Entertainment Magazine
Favorite movies that have had an impact on me - #40 - The Thing Called Love (1993) - Peter Bogdonavich sets the film around Nashville's Bluebird Cafe, a showcase for new aspiring singer-songwriters. Samantha Mathis's Miranda Presley (no relation) rides a bus all the way from the Big Apple to take her shot. Along the way she meets Linda Lue (Sandra Bullock) and enters into a love triangle of sorts with James (River Phoenix) and Kyle (Dermot Mulroney) — but is there any doubt who will spark her interest? Although the film presents an easier path to success than must be the case, the quartet is charming to watch the the setting is appealing. The romance, although an intrinsic part of the plot, is not the central story, but just a part of Miranda's pursuit of her dream, which is refreshing. There's no fairy tale ending, but hope for the future. Sadly, this was Phoenix's last film.
