experience.

[@user-hr4lf7wv6h]

True story. That is one of the highlights of this movie.

[@kevinmassey1164]

This can’t be overstated

[@danballe]

and within the movie, it means something to both Rob and Laura cuz it is their song!!! It shows both things took them by SURPRISE

[@kareningram6093]

I feel like this movie is a good character study of how our own insecurities can turn us into a-holes. And you're right, I don't think anybody could have done this role quite like John Cusack. He's funny and relatable in a real understated way.

[@Curraghmore]

I'm sure someone already pointed it out, but Rob and Laura'a friend Liz was John Cusack's real-life sister, Joan Cusack. There is a third Cusack sibling, Ann who is also an actor. Joan Cusack also appears in 'School of Rock' with Jack Black.

[@stephonix616]

I was going to say...that friend who is a G is John's sister. 😉😄

[@sinclairjg]

And Gross Point Blank with John

[@RC-nv4bh]

This book was recommended to me during a hard break-up. I can honestly say it saved me in a lot of ways. The movie, even more-so (watched it after finishing the book). Loved it through and through and would recommend it to anyone going through a break-up or hard times specifically.

[@lipby]

This book is really special.

[@MichaelPlatson]

Those few times when the book and the movie are both great.

[@andrewmize823]

We all tell our own stories casting ourselves as the good guys. It can really sting when you find out you're not the good guy in someone else's story, especially when the reasons you're not the good guy are valid and evident.

[@johnmavroudis2054]

John Cusack was the iconic actor for my generation. Film after film with relatable performances... Eight Men Out, Say Anything, The Grifters, Shadow and Fog, Bob Roberts, Bullets Over Broadway, City Hall, Grosse Pointe Blank... I wanted to be John Cusack. A lot of guys my age wanted to be John Cusack. Funny, smart, charming. Good Stuff.

[@richardrobbins8067]

Mayer? ..as in Oscar Mayer, is he your main weiner man?? Really huge fan, identify mostly with his "Better Off Dead" "One Crazy Summer" characters, but being something of a music snob this movie kills it.👍

[@shananika]

@@richardrobbins8067 lol I was about to say Better Off Dead is my favorite John Cusack movie. Never gets old. So many great quotes.

[@samanthanickson6478]

@@shananika “2 dollars…”

[@samanthanickson6478]

what about “serendipity”?

[@shananika]

@@samanthanickson6478 “I’ve been going to this high school for 7 1/2 years. I’m no dummy.”

[@marleybob3157]

John Cusack sitting in the rain in the dark while Bob Dylan sings "Most of the Time" is a gripping scene. It gives me chills every time I watch this movie.

[@QoraeRunic]

This is perhaps one of the realest, true to life rom coms

[@slayer45670]

What I love is Rob catches himself at the end with the music critic. He realized he was doing the same thing all over again and he stops the cycle that always hurts him. That’s incredible. He admitted his mistakes, apologies and made up for it. Rob is so relatable. We’ve all been there. I literally made the same mistake and tried to seek comfort cause my own issues. I’m going to therapy to stop those cycles. My fiancée is giving me another chance. I fucked up big time and I regret it. I strive to be Rob, learning from your mistakes and doing better

[@Jason-br5ow]

There’s a great deleted scene with Beverley D’Angelo you should check out. I have no idea why it was cut.

[@victorsixtythree]

This was based on a novel by Nick Hornby. In the book, the Marie DeSalle character is described as looking like Susan Dey. In the movie they cast Lisa Bonet in the role but kept the description of her as "She's kind of a Sheryl Crow-ish, crossed with a post-Partridge Family, pre- L.A. Law Susan Dey kind of thing. But, you know, black." LOL.

[@jculver1674]

Also, the book is set in London, and has a very British tone, but the writers and director (a Brit) did an amazing job of transplanting the story to Chicago and making it feel like a genuine American story from that city.

