Continental Divide
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Movie Reviews of Continental Divide
Movie Review: Under-rated classic
Summary: 5 Stars
I love this movie. It is not a Ha-Ha comedy, but it is a fun movie that to me is a closet classic. Belushi might have been mis-cast, but he pulls it off.Movie Review: Continental Divide
Summary: 5 Stars
This is one of my favorite John Belushi movies. It shows a serious side that never really came out in his earlier movies. I love this movie.Movie Review: This is not a comedy, it's a drama-romance
Summary: 4 Stars
Like my title blurb says, this is not a comedy with John Belushi, but rather a romantic drama with a few light comedic touches, so if you're looking for some Belushi laughs in the manner of "The Blues Brothers" or "1941" you'll be sorely disappointed. I'm not a Belushi expert by any means but from what I understand "Continental Divide" is one of his only serious roles, and he does it well. It's also one of his last films; a mere five & a half months after the theatrical release John foolishly passed away from drug abuse at the way-too-young age of 33 on March 5, 1982.
THE PLOT: Belushi plays Ernie Souchak, a popular Chicago columnist, whose controversial reporting lands him in the hospital. His boss, who wants to get him out of the city, sends him to the scenic Rocky Mountains to interview famous bald eagle researcher Nell Porter, played by the beautiful Blair Brown. Souchak is a city man who chain-smokes, whereas Nell revels in the wilderness and hates jounalists. Will they end up falling in love? And, if so, how can a marriage possibly work if they both insist on remaining in their vastly different worlds so far apart?
I'm not a fan of romantic comedies but I will occasional watch romantic dramas like "Ode to Billy Joe," "The Whole Wide World" or even "Love Story." Although "Continental Divide" isn't nearly as serious as those films, it's not a comedy either. There are a few minor laughs, usually tied to Souchak's awkwardness in the wilderness, but that's about it. Although light-hearted, this is indeed a serious film. It's not only entertaining, it surprisingly has a few notable things to say.
The most prominent part of the film is the hour or so wherein Souchak goes to the Rockies and stays with Nell. Most men will likely become infatuated with Blair Brown as Souchak falls in love with Nell. I did. Blair was 35 years old at the time of filming (although she appears to be in her early 40s) and has a very earthy look; she never wears make-up and never reveals a lot of flesh. She doesn't need to. She has a strong, independant mindset and yet, at the same time, is very likable and alluring. Her body has the necessary natural roundishness and curves that attract red-blooded men.
I heard some reviewers complain about the sequence wherein Nell secretly meets a ultra-stud mountain man (an ex-football player) for a literal roll in the meadow. They argue that this is a meaningless and unneeded sequence. Actually the story is making a statement with this subplot (SPOILER -- if you wanna figure it out on your own don't read the rest of this paragraph): Although Nell would occasionally meet the ultra-macho stud as a sexual outlet in the lonely wilderness, it's obvious she doesn't love the dude in a romantic sense. Their relationship is superficial because it fulfills only one purpose and doesn't go any deeper. As the story progresses Nell falls in love with Souchak, a man who is the antithesis of the studly mountain man in every way. Souchak isn't macho-looking at all; he's only of average height and isn't in very good physical shape. He is, however, an intelligent and expert writer, amongst other things. The message we can glean from this is that men don't have to be ultra-masculine-looking to win the heart of a beautiful woman. And you know what? It's true. Just look around. This is an encouraging message for guys who aren't the "tall, dark and handsome" type.
The first two times I saw "Continental Divide" I felt it was poorly named. Much of the story takes place in the mountains near the Continental Divide, so what? The third time I watched it the title's meaning dawned on me (I know, I'm a doofus): Souchak and Nell's lives are divided by half a continent; how could a long-term relationship possibly work? The ending is surprising and unconventional, but it works. Very well, in fact.
Movie Review: Sweet Romance From The Early '80's
Summary: 4 Stars
CONTINENTAL DIVIDE is a sweet, predictable romantic comedy of two opposites who in classic movie fashion can't stand each other at first but then fall madly in love. Although this is a comedy there is also lots of drama and John Belushi's portrayal of Ernie, an intelligent Chicago investigative reporter, is far from his role as ANIMAL HOUSE'S Bluto or most of his other characters in SNL sketches. Ernie needs to get out of town for awhile because his investigating has angered some powerful and corrupt politicians. His editor suggests he hide out in Wyoming and get an interview with Nell, a woman who has been studying bald eagles at her remote mountain top home. Ernie with his chubbiness and chain smoking is a typical fish out of water in this rugged terrain. He ends up staying at the cabin of the beautiful self-reliant eagle expert Nell played by Blair Brown who is at first immune to Ernie's charms. It will come as no surprise to frequent viewers of romantic comedies that after a series of misunderstandings and misadventures Nell and Ernie find they can't live without each other. Of course there's a problem - her life is in Wyoming protecting and studying the eagles and his is in Chicago protecting the city from corruption. Aside from the love story the movie offers some beautiful mountain scenery, shots of Chicago that make it look like a glamorous city and views of bald eagles who are thankfully not nearly as endangered as they were in 1981 when the movie was made. Lots of other things from dress styles to office equipment have changed since the early 80's and the Chicago portion of the film stands as a window in to that time.Movie Review: Nice Romanic Comedy Proved Toned-Down Belushi Still Funny
Summary: 4 Stars
"Continental Divide" stars John Belushi as Ernie Souchak, a Chicago newspaper columnist (based on Mike Royko). Ernie loves Chicago; he is a true urbanite. When his hard-hitting stories about a corrupt city official bring threats to his life, his editor decides to protect him by sending him on a story out of town...waaay out of town. Ernie is sent to the Rocky Mountains to interview Nell (Blair Brown), a reclusive ornithologist. A huge fish out of water, Ernie struggles against the elements: an overweight chainsmoker in the high altitudes of the Rockies is not a pretty site. Eventually, Ernie finds the lovely Nell, and the city mouse locks horns with the country mouse almost immediately. But circumstances force Nell to take in the reluctant Ernie. As with most films like this, opposites attract, as Ernie does his best to assimulate to Nell's world. But things are heating up back in Chicago, and Ernie must come out of hiding, with Nell in tow, to set things right. Alas, Nell's home is in the mountains with her beloved eagles, so the couple must decide where true love's course will take them. Belushi is very good as slob-with-a-heart Ernie, proving his comedic charm is just as funny mild as it is wild. Brown is beautiful and appealing. Lawrence Kasden wrote the script; it's a bit spotty in places, but overall it's a funny, charming romantic comedy that spotlights a kinder, gentler Belushi.