Happy Together

Happy Together is a 1989 romantic comedy-drama film directed by Mel Damski and written by Craig J. Nevius. The movie features a compelling lead cast consisting of Patrick Dempsey, Helen Slater, and Dan Schneider. The film is a surreal exploration of the complicated dynamics of relationships and cohabitation, and it ultimately explores life’s sweet, chaotic unpredictability when two opposite individuals are forced to live together.

Patrick Dempsey, known for his suave charm that he later manifests in popular shows like "Grey's Anatomy", plays the role of Chris, a college student with an unbridled passion for vinyl records and a carefree disregard for neatness and organization. He is portrayed as a loveable yet lackadaisical individual who lives by his own rules and is completely devoid of any semblance of structure or order in his life.

Helen Slater, fondly remembered for her performance in the film 'Supergirl', portrays the character of Alexandra, known as Alex. She’s a disciplined, orderly, and ambitious young woman with a clear roadmap to success. Alex holds strong progressive ideals, has a penchant for cleanliness, and her life goal revolves around getting into an Ivy League law school.

The supporting actor Dan Schneider, recognized for his stellar performances in mainly television series, plays the role of Stan, a mutual friend to Chris and Alex.

The movie starts with Chris accidentally being forced to share his college dorm room with Alex due to a computer error at the University's Housing Department. From the onset, Chris and Alex's starkly dissimilar personalities cause enough friction to start a forest fire. Alex is appalled by Chris's way of life; his sea of vinyl records strewn across the room and his audacious disregard for tidiness. On the other hand, Chris finds Alex's strict lifestyle and obsessive-cleanliness suffocating.

The essence of the movie is within this unexpected cohabitation situation in which Chris's chaotic nature collides and intertwines with Alex's meticulous demeanor. This profoundly impacts both of their lives, triggering a chain of events that neither of them saw coming. They soon realize that neither can change the other, but they can learn a great deal from each other.

Throughout the film, their opposing personalities create tension and hilarious situations that viewers can enjoy. Yet, amid all the laughter and the constant quibbling, the director sows seeds of intimacy, romance, and surprises. The movie adeptly progresses from being a comedy to subtle drama, with romance subtly woven into the narrative’s frame.

Although the plot revolves primarily around the relationship between Chris and Alex, the movie also brings in scenes from their college life and addresses the themes of friendship and personal aspirations. Happy Together delves deep into the trials and tribulations that come with being a young college student while juggling personal relationships, all the while trying to figure out one's own identity.

The film cleverly fuses elements of humor, drama, and romance to provide a complete cinema experience. It’s one of those 80's movies that feels simple but leaves an ineffaceable impact on your heart with its joyous vibe and engaging narration.

The storyline of Happy Together is packed with twists and turns making it a captivating watch. Memorable characters, a touch of romance, and a prevailing sense of levity make the film a charming and dramatic presentation of life’s unpredictability.

The artistic prowess of Patrick Dempsey and Helen Slater, combined with Mel Damski’s competent direction, makes Happy Together an adorable and memorable cinematic experience. The individual performances are stellar, the soundtrack is uniquely 80’s, and the overall vibe is a wonderful mixture of fun and sentiment.

Ultimately, this charming film shows how two misfit individuals can discover friendship, compassion, tolerance, and maybe even more, under the messiest circumstances. It is a feel-good movie that touches the heart and brings a smile while resonating on the personal level with anyone who has ever been forced to share a living space with an 'incompatible' roommate. Happy Together is a delightful viewing experience for any romantic comedy and drama lovers who treasure films brimming with a youthful spirit and irresistible charm.