[@houdin654jeff]

One of my absolute favorite movies, I love the dialogue, I love the narration, I love the soundtrack…. There’s a particular scene where the three guys are discussing songs about death after Rob finds out about Laura’s father passing away that perfectly encapsulates the character work. As they’re forming the list, Dick throws out some Jan and Dean trivia which Barry refutes angrily and Rob corrects both of them calmly, almost automatically. Barry then tries to include “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” a great Rolling Stones song that Dick shoots down, “due to its involvement in The Big Chill,” which Barry immediately accepts as a valid reason. It just really gives a feeling, much like The Big Lebowski, of three people who have hung out WAY too much. Stellar writing.

[@hidalgofritz5538]

That is such a great scene and illustration of the characters.

[@steved1135]

Right on James. No lie, this movie changed my life. It's rare when you get to see yourself in a mirror, and that's what happened to me when I saw this. I was 29 when I saw this, and I was exactly like Rob. It was scary. Still is... lol Despite all that, I'm still a professional critic, like Rob, but I have managed to grow in other ways. Fantastic movie. Hope you dig it.

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

I read it when I was around 26-27 & I actually worked at a record store at the time, lol. Needless to say, I saw a fair amount of myself in Rob. I’m a lot less anal than him & I don’t make lots of lists, but the general late 20’s malaise was very familiar.

[@standardofexcellence]

Same

[@chrisbowling4060]

The actor from "The Shawshank Redemption" is Tim Robbins, who has a nice catalogue with "Bull Durham" (sports comedy), "Bob Roberts" (political satire documentary), "Cadillac Man" (comedy with Robin Williams) and "The Player" (suspense), directed by the great Robert Altman ("M*A*S*H", "Nashville," "Gosford Park").

[@kingamoeboid3887]

He was in Short Cuts that’s also directed by Robert Altman.

[@Jordan808Hawaii]

That has always been one of my favorite all-time movies! Easily John Cusack GOLD! Jack Blacks first big role! I've never seen anyone react to it... thanks for watching it - I'm glad you enjoyed it so much!

[@qwi2311]

The best part of this film is the feeling that you are just listening to your friend talking. It so intimate.

[@Jerzeejaylive]

Over a great soundtrack.

[@rikuruohomaki3230]

The movie is based on a British novel by Nick Hornby written by Nick Hornby, but adapted as an American story. Still, the themes of the story are so universal, the story doesn't really lose anything with the change. British Romantic Comedy, About a Boy, starring Hugh Grant, Rachel Weisz and Nicholas Holt (as the titular boy), was based on another Nick Hornby book, telling the story of another imperfect, in many ways, immature man, who is in need of self-reflection and has some growing up to do, when it comes to relationships. I think you might like it.

[@Mortegro545]

This movie was a big part of how I learned to love someone more than myself.

[@ZacThompson]

John Cusack and Tim Robbins have been buds for a long time. As a filmmaker, you should watch them together in Tapeheads (1988)

[@jimtatro6550]

The scene where Cusack is fantasizing about he, JB and the other guy beating the crap out of Tim Robbins made me almost piss myself laughing the first time I saw it.

[@adgato75]

That shit was unexpected , it was crazy.

[@jasonremy1627]

This is the film that made Jack Black. He was an unknown dude who did commercials and had a quirky comedy band before this.

[@TheRetroManRandySavage]

Wasn't he in one of the never ending story film's?

[@Valp85]

@@TheRetroManRandySavage Yup, one of the bullies.

[@TheRetroManRandySavage]

@@Valp85 I thought he played a bully. Couldn't be to sure though because it must be 20+ year's since I saw it.

[@mojomusica.0169]

I can't find it anymore but the first time I saw Jack Black was an episode of the X-Files featuring him and Geovanni Ribisi.

[@samanthanickson6478]

mars attacks was before this one. he was in it too.

