Renowned actor and director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were found dead in their Los Angeles home Dec. 14, the victims of a double homicide. Reiner was 78.
Having first gained fame for his role on the landmark CBS-TV sitcom “All in the Family” (1971-79) in which he played Archie Bunker’s Polish American son-in-law, Mike Stivic — whom the cranky bigot dubbed “Meathead” — Reiner helmed his first film in 1984. His work crossed various genres and included a number of features now regarded as classics.
Following, in alphabetical order, are capsule reviews of nine of those movies. Unless otherwise noted, the OSV News classification of each is A-III — adults.
“The American President” (1995)
Fluffy romance with the nation’s widowed chief executive (Michael Douglas) insisting on his right to carry on a love affair with a feisty lobbyist (Annette Bening) despite its potential to derail his chances for reelection. Thanks to the appealing treatment of the couple, producer-director Rob Reiner’s feel-good romantic fantasy provides superficial entertainment while glossing over moral issues and political realities. References to an off-screen affair and a few instances of rough language. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG-13 — parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. (Warner Home Video; also available on Blu-ray)
“A Few Good Men” (1992)
Insecure but glib Navy lawyer (Tom Cruise), goaded by a strong-willed Internal Affairs attorney (Demi Moore), takes on the politically sensitive murder trial of two Marines (James Marshall and Wolfgang Bodison) who are being used as scapegoats by their commanding officer (Jack Nicholson). Director Rob Reiner’s tautly constructed courtroom drama bristles with intense performances while tackling prickly issues of honor, responsibility and personal integrity. An off-screen suicide, a blatantly sexist remark, intermittent rough language. Spanish language and titles options. The Motion Picture Association rating is R — restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian. (?Sony Pictures Home Entertainment; also available on Blu-ray)
“Flipped” (2010)
Heartwarming coming-of-age story, based on the Wendelin Van Draanen novel, chronicles the relationship of two kids (Madeline Carroll and Callan McAuliffe), over a six-year period. At seven, the former has “flipped” over the latter, but her puppy love is not returned. Amid the ups and downs of their friendship, the movie examines family life in baby boom-era suburbia, challenging stereotypes and prejudices with a surprisingly strong pro-life message. As directed by Rob Reiner, everything about the tale feels right and genuine, with a prevailing atmosphere of innocence and sensitivity, making this uplifting film probably acceptable for older teens. A handful of profane and crass expressions, scenes of family discord. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children. (Warner Home Video; also available on Blu-ray)
“Ghosts of Mississippi” (1996)
Fact-based drama chronicles the struggle of a dedicated Mississippi prosecutor (Alec Baldwin), prompted by Medgar Evers’ widow (Whoopi Goldberg), to retry and convict the white supremacist (James Woods) guilty of the 1963 slaying of the civil rights leader nearly 30 years after two mistrials had left him a free man. Producer-director Rob Reiner provides a straightforward though emotionally involving account of an infamous instance of institutionalized racism finally rectified. Scenes depicting the victim’s bloody murder and a few instances of profanity. The OSV News classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. (PG-13) (Warner Home Video)
“Misery” (1990)
Injured in a car crash, a romance novelist (James Caan) is rescued by his number one fan (Kathy Bates) who keeps him in her remote farmhouse and becomes his deadly tormentor. Stephen King’s horror story becomes a tautly edited, gripping psychological thriller in the hands of director Rob Reiner who coaxes top-notch performances from the chilling Bates, the terrorized Caan and a crafty sheriff (Richard Farnsworth). Climactic graphic violence and minimal rough language. Spanish titles option. (R) (Shout!; also available on Blu-ray)
“The Princess Bride” (1987)
Affectionate, lighthearted parody of medieval romance as a young beauty (Robin Wright) is saved from a forced marriage to a nasty prince (Chris Sarandon) by a farm boy turned pirate (Cary Elwes). Directed by Rob Reiner from William Goldman’s script, the comic proceedings are marked with verbal wit and some silly turns by Mandy Patinkin, Wallace Shawn and Billy Crystal. Some comic-book violence. Spanish language and titles options. (A-II, PG) (MGM; also available on Blu-ray)
“Stand By Me” (1986)
The power of this drama lies in the simple, profound truths four boys learn about themselves while on a journey through the backwoods of their rural hometown in the late 1950s. Director Rob Reiner’s preteen coming-of-age picture carefully avoids excess while focusing on simple tests of patience, courage, caring and the joys of male camaraderie. Some harsh language, uncharacteristic of the times, and brief violence but it is an experience some parents might wish to share with their youngsters. Spanish language option. (R) (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment; also available on Blu-ray)
“This Is Spinal Tap” (1984)
Mock documentary on the last, inglorious American tour of an aging English heavy metal group whose fame is long gone makes the grade as a subtle and sometimes very funny satire both on rock bands and on the documentaries made about them. The four principals (Rob Reiner as the director and Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer as the not-overly-bright leaders of the group) also collaborated on the script. Reiner tripled as director. There is a great deal of crude language and many sexual references in the dialogue and song lyrics, but these are essential to the satirical nature of the film. (A-II, R) (Criterion; also available on Blu-ray)
“When Harry Met Sally…” (1989)
Story of the unlikely ways people connect with suitable marriage partners focuses on the comic and touching travails of one couple (Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan) over a dozen years as they wander in and out of each other’s lives. Director Rob Reiner’s comedy about love, commitment, sex and friendship intercuts distracting testimonials from elderly couples about how they met. Though there is much graphic talk about sex and love in Yuppieland and an indiscreet spoof of female orgasm, the movie demonstrates that true love and commitment are still here to stay. Implied sexual promiscuity. Spanish language and titles options. The OSV News classification is L — limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. (R) (MGM; also available on Blu-ray)
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