I revisited a memory from my youth the other day, the 1982 movie TABLE FOR FIVE. I had very sweet memories of it. It's the story of absentee father J.P. Tannen (Jon Voight) who takes his three children on Mediterranean cruise, to try to build a better relationship with them. During the trip, J.P. and the kids have a rough time co-existing. Back home, the mother dies in a car accident, and J.P. faces the reality of returning the kids to their well-off and well-intentioned stepdad, played by talented Richard Crenna.
Seen through adult eyes, the movie isn't quite as seamless as in memory. I'd certainly include it in a discussion of the highlights of Voight's career, though. Not a 5-star effort, but nice.
And it's impossible to watch the second half with a straight face.
Because of Kevin Costner.
In 1982, he was still a couple years away from starring roles. But he's in this movie, and you'll never forget it.
He's an extra. A featured extra, to be sure. He even appears in the cast list as "newlywed man", because he has a background line or two. But in the second half of the film, he keeps on appearing, until all you can do is laugh. It's possible that if you don't notice him the first time, you might never. But once you spot him, the movie becomes all about him. Somewhere in this, there's a great drinking game, i reckon.
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