[@lvrplfc4l]

As a Nick Hornby fan I love this adaptation of High Fidelity, Hornby is someone who's works as a novelist, essayist and screenwriter are worth checking out. Also, his first work adapted for a movie, Fever Pitch 1997 was my introduction to one of my favorite actors to watch on screen Mark Strong.

[@deadcatthinks6725]

Cusack is perfect in this. His narration feels like an internal monologue, because some of us watching will have been through some of the situations. I was apprehensive at first, as I loved the book, but the geographical transition worked very well. And in my formative years I made ends meet by working in a speciality store (books) and there is an elitism that isn't talked about...but when done right it can be fun. And this also speaks to all of us who put the blood, sweat and tears into making a mixed tape for someone. Trust me - linking a spotify list does not have the same gravitas.

[@vincentjoyce5100]

Love that you reacted to this. So overlooked and deserving of attention. Maybe others out there will follow your lead.

[@mpotter9944]

For more John Cusack check out: Better Off Dead, Say Anything.

[@matthewconstantine5015]

I worked in a tabletop game store throughout the 90s and man, this movie and its whole portrayal of a small business (that yes, caters mostly to men) is painfully accurate. I was definitely parts of all three of those guys. Good parts and definitely bad parts.

[@artwithmichael5547]

Did you have a person who would ask for a specific thing then painstakingly broaden the description. Like “do you have pandemic?” “Do you have any virus based games?” “ do you have any games about preventing the destruction of humanity?”

[@jculver1674]

I worked at a video store in the '90s and likewise, this movie is so accurate to what that experience is like.

[@Theomite]

@@jculver1674 This movie is light-years more accurate than EMPIRE RECORDS about what working in a music store is. I worked in video stores myself, but fuck, the overlap is unnerving.

[@christopherschreiber5805]

Great pick! I used to suffer from really bad insomnia when I was younger, and this was one of those really great indy-type films I discovered at two in the morning. Brings back a lot of memories. Kind of dumbfounded by how good the writing was. Also, you have to remember, this was before SCHOOL OF ROCK or Tenacious D (I think). Had absolutely no idea Jack Black could destroy some Marvin Gaye like that. Easily one of the greatest reveals ever.

[@po5283]

One thing with John's movies, they have killer soundtracks, you can tell he is a huge music fan. A couple of other great Cusack choices, Better Off Dead, Serendipity and Identity!

[@brianhorn2527]

Agreed. He has impeccable musical taste. He was a friend of Joe Strummer from the Clash and I love the fact that even post mortem he put his music in his films ( Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros) and was a big fan of Shane McGowan and the Pogues.

[@johnlloyddy7016]

This film gave off such a nostalgic 80s vibe that it's hard to believe this actually came out after "Reality Bites" starring Ethan Hawke, Wynona Ryder and Ben Stiller, another film about relationships and music.

[@jeffrconner]

I love that John Cusack and his sister Joan do so many films together. I have to assume it has a lot to do with his sway, but maybe people just like them as a package deal. :-)

[@sorscha1308]

I think John C did use his sway pretty well to get people in the roles he thought they were made for (like Jack Black here) but as far as Joan is concerned, she's pretty damn good herself and had a decent career of her own. She did get the role in Say Anything because John suggested her but they'd already been in 16 candles together, so it's not like she didn't have a career. She's a good actress and an excellent comic actress and why wouldn't they want to work together if they can. The shorthand between siblings must be such a bonus. The surprising thing to me is that they so rarely play actual siblings. They're so alike, it's always weird to me when she pops up playing a friend or secretary or something. I think there are 4 Cusack siblings in Grosse Pointe Blank and i'm sure that did have a lot to do with John producing but who cares, they're all great in their parts.

[@jeffrconner]

@@sorscha1308 Joan is definitely good in her own right. I was just commenting on the frequency she shows up in projects where John is the primary/lead. :-)

[@adgato75]

Part of it is that John is actually kind of an anxious , private person. Having someone he knows well involved in the film and present helps him a lot.

