You’ve Got Mail

Originally published on social media on September 6th, 2022

If you could only watch one movie in order to understand my family, it would be this one. There are so many wonderful little details, quirky characters, poetic lines, clever humor, hints of childhood nostalgia, and something very pure about the love in this film. My sister and I grew up watching this and were always reminded of our mom when we saw Meg Ryan’s Kathleen Kelly.

Depending on the year, the weather, or the season, we can start watching this film at various times. Typically, this film gets turned on at the end of summer and beginning of autumn…basically as soon as we feel the change in the air. This change in the air can also occur as soon as school starts again! The timing of the first day of school really impacts when we start watching this film for two reasons:

1). The soundtrack, very specifically the song “Dreams” by the Cranberries. It is the perfect song to welcome in a new season of life. The tonalities are upbeat, hope filled, but are also perfectly 90s.

2). Tom Hanks within the first two minutes says the line: “Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address”.

Ah, how I would love to be given a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils. I would (almost) find it more romantic than flowers!

Everything about this film is flawless and incredibly comforting. The lighting is warm, the wardrobe can inspire real life, and the story has something very honest and genuine about it. In general, I just love the romance. It’s based off of the 1940 Christmas film, “The Shop Around the Corner”, starring James Stewart & Margaret Sullivan, and you can see many subtle tributes to the classic in “You’ve Got Mail”.

If for no other reason, watch this because it’s a Nora Ephron film. She both directed and co-wrote it, and she has the magic touch. Her films have a way of making you feel wonderful even when things are tough. She’s also the daughter of Henry and Phoebe Ephron who were also famous screenwriters and directors and were responsible for classics like “Desk Set”.

Enjoy this tradition!