aciolino How disappointing that no one, not any of the "user reviewers" or any of the "professionals" in the External Reviews really understood, or "got" this film (and most likely the play itself). Lucky reader, I am here to clue you in. This is NOT a cute trifle, a simple evening's entertainment about the old v. the new, uptown vs. downtown, the lure of glamour v. tradition. No it is much more subtle than that though, sadly, it is hardly PLAYED that way. It's métier is the passage of time, the rhythms and continuity of life, of life and death and the struggle to discover one's identity in an ever challenging world. To defend my posit, I direct you to the last line of the film: "Okay, it's time to put the Bubbie to bed." Are there sadder, wiser, more poignant last lines in any film? No, it's not that Bubbie is simply tired and wants to go to sleep. Consider what has transpired. What was here single motivation for during the film? To see her Grand- daughter married well. We know that Izzy's parents are not available to her, and we know how much Bubbie loves her. See all the pictures on her wall? Having lived a good, full life, there is but one task left for her: to see Izzy married. This she does, and so may be "put to bed," that is, pass on. . . and let the new generation have their time. It is an old and sacred tradition. It is a profound one. Again, sadly, the film takes it lightly and should have been played differently. "Crossing Delancey," is not just a physical act. . .it is a spiritual one, Delancey indicating the River Jordan, or any border between what was and what is inevitable. Izzy choosing Sam is not just an "Oh, I guess I really like you," choice, it represents a profound metamorphoses in Izzy, an evolution in her being, and in ours. When you watch this film, this on these things and when Bubbie asks to be put to bed, see if you don't feel a tear in your eye, as we actually watch the end of one generation, who has finally given way to the next. A word about the music. The soundtrack of any film is of critical importance and this film is no exception. Largely, it is the music of the wonderful Roches, which lends an air of light hip-ness to the proceedings. One problem. . .Izzy starts out to visit her Bubbie. We see her crossing Central Park West and heading for the subway, and we hear a catchy, throbbing number by the Roches --- very appropriate. Cut to her exiting the subway on the Lower East Side. We need different music here--this is a different world. I'm not saying Klezmer, but something. Bad choice. Similarly, after Bubbie's last line, we go right into another hip Roches number, which is very lovely, and is perfect for "Roll credits," but--- but --- a moment or two to allow what Bubbie has said to be fully appreciated? Like she would have said, "What would it hurt?"

r_grayhat The thing I liked most about this movie was the writing. There are parts in the film that are exceptional, such as when the guy tells Isabelle (the protagonist) a story about a friend and his hat. The story he tells is simple, but says so much about his character. I liked the conflict with Isabelle, as she decides whether she likes him or not, despite all his shortcomings (he works in a pickle store, he isn't an author).You can understand why she would be interested in "the author" over him, seeing that she works in a bookstore.What I didn't like about the film is that the two lead characters aren't stand-out performances. Especially the pickle guy, he says his lines in an amateur fashion.If you like this movie (and it is good), then I recommend "Moonstruck".

Snoopymichele SPOILERS BELOWAs an unmarried Jewish woman who has old fashioned elders, I can appreciate this movie now at 37 more than I did when saw it for the first time at 19. It is beautiful, endearing, and enchanting-not to mention funny and poignant.From beginning to end, Amy Irving gives a delightful performance as Isabel, (Izzy) an "Uptown Girl" who prides herself on her independent life in the literary world. Her friends, her colleagues, her entirely lifestyle is highbrow, and she feels comfortable in this world. Then she meets Sam, the "Pickleman", who is played by the always wonderful Peter Reigert. Although she likes him, her snobbery almost gets the best of her. Her awkward attempt to fix him up with her friend ends up backfiring, as she comes to realize what a true gem of a man he is. Add to that, she is engaging in a cat and mouse flirting game with the sexy Jeroen Krabbe, an enigmatic (and egotistical) Dutch writer who ultimately only wants her around so she can be his assistant. The line when she tells him off is priceless! Sylvia Miles, as the yenta matchmaker adds a lot of laughs with her over the top performance. Watching her eat alone adds much comic relief. The real scene stealer however, is the magnificent Reizl Bozyk as Isabel's "Bubby," the sweetnatured, sentimental, all-knowing Ida.With its New York scenery, rich characters and believable storytelling, this film is among the best romantic comedies ever made. It is one worth watching over and over, to cherish more and more through the years, especially as the older generations of Jews, with their old-world traditions and wisdom become a memory to their children and grandchildren. And any young Jewish woman who has ever encountered a matchmaker (which I have) just has to appreciate Hannah Mandelbaum's sincerity and desire to bring young people together to preserve the traditions and Jewish way of life. This film is a perfect 10 out of 10.

amosduncan_2000 If you come to this deadpan, soft touch romantic comedy with your expectations in check you might enjoy it's modest pleasures. Amy Irving is assured and winning in the lead; but there is a remote quality to the character we never quite warm to. When She realizes She is behaving real stupidly, we have been so far ahead of her for so long we don't quite buy it. For someone who loves language and books; She never has a great deal to say. The rest of the cast all do a fine job, as does folk rock legend Suzy Roche in her as of yet only movie. It is unfortunate Silver has not gotten a chance to do more; She has a real nice touch with comedy. This came through even in her minor "Big Girls Don't Cry." Along with Betty Thomas, She deserved more chances and better scripts.