[@ItDoesntMatterReally]

I've always called this the realiest rom-com there ever was. All the doubt, all of the obessiveness over minutia that made you consider loving someone, all the FOMO, all of the wondering what went wrong and if there's a pattern to it. Even the disillusionment of thinking you're blameless until someone points out to you that you're a big part of the problem, if not THE problem. John Cusack spent 17 years being the boy next door to earn our trust in this role as a down to earth, sorta scummy, yet charming record store elitist that might be the most flawed and realistic dude in a movie ever. I love this film.

[@seamusburke639]

10:55 "What the heck did you do, bro?" Oh man, your reaction was so genuine.

[@JamesVSCinema]

I was SHOOKETH

[@seamusburke639]

@@JamesVSCinema I really like this movie but even I was like "...BRUH."

[@benwilson6593]

Cusack had a pretty significant role in adapting the original book/screenplay to a Chicago-centric one. His creative "team" was pretty much the driving force behind the film.

[@susanlawens3776]

I don't think I've ever seen a bad movie with John Cusack in it. Or Joan Cusack, for that matter.

[@brianhorn2527]

Bad Joan Cusack movie..."Toy's" with Robin Williams, although I enjoyed the first hour or so.

[@davidstone9624]

"These are Millennial questions." -- nope, Generation X sends its regards!

[@alishamillion7058]

gen x not millennial

[@davidstone9624]

@@alishamillion7058 that's what I was saying....we agree!

[@DevilsKnot]

THANK YOU!! I seriously needed this today. This movie is easily in my top two films...all time. Lots of nostalgia involved for me.

[@colin641]

my man. glad you had time for yourself and enjoy your time. it's very much needed and no sorry needed. we will always be here for you. this is my dad's fav film. I really dig it myself and enjoying your reaction as always. John Cusack breaks the 4th wall dang well

[@JamesVSCinema]

Yeah brother, this was a damn enjoyable film!

[@WilliamPitcher]

John Cusack has/had an energy like nobody else. Through his mannerisms and verbal idiosyncrasies, he can externalize the internal dialogue that many of us have, but never admit.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Well said brother

[@Theomite]

I saw this in theaters, so I remembered it and used it as a reference when I started collecting vinyl in '18. Without this film, I wouldn't have known about Captain Beefheart, Pavement, Minutemen, Stiff Little Fingers, or snagged _The Killing Moon EP_ when I found it. All vintage, BTW, no reissues. I also love the fact that Lisa Bonet was in this and her daughter Zoe Kravitz played Rob in the TV show version of this movie years later. Oh, and SYNECHDOCHE, NY is pronounced "Sin-EK-doe-key."

[@brettv5967]

Welcome back. What a great choice to come back to. Such a great, great film.

[@poolhall9632]

This movie was a classic with my freshman roommate in college. The book is great. Jack Black is hilarious and the 4th wall breaks remind me to Ferris Bueller. *Did I listen to pop music because I was miserable, or was a miserable because I listen to pop music?*

[@kareningram6093]

I'm glad you got to spend some quality time with your family. I hope you had a great time.

[@dlweiss]

The wild thing about 25:26 is that realization that, back when this movie first came out, Jack Black was pretty much an unknown for a vast majority of audiences, and so the reveal that he's an awesome singer with kickass stage presence was a genuine surprise. But nowadays the gag doesn't play the same, because pretty much everybody knows how awesome Jack Black is. :)

[@JoeFF85]

We are no longer known as Sonic Death Monkey!

[@seamusburke639]

As a huge Marvin Gaye fan, I was like "Damn, he's nailing it!"

[@JamesVSCinema]

Definitely get where your coming from!

[@jculver1674]

"Get your patchouli stink out of my store!" is my favorite movie quote of all time.

