Watch Only the Lonely

Only the Lonely is a heartwarming romantic comedy-drama from 1991 directed by Chris Columbus, who is known for directing other classics such as Home Alone and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. The film stars the late and great John Candy, veteran actress Maureen O'Hara, and Ally Sheedy. The movie is an underrated gem that packs an emotional punch with its well-crafted story, clever writing, and skilled acting. The story revolves around Danny Muldoon (Candy), a 38-year-old cop living in Chicago who is still living with his overbearing, widowed mother Rose Muldoon (O'Hara). After the sudden death of his co-worker, Danny becomes acutely aware of how lonely his life is, and his desires to find a meaningful relationship increase. However, Rose is an overprotective and controlling mother and is not fond of Danny's love life. She is a traditional Irish Catholic woman who is stuck in her ways and ignores any suitors Danny may bring home, ultimately driving them away with her attitude. Danny meets Theresa Luna (Sheedy), a shy mortician who works in her father's funeral home. They are immediately attracted to each other, and they start dating. Theresa's father (James Belushi) is all for the union, but Rose sees her as a threat to the bond she has with Danny, and she decides to sabotage the relationship. She hires a private investigator to dig up dirt on Theresa, and when she finds out that Theresa has a trust fund, she believes the worst - that Theresa is only after Danny's money. The film deals with some heavy themes such as loneliness, death, and family values. But it manages to do so in a way that is both touching and funny. Candy's lovable portrayal of Danny is one of the best performances of his career. He is charming, sincere, and relatable, and his chemistry with O'Hara is what elevates the movie to the next level. O'Hara, who was almost 70 at the time, is stunning in her role as an overbearing mother. She is funny, vulnerable, and ultimately heartbreaking, and her scenes with Candy are some of the most memorable. Ally Sheedy is excellent in her role as Theresa Luna. She brings a much-needed breath of fresh air to the movie, and her portrayal of a shy, introverted woman is both realistic and endearing. Her character goes through a beautiful transformation as the story progresses, and we see her gaining more confidence and eventually being able to stand up to Danny's mother. The film is set in the beautiful city of Chicago, and the setting plays a crucial role in the story. The city is featured prominently in the movie, and the shots of the skyline and the Wrigley Field stadium are breathtaking. The film is also accompanied by a beautiful soundtrack featuring classic love songs and Irish music. Only the Lonely is a movie that has not received the recognition it deserves. It is a charming, emotional, and funny movie that can be enjoyed by all ages. It manages to balance the heavy themes with light-hearted moments, and the end result is a beautiful story about the importance of family and love. The film is a testament to John Candy's talent, and it serves as a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy in the cinema world. If you haven't seen it yet, you're missing out on one of the best romantic comedies in the genre's history.