Normally I start my posts with a picture of the book cover. Not this time. No, the very virtue of writing about a book called Looking for Andrew McCarthy is I get to look for lots of pictures of Andrew McCarthy. So here's the first, possibly my favourite McCarthy moment, in Pretty in Pink (cue Psychedelic Furs soundtrack starting in my head). Every time I watch that film I fall
So I thought the premise behind Looking for Andrew McCarthy was brilliant. A newly turned 30-year-old, wondering where her life has gone wrong decides Andrew McCarthy must know the answer and heads off on a classic American road trip trying to find him.
The thing I love about those brat pack films is the way they fizzle - with longing, hormonal lust and and a lovely dose of teenage angst. By setting itself up against those expectations Looking for Andrew McCarthy fell a bit flat for me. Ellie, or 'hedgehog', the heroine was awkward and a bit of a misfit sure, but you didn't root for her the way you did for Andi in Pretty in Pink. I found all the angst and obstacles in their path annoying rather than building up to the inevitable romantic ending and to be honest, I was pleased when it was all over.
There was one bit of the book I did really enjoy though. Ellie finally manages to meet Mr McCarthy in a New York diner. Of course he imparts wise words and theories about love and metaphysics. And he reminds us of the following too: 'Don't make plans. Just keep rolling on and accept that life isn't ever going to be like it is in a actual movie'.
Or an actual chick lit. Oh that's actually quite disappointing. Clearly I've got to accept the fact I'll never meet Andrew McCarthy. But here's a final nice all grown-up picture of him for us all to fantasize over...
via Portroids
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