A film that holds up.

A classic movie of the highest order.

Written and directed by Barry Levinson, nominated for Best Screenplay in 1982 and set in Baltimore 1959.

I’ll try not to spoil anything, because if you like movies and haven’t seen this gem, you must catch it soon. It’s funny, poignant and has a spectacular cast.

Paul Reiser

I can’t get enough of his character, Modell. Good Golly he’s funny.

Discussing the concept of evolution, Reiser speaks one of my favorite lines, “The guy who makes up this stuff it’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard – people do not come from swamps. They come from Europe.”

This line comes from potentially the best post-movie credit sequence I’ve ever seen (or rather, heard). It’s a philosophical comedic audio layover, a bonus diner conversation; an adequate apology for the abrupt freeze-frame ending.

I love how Reiser’s constantly hassling Steve Guttenberg’s character for rides. They’re all such close friends, Reiser manages to never actually ask for the lift, he always gets The Gute to offer.

Mickey Rourke

Young, almost unrecognizable in this film. And he delivers a spectacular performance.

Compare this performance to Marv from Sin City and see what “range” really means.

Daniel Stern

Daniel Stern’s character is also great, now that I think about it. You know him from Home Alone. His character is such a well-meaning fella. When he argues with his wife over his records, you don’t know who to root for, and it’ll set your heart-strings aquiver.

It can get dusty at times.

Steve Guttenberg

Stern & Guttenberg share a great moment. Stern explains how marriage doesn’t make life any easier.

Kevin Bacon

Kevin Bacon’s character is, as always, excellently executed. His character is tightly wound up. Hiding a lot more value than first appears.

The minor character who memorizes the lines from “Sweet Smell of Success,” cracks me up every time he interrupts a conversation.

I’m not sure if women will enjoy this film as much as men. The themes seem very masculine; they reflect the subtleties of my interactions with my male friends. Do women connect with these friendship nuances?

One might say Diner is misogynistic. I say, “Feh!”

One could argue that the pacing is slow at the beginning, but personally, I won’t do so.

The only criticism I can muster is about the moment of most tension, the pinnacle of the film’s conflict. It resolves so quick your head will tilt.

Otherwise, this is a spectacular film.

As always, expect little and the reward will be sweet.

★★★★★ ★★★★★

Briefer thoughts at IMDb & Letterboxd.

For later Daniel Stern check out Celtic Pride.