Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion, 25 Years Later
Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion proves its staying power, year after year, time after time.
It’s double the nostalgia and twice the fun looking back on the female buddy film that graduated to a cult classic for its 25th anniversary. Utterly charming and relatable, this delightful comedy starring Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow as the titular duo, serves as a reminder to be true to yourself.
A simple yet important message delivered in a glossy, prismatic package in the form of two ride-or-die besties. Their friendship is the foundation of the film upon which the two party girls teeter comically in sixteen-pound shoes. Sorvino and Kudrow take these already well-crafted characters and elevate them, making them unique individuals but also showcasing a unique and treasured bond between girlfriends.
There’s nothing quite like a high school reunion to dredge up memories of past insecurities or humiliations. However, those in the A-Group at Sagebrush High in Tucson, AZ only have good times to look back on. Generally speaking, those good times were at the expense of others, and in particular the lovely leads, Romy and Michele.
Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion ages well in most areas, but like in life, there are some trouble spots. For example, the focus on weight loss, body shaming, and fatphobic criticism does not translate well to these (thankfully) more positive body image leaning times. But even as that brand of humor doesn’t land these days, the important message does in the end and exposes that exact toxicity in the process.
Romy says it best when she spills piping hot tea all over Christie Masters.
“Okay, so Michele and I did make up some stupid lie. We only did it because we wanted you to treat us like human beings. But you know what I realized? I don’t care if you like us, ’cause we don’t like you. You’re a bad person with an ugly heart, and we don’t give a flying fuck what you think.” – Romy White
Jumping between 1997 and 1987, the film is a fun jaunt down memory lane with fashion icons who were ahead of their time in two different eras, an accompanying soundtrack full of bangers, and a cast that spins comedic gold threaded with quotable one-liners.
Janeane Garofalo, Alan Cumming, Camryn Manheim, and Justin Theroux round out the talented supporting ensemble, managing two time periods and adolescent stages of development for their characters.
Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion holds up for both those looking for nostalgia and for the younger generation. It’s a modern, candy-coated fable with two unlikely heroes that shows the importance of living authentically as oneself and not caring what the haters say.
Watch Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion
