Continental Divide (1981)

Under-rated classic

I love this movie. It is not a Ha-Ha comedy, but it is a fun movie that to me is a closet classic. Belushi might have been mis-cast, but he pulls it off. August 6, 2008

A little disappointed

I was expecting it to be as funny as "The Great Outdoors". Although it was okay, was a little dissapointed. April 5, 2008

Sweet Romance From The Early '80's

CONTINENTAL DIVIDE is a sweet, predictable romantic comedy of two opposites who in classic movie fashion can't stand each other at first but then fall madly in love. Although this is a comedy there is also lots of drama and John Belushi's portrayal of Ernie, an intelligent Chicago investigative reporter, is far from his role as ANIMAL HOUSE'S Bluto or most of his other characters in SNL sketches. Ernie needs to get out of town for awhile because his investigating has angered some powerful and corrupt politicians. His editor suggests he hide out in Wyoming and get an interview with Nell, a woman who has been studying bald eagles at her remote mountain top home. Ernie with his chubbiness and chain smoking is a typical fish out of water in this rugged terrain. He ends up staying at the cabin of the beautiful self-reliant eagle expert Nell played by Blair Brown who is at first immune to Ernie's charms. It will come as no surprise to frequent viewers of romantic comedies that after a series of misunderstandings and misadventures Nell and Ernie find they can't live without each other. Of course there's a problem - her life is in Wyoming protecting and studying the eagles and his is in Chicago protecting the city from corruption. Aside from the love story the movie offers some beautiful mountain scenery, shots of Chicago that make it look like a glamorous city and views of bald eagles who are thankfully not nearly as endangered as they were in 1981 when the movie was made. Lots of other things from dress styles to office equipment have changed since the early 80's and the Chicago portion of the film stands as a window in to that time. February 17, 2008

I MISS BELUSHI HORRIBLY!!!!!!!!

I love Belushi in this movie. I miss him. He was funny. What a dork. What a contrast to his love interest in this movie. An unlikely couple? For Sure! Light romantic comedy is one way to pigeonhole this movie but there is more to it than meets the eye and ear. Firstly, the cinematography of the Rocky Mountains and the American Bald Eagles is worth the price of admission. There is some wonderful footage as well of Chicago. This is a LAWRENCE KASDAN film and he is a master of filming BEAUTIFUL AMERICAN URBAN ARCHITECTURE like Los Angeles in Grand Canyon

Both KASDAN movies, "Continental Divide" and "Grand Canyon" feature some great cinematography contrasting the urban with the sublime wilderness. TRITE? Maybe, in 2008, but very forwarding looking at the time it was written by Kasdan.

One reviewer here wrote that this movie is "OLD"? I got a kick out of that. Believe me, there are many older movies! Ha HA!

Maybe what she meant to say is that the movie isnt aging well and its characteristic of a time period. That I would agree with.

Is it unlikely and unrealistic that Blair Brown could fall so hopelessly in love with John Belushi? OF COURSE! But, thats what the movies are all about folks! Giving us Belushis of the world some hope! ;-)~

This movie is in my collection to stay. January 22, 2008

This is not a comedy, it's a drama-romance

Like my title blurb says, this is not a comedy with John Belushi, but rather a romantic drama with a few light comedic touches, so if you're looking for some Belushi laughs in the manner of "The Blues Brothers" or "1941" you'll be sorely disappointed. I'm not a Belushi expert by any means but from what I understand "Continental Divide" is one of his only serious roles, and he does it well. It's also one of his last films; a mere five & a half months after the theatrical release John foolishly passed away from drug abuse at the way-too-young age of 33 on March 5, 1982.

THE PLOT: Belushi plays Ernie Souchak, a popular Chicago columnist, whose controversial reporting lands him in the hospital. His boss, who wants to get him out of the city, sends him to the scenic Rocky Mountains to interview famous bald eagle researcher Nell Porter, played by the beautiful Blair Brown. Souchak is a city man who chain-smokes, whereas Nell revels in the wilderness and hates jounalists. Will they end up falling in love? And, if so, how can a marriage possibly work if they both insist on remaining in their vastly different worlds so far apart?

I'm not a fan of romantic comedies but I will occasional watch romantic dramas like "Ode to Billy Joe," "The Whole Wide World" or even "Love Story." Although "Continental Divide" isn't nearly as serious as those films, it's not a comedy either. There are a few minor laughs, usually tied to Souchak's awkwardness in the wilderness, but that's about it. Although light-hearted, this is indeed a serious film. It's not only entertaining, it surprisingly has a few notable things to say.

The most prominent part of the film is the hour or so wherein Souchak goes to the Rockies and stays with Nell. Most men will likely become infatuated with Blair Brown as Souchak falls in love with Nell. I did. Blair was 35 years old at the time of filming (although she appears to be in her early 40s) and has a very earthy look; she never wears make-up and never reveals a lot of flesh. She doesn't need to. She has a strong, independant mindset and yet, at the same time, is very likable and alluring. Her body has the necessary natural roundishness and curves that attract red-blooded men.

I heard some reviewers complain about the sequence wherein Nell secretly meets a ultra-stud mountain man (an ex-football player) for a literal roll in the meadow. They argue that this is a meaningless and unneeded sequence. Actually the story is making a statement with this subplot (SPOILER -- if you wanna figure it out on your own don't read the rest of this paragraph): Although Nell would occasionally meet the ultra-macho stud as a sexual outlet in the lonely wilderness, it's obvious she doesn't love the dude in a romantic sense. Their relationship is superficial because it fulfills only one purpose and doesn't go any deeper. As the story progresses Nell falls in love with Souchak, a man who is the antithesis of the studly mountain man in every way. Souchak isn't macho-looking at all; he's only of average height and isn't in very good physical shape. He is, however, an intelligent and expert writer, amongst other things. The message we can glean from this is that men don't have to be ultra-masculine-looking to win the heart of a beautiful woman. And you know what? It's true. Just look around. This is an encouraging message for guys who aren't the "tall, dark and handsome" type.

The first two times I saw "Continental Divide" I felt it was poorly named. Much of the story takes place in the mountains near the Continental Divide, so what? The third time I watched it the title's meaning dawned on me (I know, I'm a doofus): Souchak and Nell's lives are divided by half a continent; how could a long-term relationship possibly work? The ending is surprising and unconventional, but it works. Very well, in fact. November 27, 2007

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