[@jereXIX]

Love this movie. It’s a great time capsule too. Jack Black is hilarious, “A Cosby sweatah!” 😂

[@eZTarg8mk2]

have you seen Withnail and I? I think you'll enjoy it, Richard E Grant and Paul McGann as out of work actors stuck in a self destructive pattern of alcohol abuse in 1960's London. It's darkly funny and unconventional (and inspired a character in Wayne's World 2). The candour of John Cusacks character sort of reminded me of that thematically

[@jchusky77]

Does anyone do scenes in the rain better than John Cusack?? This is based on a book by Nick Hornby...he also wrote A Long Way Down

[@garethstanden3732]

if there were 4 more thumbs up above, i'd hit them too. Cusack does Cusack like Cage does Cage. its just works. Great to see his sister back in this again. Remember Martin's secretary in Grosse?

[@MerryBerry22]

Iconic Gen X Movie….I’ve always loved it!

[@fkajackiebrown_]

i love this movie. look into the hulu show starring zoe kravitz (the goddess) as rob. its really good and im still bitter that it got cancelled.

[@vincentjoyce5100]

Love the connection with her mom!

[@standardofexcellence]

People are majority stupid and network execs are too myopic for there own good

[@Zombies8MDingo]

Favourite film right here. ♥️ Good companion film for this is 500 Days Of Summer. Worth a watch. 🙂

[@wozzab9136]

Love the film and the book. I was 21 when this came out, had an obsession with music and records, and had just been dumped by my girlfriend so thought this film was about my life. Brought back some very vivid memories

[@telebender]

If you're looking for another great John Cusack flick, try "The Grifters" with him, Angelica Houston and Annette Bening.

[@Johonnac]

One of my faves that I’ve watched a at least a dozen times

[@cashflowhustles]

LOVE this film! Haven't seen in this in AGES and NOBODY reacts to films like these.

[@UncleAnaesthesia]

Saw it at 15 and it was so cleverly written and so true to its content, it felt really genuine on a personal level as well. The writer of High Fidelity (Nick Hornsby) is an underappreciated modern wordsmith.

[@matthewjaco847]

I have tried (and failed) many times to reorganize all of my albums autobiographically like Cusack’s character. One day, I’ll get it right

[@TenTonNuke]

If you've never seen Stephen King's 1408, it's both one of the best psychological horror movies ever made and also some of Cusack's best acting IMO.

[@riverbedfred7352]

This. Please, this. 1408 is like a bad acid trip. Some very intense themes and some terrifying ideas

[@phenomenalbat4629]

I absolutely love this movie, something about the vibe is just so fun and interesting. Plus, it's probably my favourite John Cusack role, he's so layered and messy but a fun character to watch.

[@jaives]

this and grosse point blank are probably the most john cusack movies ever.

[@JamesVSCinema]

He’s so much fun in this role!

[@jamiesucie2685]

If you’re looking for more John Cusack, he has a horror/mystery movie called Identity (2003) which is pretty good.

[@6sKi6z6]

1408 is a mastpiece.

[@jlerrickson]

The Raven and America's Sweethearts are also awesome. Sweethearts especially has an excellent cast, including Billy Crystal. 😁

[@krissiep1317]

Identity, yes!

[@ronbock8291]

Speaking of beasts, Stephen Frears is an absolute directing beast. Pretty much any film is a winner, The Hit, My Beautiful Laundrette, Prick Up &our Ears, Sammy and Rosie, Dangerous Liaisons (!), The Grifters, The Van, The Queen… all of them are uniquely memorable and flawlessly executed. You really should start with Dangerous Liaisons, it’s incredible, like Barry Lyndon great, but more fun.

[@lilmissrockchick4962]

I love Prick Up Your Ears ❤❤❤

[@BREP986]

One of my favorite movies, and book adaptations. Well, I've been listening to my gut since I was 14 years old, and frankly speaking, I've come to the conclusion that my guts have shit for brains.

