Only the Lonely

Only the Lonely is a heartwarming romantic comedy-drama film released in 1991. Directed by the acclaimed director, Chris Columbus, the film stars the affable John Candy, the illustrious Maureen O'Hara, and the talented Ally Sheedy. The movie artfully blends humor, romance, and a captivating storyline to drive home a heartfelt message about love and family.

At the center of the film's plot is Danny Muldoon, played by John Candy, a Chicago police officer. A second-generation Irish-American, Danny is a kindhearted giant, always looking out for others even in his demanding line of work. But Danny, in his late thirties, still lives at home with his mother Rose, played by Maureen O'Hara. He has an unquestionable bond with her, one that seems to act as an obstacle in his own life. Having never married due to his dedication to his overbearing mother, Danny's life is filled with the overwhelming duty of making sure Rose is always cared for.

Rose, who happens to be a proud and fiercely independent Irish woman, harbors her own set of worries. Having recently lost her best friend, she has grown more paranoid about the prospect of dying alone. That fear translates into her insistent control over Danny's life, lest she be left to fend for herself one day.

But everything changes when Danny meets Theresa Luna, portrayed by Ally Sheedy, a quirky and shy funeral home make-up artist. Theresa is an introverted woman with a disposition towards solitude, preferring the company of her father and her cats more than anything else. Drawn to Theresa’s reticent charm and kindness, Danny musters the courage to ask her out, consequently sparking a romantic journey between two people whose lives have primarily been devoted to caring for their respective family members.

Theresa and Danny's relationship blossoms, but Danny finds himself torn between his developing love interest and his codependent relationship with his mother. The relationship encounters another bump when Rose finds out about Danny's romantic involvement with Theresa. Suffering from her anxieties and preconceived notions of Theresa, Rose does not agree with their relationship, putting Danny in a strenuous predicament.

Only The Lonely is a film that tackles various relationships effectively. It is as much about love and courtship as it is about mother-son relationships and familial obligations. Chris Columbus' adept storytelling introduces viewers to a rich cast of characters that are unique and genuine. With his precise balance of humor and drama, Columbus creates a movie that is both entertaining and poignant.

John Candy breathes life into the character of Danny with his stellar performance. With his innate comedic timing and warm likability, Candy perfectly embodies the role of a loving son caught between the traditional role of familial duty and his innate desire for companionship. Ally Sheedy is delightful as Theresa, bringing an unexpected lovable charm to her character's introverted nature. However, it's Maureen O'Hara who steals the show as the imposing yet vulnerable Rose, delivering a performance filled with irascibility and vulnerability.

Only the Lonely is a heartwarming tale of love, commitment, and family ties that warms the heart and tickles the funny bone. The strong performances, coupled with a moving story, make it a treat to watch. The film beautifully encapsulates the tug-and-war between fulfilling ones’ personal desires and honoring familial duties, all while providing a substantial dose of humor and romance.

Columbus’ film stands the test of time as an excellent example that romantic comedies do not always have to adhere to expected norms and clichés. Rather than sticking to a predictable outcome and shallow character developments, the movie dives deep into the fabrics of society, values, and relationships. Moreover, it's a unique love story that showcases a romance not between stereotypically glamorous characters, but between two genuine, ordinary individuals with their own quirks and traits. Thus, in a sense, Only the Lonely serves as a refreshing breath in the landscape of romantic comedies, making it a true gem worth watching.