Review of Vibes

Vibes (1988)
A Delightful Adventure/Romantic Comedy
11 July 2004
Vibes entertains me immensely. While I can somewhat comprehend those who don't enjoy this movie, I don't share their attitude at all. Cyndi Lauper's lovelorn portrayal of Silvia is perfect in style and comic timing. She is utterly believable. She also pronounces Scandinavian and Incan sounds with flair. Peter Falk displays his usual mastery of comedy as the pathologically lying Harry, reminiscent of his role in The In-Laws (1979). He has the best and most absurd lines dealing with static electricity, a friend's infidelities with his former wives, his desire to be someone (someone with money), and how women are soft and might bounce out of a hotel, among many others. I like Jeff Goldblum in just about every movie he does, including this one, though here as Nick he seems a bit more distracted than usual. Still, that's a trait of many of his characters and is perhaps a component of his charm. Supporting players (Sands, Gress, Lerner, Bieri, &c.) all perform excellently, and the music is enchanting, particularly during the scenic settings in Ecuador. Although I've dubbed a fine DVD copy from a late-night movie channel, I'll buy a commercial release as soon as one's available. If I always wanted an intricate intellectual acting masterpiece with minimal music and scenery, I'd watch 12 Angry Men (1957) another dozen times, but Vibes is just the thing for light, fun fare.
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