[@desertrose0027]

This movie was based on a book by Nick Hornby. I loved it when it came out. The asides to the camera. The focus on music. The mix tapes that he made (showing my age here, but I made quite a few mix tapes as a teen). Jack Black. It's a very unique movie, as you say. Even then I realized that he was a jerk, but that part of it comes out even more now that I'm older. He's done some awful things and so those breakups that he's mourning are justified. It's still a great movie, though. Also, this movie really helped Jack Black's band, Tenacious D, take off as their debut album came out shortly after the movie's release.

[@Hoigwai]

A great film that I've watched many times because it has so much heart and a soundtrack that feels like life.

[@sbanta22]

This movie and Almost Famous came out back to back when I was like 13 or 14. I watched both of them many times during that really formative time in my teens and still mean a lot to me.

[@richardshillam7075]

Great source material adapted by Cusack and his friends. Helmed by a fantastic director.

[@DrBeardfacePA]

I tried to watch this film before I was mature enough to appreciate it. Maybe it’s time to give it another shot. Jack Black singing about Laura’s dad still cracks me up, though.

[@stephenmcdonald8474]

You have to watch the "remake" with Zoe Kravitz in the Rob role. It was an 8 episode tv show, I think Netflix. It was so good. Cast was pissed they never greenlit a second season. Highly recommend.

[@snarkysquirrel]

i like this movie. i think its interesting. it doesnt feel millenial to me at all. very much gen x. which im pretty sure cusack is. also joan cusack is underated. shes always good in everything shes in.

[@Johonnac]

Yep, GenX definitely; not millennial at ALL

[@Littleman91779]

One of my favorite movies and if you enjoyed it you should watch the movie Singles. Another of my favorites, it's about being single in the early 90s in Seattle, great film.

[@hidalgofritz5538]

So glad to see you experiencing this film. Has been on my top 10 list since the first time I saw it.

[@tommymclaughlin-artist]

This is my all-time favorite movie, how did I miss this upload??? Man I wish I coulda chimed in when this was fresh.

[@darrenmacdonald1499]

Love this film! Back in the day, before Tenacious D, to hear Jack Black belt out Marvin Gaye, really blew a lot of people away. Another great film that puts a lot of emphasis on the narration is Stranger Than Fiction with Will Ferrell. It's not your regular Will Ferrell movie, but it really shows that he has talents far beyond what he is famous for. I highly suggest checking it out.

[@theblobconsumes4859]

An incredibly strong character study. I hate the ending due to being rushed and not having the time to show Rob's improvement as well as his pain was shown - But the writing from the same people who wrote Grosse Pointe Blank still shines more than ever here, which Cusack actually helped write too. The singing near the end though was a great moment, especially for people who didn't know about a certain band. Not spoiling it for anyone who hasn't seen the movie or the video. The comedy can be pretty subtle, making for a rather sad drama if you miss it. Very good cinematography too.

[@ClichéGuevara-2814]

The female friend of Rob and Laura, the "G"..is Joan Cusack, John's sister.

[@davedalton1273]

Whoa! At 20:26, Ryan Gosling in perhaps, his very first appearance. He plays one of the dinner guests. He doesn't have a line; he just sits there and eats something.

[@fjvarro]

In terms of movies where they have just a REAL feel to them, I recommend checking out Sleepwalk With Me from 2012. It's written and stars Mike Birbiglia, and I remember being floored at how authentic some of the conversations felt in their scrambling awkwardness. people didn't feel like they were reading dialog, the felt like they were trying to figure out what to say in the moment in a great way. The Big Sick starring Kumail Nanjiani is another comedian written and acted autobiographical movie that is great too if you want a double feature!

[@chrissiegle1065]

Great choice!! No one ever reacts to this. Great movie. Thank you.

[@terrancebrown87]

Man you keep finding the great forgotten movies! That is what is up homie lol

[@pillmuncher67]

As a GenXer I have to say: That movie is peak GenX.

