The made-for-Showtime movie Parallel Lives (Linda Yellen, 1994) is poorly named—remarkably so if you remember from geometry class that parallel lines will necessarily never cross, and know that the entirely of this film’s plot takes place during a sorority/fraternity reunion. Kaitlin and I found it while searching for something stupid, new to both of us, and involving Liza Minelli on Thanksgiving day after dinner, dishes, and dessert.
We’d traveled separately to Sam’s fabulous house in Kent. When I arrived, Kaitlin was on the phone with a friend I’d introduced to her, the perfect welcome. He’d convinced her to read the books of an author he’s told me about many times, and even though I should always trust his taste, had so far ignored. She handed me The Unprofessionals (2003) by Julie Hecht, which she’d picked up at the Strand on the way to Grand Central and read in a day. I read it in two. I’d recommend it, but she already has.
I would not say Parallel Lives is a great film, mostly because it really breaks down at the end, (at the time of its cable release, it got panned for being a Robert Altman ripoff). I would however suggest watching with that in mind, as if an audience member of a top tier improv class. I’m sure you’ve never seen it, but will wonder why once you read the cast list.
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