smef99
I fell in love with this movie the first time I saw it, perhaps in the late 90s/ early 2000s. I lost count of how many times I've seen it since, but it never loses its magic. I love many movies but I rarely give any a complete 10/10. This gem, however, more than earned it. Everything about it was perfection; from the characters to the pacing to the dream-like world and atmosphere that looks so familiar from my dreams, the ones you never want to wake up from. I read another comment here from a another reviewer who said s/he wished they could live there. My feeling exactly. Other wonderful aspects of the movie included the lead actors, who were spot on and had the most natural chemistry, the gorgeous soundtrack so fitting to the characters and atmosphere and, of course, the perfect narration that makes you feel as if you're transported to the imagined world of a perfect book. Talking of books, I want to stress that you don't have to have read the books on which the film is based to enjoy this masterpiece, I certainly didn't (although I would snap up the books should I ever come across them). On the other hand, if you read the books, let me give you a piece of advise; don't compare the two. A movie is a different art form which should always be taken on its own merits, not compared to anything else. That way you will see this effort for its own true beauty and not through some unrealistic expectations of being a carbon copy of something else. Enjoy.
SnoopyStyle
It's Monterey, California. Cannery Row has fallen into economic depression after the canning plants shut down. Everybody calls the marine biologist Doc (Nick Nolte) but nobody knows his past. There is a group of local hobos led by Mack with the childlike Hazel who collect samples for him. Drifter Suzy DeSoto (Debra Winger) arrives looking for any work. She accepts a job at Fauna Flood's bordello. The two gruff damaged souls struggle to find companionship. Doc is a former pitcher who secretly leaves bags of grocery for a beachcomber called The Seer.This is lighter rom-com based on John Steinbeck books. The setting is depression era like. Its light tone does make it have an artificial feel. It is mostly made on a sound stage but that's not exactly what I'm talking about. This is more of a light rom-com fable rather than a dark gritty drama. The combination of Nolte and Winger has plenty of gruff fiery energy. Both are experienced at playing with these big voices. They're good at clashes which is the start of any rom-com. This movie has some memorable bits like the frog hunt. Parts of this are good although the whole doesn't always add up.
mark.waltz
Earlier this year, I saw a production of the rather obscure Rodgers and Hammerstein musical "Pipe Dream" at the New York City Center. The musical failed simply because of a lack of storyline (in spite of a lovely score) and this film version of the same story has the same issue. The lives of these residents of a small California coastal town (where life surrounds a brothel) are presented in a sweet manor with a series of minor conflicts but no real glue holding them together. The performances are all admirable, with Debra Winger a definite future star and Nick Nolte excellent in the leads. Audra Lindley stands out as the bohemian madame, red hair flowing as if she was Mrs. Roper's fun-loving grandmother. Equally memorable is the powerful narration by the legendary John Houston. His diction is so heart-felt that it doesn't matter that you don't see him-you really FEEL him. Add to this some masterful photography and wonderful period music, and you have a nice film that sadly misses the mark of being a great movie.
abacussk
Even after 23 years I still have the newspaper ad for this movie on my bulletin board. "You don't have to be crazy to live here, but it helps." I love this movie. Of course, it pairs my two favorites, Nick Nolte and Debra Winger. It has the feel of an old time movie, or surreal, as another person commented. The characters are wacky and lovable and the dance scene and the frog hunt are unforgettable. The narration by John Huston is perfect.Watching Cannery Row is a relaxing, enjoyable way to spend an evening. And I have used Doc's speech to Hazel at least twice -the one about paying for breaking something.I don't think it is meant to be the retelling of Steinbeck's novel. I read both Cannery Row and Sweet Thursday ....and preferred the movie!!
AD