[@jasonremy1627]

Absolutely.

[@gaia1577]

The woman Laura was talking to about Rob's bad behavior is his sister Joan Cusack, very cool. Forgot how good this flick was. Thanks :)

[@ghengis-connie]

one of my favorites of all time.

[@MichaelPlatson]

You should check out Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, it's a great film with John Cusack that doesn't get enough love on KZbin. Pushing Tin is another John Cusack movie that runs along similar lines to High Fidelity, you'd love it, great life-lessons. I don't know why but I always get a kick out of seeing Joan Cusack show up in John Cusack movies. When you get the chance check out Toys, with Joan Cusack and Robin Williams.

[@insulaarachnid]

High Fidelity is based on the Nick Hornby novel of the same name. Another movie based on a Nick Hornby book is Fever Pitch, starring Colin Firth.

[@Yldcatz]

Fun fact: the friend who asked him why he wants Laura so much is his real sister.

[@brianvalencia7717]

I always felt that this film is THE definitive performance of Jack Black in his PUREST form. Truly his most hilarious role EVER!

[@jahrolo]

I started working in a bookstore in 2000 when I was 16 - I bought the book and didn´t like it at all. Shortly after the movie came out and I love it since then :) Maybe you´ll have a look at another movie based on a book by Nick Hornby - "Fever Pitch" ;)

[@luciemurphree1597]

You MUST check out Better Off Dead. It's a classic 80's film. And I recommend 1408 or Identity to see John Cusack at his best!

[@shaftpunk84]

Probably my most rewatched film of all time.

[@handsomestik]

James , you have the best react list I have ever seen

[@raymondhodgson1190]

Really enjoyed this movie. And I totally agree the casting is what makes it work though because if you look at the characters actions he would be completely hateable. The book is another thing entirely, and it's good but it works for different reasons because the main character is still really hateable too.

[@muffinamy83]

Laura's friend Liz is John Cusack's sister Joan Cusack They've been in many films together. I love them both. Joan was also in School of Rock with Jack.

[@muffinamy83]

Oh, and Natalie Woods' daughter Natasha Gregson Wagner plays Caroline, she was briefly a thing in the 90s.

[@brianhorn2527]

I read the book first and when I heard they were moving the setting from London to Chicago I was doubtful, then I heard John Cusack was starring and I was all in. Like Synecdoche, New York you can see yourself at some point in the characters. Maybe a little too much. I can't think of a John Cusack film I don't like. Try "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" with Cusack and Kevin Spacey. Or "War Inc" the unofficial sequel to Gross Point Blank though I don't really agree.

[@Johonnac]

“Midnight..” is also a fantastic book!

[@becksimilian2955]

Beautifully complex characters with amazing performances. This was one of the first things I saw Jack Black in, was immediately like "yo this dude is fucking amazing"🤣

[@derekhauffe7197]

That female friend you said was a G? That’s his sister, Joan Cusack. She was his office manager in Grosse Point Blank.

[@MrEddHard]

If you like the film. Read the book. It's amazing.

[@radiosilence85]

You might like the movie The Ice Harvest with John Cusack, Billy Bob Thornton, and Oliver Platt... pretty funny stuff.

[@Romelo1988]

would love to see you watch Martian Child and Serendipidy by Cusack

[@likecrazyhorse]

Room 1408 is a great Cusack movie, and the exchange between him and Sam Jackson at the beginning is intense. Also, this movie feels like Cusack is the protagonist AND antagonist, because he's his own worst enemy

[@thomthum2000]

Synecdoche is pronounced suh · *nek* · duh · kee. Kind of similar to Schenectady, which is where the film is based. It's the part of something that's used to describe the whole or vice versa. Kinda like using your 'wheels' to describe your car or saying that New York won the World Series. To me, Caden's world encapsulates both the grander human experience and also the experience of a singular human being.