Cast: River Phoenix, Samantha Mathis, Dermot Mulroney, Sandra Bullock, K.T. Oslin, Anthony Clark

A movie about four kids and country music could not get any better. I am not sure what is expected from the film, but I am positive that it lives up to all expectations, and then some. However, it is not for someone who is looking for something different. "The Thing Called Love" is a traditional story, that involves the common love triangle but those involved are also struggling musicians trying to get a break.***

The cast was exceptional, and the acting may be responsible for the success of the film. River Phoenix and Samantha Mathis had chemistry that allowed for the belief that they really did have some fatal attraction. The viewer recognizes from their first meeting that nothing good will come from the relationship, and that much heartache is to come. Then when you add in a song writer that can not sing his own songs, and the girl that is secretly in love with him, nothing can go right.***

Before long the movie has you under it's spell, and a bathroom break would take too long.Even if country music isn't really your thing, the love story is worth the struggle of having to listen to it for two hours.

Image and Sound:

The dvd provides us with a widescreen viewing of the film in Dolby 5.1 of 2.0 surround. The image is clear, and is presented without any noticeable glitches. The colors are vibrant and exciting. For a film filled with music, the sound is also impressive. If there is anything to complain about it will not be in the field of the sound or image.

You can learn practically anything you wanted to about the making of the film through the extras. It includes information about the casting, how the film looks, and even how the actors wanted to shoot the film. The only real attention keeping extra, however, is the tribute to River. The others get quite boring, and drawn out.

Commentary:

Director, Peter Bogdanovich is rather enchanting, and provides for insightful commentary. He examines all aspects of making the film from how shots were created, the cast learning to work together, and specific details about scenes. It as if you are being allowed to watch the making of the film, and what a joyous ride it is. Peter Bogdanovich does an exceptional job on the commentary that makes the film that much more exciting.

Final Words: