My Girl 4K UHD Review
“My Girl” is a 90’s family film classic.
Written by Laurice Elehwany, “My Girl” is set in 1972 in the small town of Madison, Pennsylvania. The story revolves around the eleven year old Vada- a precocious, curious, hypochondriac who lives with her father (who runs a funeral parlor business). Her best friend in the world is the intelligent and shy Thomas J. (who is seemingly allergic to everything). The story takes place over the course of a summer where Vada’s life becomes forever changed. She takes a writing course, hangs out with Thomas, goes to a Carnival, and experiences her first kiss. Her 2 big life changes involve her father (Harry) falling in love with a make-up artist (Shelly) and Vada experiencing a great loss (no spoilers for those who haven’t seen it).
Directed by Howard Zieff, 1991’s “My Girl” is a coming-of-age story that has stood the test of time. Although perhaps too much time is spent on Harry and Shelly (which detracts from Vada’s POV a bit), this is a heartfelt story about childhood. As many of you know, the film is perhaps most well known for its heartbreaking (and some would say traumatizing) ending that still hits hard. Some have been critical of the ending, but it’s essential to the story being told here. This isn’t a watered down, happy ending tale. This is an honest and emotional story about family, childhood, friendship, and growth and all the joys and heartbreaks that come with it. It’s a story about life that strives for realism. The film delicately tackles weighty themes about grief, loss, love, and change. Looking back on the film now, it’s admirable to see just how many risks this family film took in dealing with serious subject matters.
The cast is perfection. Jamie Lee Curtis shines as the kind Shelly, Dan Aykroyd gives a really down-to-earth and sweet performance as Harry, and Griffin Dunne is memorable in the small role as a teacher. Macaulay Culkin (who was coming off the massive hit of “Home Alone”) isn’t in the movie as much as you’d think, but he is essential to the story being told. He really shows his acting range here too as this is a complete 180 from his “Home Alone” character. Last, but not least there is Anna Chlumsky in her film debut. This is easily one of the great child actor debuts. She had the tough task of leading the film and she crushed it. You’d never know this was a first time performance.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.85:1 2160p. How does it look? This is a solid 4K upgrade. It’s not flashy, but it’s a nice clean print.
Audio Track: 5.1 and 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Expect a crisp 5.1 track.
Extras:
* Digital copy
* Theatrical trailer
* Commentary by writer Laurice Elehwany.
* Original behind-the-scenes featurette
* “A Day On Set”- Set footage of the “First Kiss” and “Bingo” scenes
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