After its original release in 1983, I waited fifteen years before I saw Terms of Endearment. I didn't do this on purpose, but in 1983 I was only four so I wasn't interested in it at the time.
I had no idea what the film was about...I didn't even know who was in it. I just knew it was supposed to be a really good film. I sat down one evening for a nice viewing of an older movie.
Shirley Maclaine does a very good job as Aurora Greenway. She is so overbearing of love that you can't help but appreciate the fact that she means well though she does more damage than good. Jack Nicholson is a god. He justs drifts on screen and lights the whole film up. He has a presence that seems to be fading from younger movie stars. He has power and charisma.
The story centers around Maclaine and Nicholson's relationship and Jeff Bridges and Debra Wingers marriage. Both are at different stages of life and one seems so right and you wish it would last forever. The other seems so wrong and you just wish they do the right thing and end it. Debra Winger gives a powerful performance especially in the last thirty minutes. If you don't cry during this movie, check your pulse.
Terms surprised me and pleased me. I give Terms of Endearment a B+.
