Nothing in Common

Nothing in Common from 1986 is a relatable and heartwarming American dramedy that wonderfully blends family drama, romance, and humor. Directed by Garry Marshall, the film features the legendary Jackie Gleason, the charmingly versatile Tom Hanks, and the exquisite Eva Marie Saint in the key roles.

In this film, Tom Hanks plays the role of an ambitious and workaholic advertising executive named David Basner, who's living a fast-paced life in Chicago. Basking in the world of high-stakes clients and ad campaigns, filming commercials with football-playing canines, David is at the height of his career, much adored by his colleagues, admired by his boss, and is quite the ladies' man. With his proficiency in juggling numerous responsibilities at once and having an inventive knack for persuading customers through his dynamic marketing strategies, Basner seems to have it all figured out.

Things take a turn when David receives a call about his parents, played by Jackie Gleason and Eva Marie Saint. While his parents are now leading separate lives, they each battle their own set of challenges. The wistful Max, portrayed by Gleason, is a small-time garment manufacturer who finds his world turned upside down. Lorraine, played by Saint, is a homemaker who is coming to terms with her newfound solitude.

David is then drawn back to his hometown, where he must confront his estranged relationship with his family. In his journey to understand, reconcile, and aid his parents, David is faced with the reality of the contrasting poles his lives are at - the chaotic, bustling world of advertising and the silent struggles of his parents' world, each bringing their unique set of conflicts and nuances.

Tom Hanks brings forth a lively, multifaceted performance, highlighting his ability to navigate between both the comedic and dramatic sequences. The transition his character experiences from being a carefree, career-driven city dweller to someone who discovers the need to take emotional responsibilities of his parents speaks volumes of the depth Hanks brings to the role. His character's growth throughout the film reflects on themes of personal introspection, familial bonding, and understanding sacrifices.

On the other hand, Jackie Gleason offers one of his most emotionally resonant performances in his final role. His portrayal of Max is a compelling mix of vulnerability, emotional complexity, and reluctant acceptance of his grim circumstances. Eva Marie Saint, as Lorraine, radiates a quiet strength in dealing with her empty nest life. She portrays a woman who, amidst trials and tribulations, is trying to rediscover her identity and establish her independence.

Nothing in Common, though tagged as a dramedy, goes beyond mere entertainment. It serves as an insightful exploration into family dynamics, focusing on the strains and strength of parent-child relationships, marriages, the downside of ambition, and the eventual coming of age that is often pushed to the edges until it becomes too significant to ignore.

Directed by Garry Marshall, familiar for his prowess in combining comedy with drama, the film is layered with the right mix of humor, emotions, and depth. Marshall utilizes the charm of Chicago locations, maintaining a steady pace, and preserving the intimate focus on the characters' challenges. The film’s driving force is the emotional crux of reconnecting with family, which Marshall beautifully captures with the emotional underpinnings of the narrative, ensuring the viewers find resonance with the Basner family.

Replete with impeccable performances, witty dialogue, and a poignant narrative, Nothing in Common presents an intriguing dissection of life’s unexpected turns and the resultant upheaval it causes in a family. Despite being set in the 80s, the film's themes remain timeless and emotionally relevant today, making it more than just a cinematic experience - it’s a journey to learn, emote, and internalize.