Have you seen Just Go With It? It's a brilliant comedy starring the charming and original duo of actors Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler. It's a truly fun movie. And today is the day when one realizes that it is actually a remake of a box office hit from 40 years ago.
Just Go With It: A remake of a somewhat forgotten classic
Back in 1969, at the end of Hollywood's golden era, the renowned comedian Walter Matthau, the always astonishing Ingrid Bergman, and a debutant Goldie Hawn were brought together to star in the movie Cactus Flower. Directed by Gene Saks, this movie won over the audience.
Being an adaptation of the eponymous 1965 Broadway play written by Abe Burrows, which in turn was based on the French play Fleur de cactus by Pierre Barillet and Jean-Pierre Gredy, Cactus Flower was the ninth highest-grossing movie of 1969. Goldie Hawn even took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for it.
And for those who didn't know that the 2011 movie Just Go With It was a remake, watching Cactus Flower turns out to be most enlightening. And it's likely that, upon finishing, you'll feel compelled to compare them.
The plot of Cactus Flower and Just Go With It
Julian Winston (Walter Matthau) is a forty-something, single dentist, who goes from conquest to conquest. His only constant appears to be his Swedish receptionist, Stephanie Dickinson (Ingrid Bergman), who has already spent ten years doting on him as a mother… or a wife would. On the other hand, Danny Maccabee (Adam Sandler) is a plastic surgeon who pretends to be unhappily married to avoid serious commitments with women. The only person he trusts is Katherine (Jennifer Aniston), his clinic assistant.
For his part, Julian Winston has spent almost a year with his latest lover, the whimsical and childish, yet 'principled', Tonie Simons (Goldie Hawn). She sees him in a very good light, among other things, for his decency and honesty in telling her from minute one that he was married and had three children. That is, he is not free. But, when he decides to actually marry her, he will have to face the consequences of his elaborate lie. Meanwhile, Danny Maccabee makes the rash decision to want something more serious with the stunning Palmer (Brooklyn Decker) shortly after meeting her. And without considering the chance that she might find his wedding ring, forcing him to pretend he's married because any other explanation would be far less respectable.
And it is at this point in both films where their devoted, trustworthy, and kind-hearted secretaries step in to save the day. But, again, with a notable difference: while Katherine (Jennifer Aniston) has two children who play a crucial role as her main accomplices, Stephanie Dickinson (Ingrid Bergman) does not have children, and this aspect is barely mentioned.
Just Go With It or Cactus Flower?
Both movies are interesting, funny, and entertaining, for some reason their script has been rewritten and reinterpreted several times. Moreover, they offer unpredictable twists, at least until you have seen one of them. But which is better?
Each has its strengths. The trip to Hawaii, Jennifer Aniston's transformation from a simple working single mother to a stunning mom, and the greater adventure and action in the plot are notable in Just Go With It. Whereas Cactus Flower shines for the fluidity of its witty and amusing dialogues and a much more complex plot.
If from time to time we like to enjoy a light and charming romantic comedy, both are great options. However, for those who have not seen any yet, it might be advisable to start with the original movie, with more substance, before venturing into its modern and dynamic version.
Cactus Flower is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video and Google Play.
Just Go With It is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play and Microsoft, and by subscription on Starz.
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