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Davis Entertainment
Paramount Pictures
Not part of a collection.
Stand by your dream.
A group of newcomers to the country music business seek love and stardom.
Wuchak
May 29, 2022 · via TMDB
_**River Phoenix shines before passing on, plus the lovely Samantha Mathis**_ Several 20-somethings try to make it in the country music business in Nashville: Miranda Presley (Samantha Mathis), fresh from New York City; Connecticut cowboy Kyle (Dermot Mulroney); ditzy but genuine Southern belle Linda Lue (Sandra Bullock); and the bursting-with-creative-energy-and-confidence James Wright (River Phoenix). "The Thing Called Love" (1993) failed miserably at the box office but it's a pretty solid drama revolving around the music biz in Nashville. The film isn't redneck-y at all (not that there's anything wrong with that, lol); the people are genuine and likable, if sometimes annoying. The movie has a hip flair and is filled with newer country music (for 1993, that is). Aside from trying to make it in the music business the story naturally revolves around Kyle and James' attraction to Miranda and their ensuing rivalry. The film never cops a meanspirited vibe, despite one brawl. The viewer gets the impression that these are good, talented people who will remain friends no matter what. A couple of things make the film worthwhile, for me anyway. One is the magnetic performance of River Phoenix, who was 22 during filming. His face looks like Quorthon of Bathory (when he was in his 20s), if you're familiar with that obscure metal band. He exudes the brooding charisma of Marlon Brando, just different. Unfortunately, three and a half months after the movie's release River was found dead outside an L.A. nightclub due to an overdose. He was only 23. Samantha Mathis (Miranda) was dating him at the time. Speaking of whom, Samantha is the second key highlight of this flick wherein she even outshines Sandra Bullock. Keep in mind that this was the year _before_ Bullock's breakout with "Speed." Samantha's beauty is captured well in a couple scenes, like around the 40-minute mark when Linda Lue's beau is passed out on the bed. It's too bad Samantha never broke-out, like Sandra. Her most popular flick is arguably "Broken Arrow" (1996) and then she pretty much disappeared from feature films. A few country stars have cameos, like Trisha Yearwood and Pam Tillis. "The Thing Called Love" may not be a great country music film like "Coal Miner's Daughter" (1980) but it's pretty solid and highlighted by the brooding charisma of River Phoenix. He was great and it's a pity he died so prematurely. The film runs 1 hour, 56 minutes, with the the Director's Cut running a couple minutes longer. It was mostly shot in Nashville, with one scene done at Graceland in Memphis and another in Santa Clarita, California (the bus stop / cafe sequence where Miranda writes a song). GRADE: B-/B
User reviews courtesy of TMDB.
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Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home
River Phoenix
James Wright
Samantha Mathis
Miranda Presley
Dermot Mulroney
Kyle Davidson
Sandra Bullock
Linda Lue Linden
Anthony Clark
Billy
Deborah Allen
Deborah Allen
Jimmie Dale Gilmore
Jimmie Dale Gilmore
Pam Tillis
Pam Tillis
Trisha Yearwood
Trisha Yearwood
Wayne Grace
R.C.
Micole Mercurio
Mary
Starletta DuPois
Selma
O'Neal Compton
Singing Cop
Zoe Cassavetes
Bluebird Waitress
Barry Shabaka Henley
Reverend Raymond
Paul Hampton
Doug Siskin
Kevin Bourland
Publisher
Tom Nolan
Desk Cop
Merri Biechler
Truck Stop Waitress
Anna Thea Bogdanovich
Writer's Circle Participant
Valeri Ross
Doctor
Susan Bradley
Title Designer
Peter James
Director of Photography
Peter Bogdanovich
Director
George Folsey Jr.
Executive Producer
John Davis
Producer
Rodney Crowell
Original Music Composer
Gypsy
Teri Meri Love Story
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Aug 27, 1993
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Dastoor
1991
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2019
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Battle your watched movies head-to-head
Community Top Movies
Evil Dead II
1987 · 14 wins
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2008 · 14 wins
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1978 · 13 wins
Final Destination
2000 · 12 wins
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1981 · 11 wins
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