“Excess Baggage”

OK … here at the Brother’s McC we delve into many topics. But we often seem to always drift back to the three major ones; Sports, Music & Movies. Today’s little ramble will be filed under “movies.”

Back in 1997, a little romantic comedy flick quietly worked a quick run in it’s theatrical release and disappeared in to the land of cable and DVD rentals. One night … and, in full disclosure, I am a huge fan of the work of Benicio Del Toro, so … one night I’m sitting home with the Mrs. When this film - “Excess Baggage” – pops up on cable.

So, I make a little popcorn and the Mrs & I settle in to watch. And, much to the later dismay of the other two Brothers McC – I loved the flick. I did. And not even in a guilty pleasure kind of way. I liked the movie so much that I recommended it to other folks. And … as the bard would say … there in lies the rub.

I recommended it to the older Brother McC. And, being a brother – he went with it. He called me the next day to ask if I had been screwing with him. To say he didn’t like it would be putting it mildly. Actually, I think he had a physical negative reaction to the film. And, when I brought up the subject with the younger Brother McC … I was soon listening to the dial tone. I think rom/coms make the younger Brother McC run for the nearest pint of Guiness.

But I stood by my movie. Benicio Del Toro plays a car thief who ends up stealing a car that has a spoiled rich girl (Alicia Silverstone) in the trunk. The story line rolls nicely along as the two (you saw this coming) fall for each other. Add in a great role by Christopher Walken as the rich girl’s “fixer” Uncle … and I was digging it. I mean … really digging it.

Is it “Citizen Cane” … no … of course not. But, it’s a great little piece of fluff that kept me smiling.

Why am I rambling on about this movie now? Well, it’s on cable again. And I just spent a lazy, Saturday afternoon watching it … and … even with the knowledge that the other Brothers McC will not share my review … I really enjoyed it all over again!