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Rob Reiner's Best-Of: From Mock-Documentary to Courtroom Drama

  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2025/12 .. of-from-mock-documentary-to-courtroom-drama.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Monday, December 15th 2025 at 6:31 GMT by Los Angeles Times

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Rob Reiner’s Best‑Of List: From Mock‑Documentary to Courtroom Drama

When a director’s career spans more than three decades, it can be hard to pin down a handful of “essential” films. But the Los Angeles Times’ December 15 piece on Rob Reiner cuts through the clutter by spotlighting four of his most celebrated works: This Is Spinal Tap (1984), When Harry Met Sally… (1989), Misery (1990), and A Few Good Men (1992). By weaving together plot snapshots, production trivia, and the cultural imprint each movie left, the article offers a quick yet rich tour of Reiner’s filmmaking legacy.

1. This Is Spinal Tap – A Mock‑Documentary Masterpiece

Reiner’s debut as a director was already a comedy in every sense of the word. This Is Spinal Tap follows the fictional British rock band Spinal Tap on their disastrous American tour, capturing the absurdities of the music industry with razor‑sharp wit. The LA Times piece notes that Reiner shot the film on a shoestring budget, yet the result earned him a Best Director nod from the American Film Institute and the film became a cult staple.

The article links to the original Spinal Tap page (including the iconic “It’s just not my style” line), a behind‑the‑scenes piece on how the actors improvised most of the dialogue, and a short interview with Reiner where he reflects on how the film’s success opened doors for him in Hollywood. In addition, a side‑story on the movie’s accidental influence on music‑video production provides extra context for the film’s enduring relevance.

2. When Harry Met Sally… – A Romantic‑Comedy Touchstone

Five years after Spinal Tap, Reiner turned to a different genre entirely, directing a romantic comedy that would become a touchstone for 1990s cinema. The article summarises the film’s premise—Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) meet on a long‑term flight, sparking a friendship that evolves into romance—and highlights the film’s most memorable lines, from “You can’t just be friends with your sex life” to “It’s a wonderful day.”

The LA Times piece underscores how Reiner’s direction balanced humor with genuine chemistry. A linked profile on Meg Ryan explains her rise to stardom at the time, while a segment on the film’s score (by composer Patrick Doyle) discusses its influence on future romantic comedies. The article also cites a recent re‑examination of the film’s gender dynamics, pointing readers to an academic critique that situates the movie within the broader conversation on “male‑centric” storytelling in the 1980s.

3. Misery – A Dark Turn into Psychological Thrillers

Reiner’s next foray—Stephen King’s adaptation Misery—marked a stark departure from light‑hearted fare. The article offers a concise plot overview: author Paul Sheldon (Kurt Russell) is rescued by his “number one fan” Annie Wilkes (Bette Midler) but finds himself trapped and tormented in a cabin in the middle of nowhere. The LA Times piece explains how Reiner’s direction harnessed the film’s claustrophobic setting to build tension, a skill that would prove indispensable in later works.

The article links to Stephen King’s official page for the novel, as well as a retrospective on the film’s reception that discusses how Misery earned Russell an Academy Award for Best Actor and cemented Midler’s dramatic credibility. A sidebar notes that Reiner’s collaboration with composer James Horner on the film’s haunting score added an extra layer of dread. Additionally, the piece cites a 2023 documentary on the making of Misery, which includes interviews with Reiner and the production crew, giving readers deeper insight into the creative choices that turned the novel into a chilling masterpiece.

4. A Few Good Men – A Legal Drama with Lasting Impact

The article’s final highlight is the courtroom thriller A Few Good Men, which cemented Reiner’s reputation as a director capable of handling high‑stakes drama. Reiner worked with screenwriter William Goldman and a stellar cast—Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore—to bring a story about military justice to life. The LA Times piece notes that the film is best known for Nicholson’s “I’ll have what she’s having” line and for its gripping courtroom scenes, which many critics claim set a new standard for legal dramas.

Linked articles include a biography of Tom Cruise’s early career, a piece on Jack Nicholson’s “famous” delivery style, and a review of the film’s score by James Horner. There’s also a link to an article about the film’s impact on later courtroom movies, such as The Insider (1999) and 12 Angry Men (2021). The piece also references the film’s critical reception at the time, noting that it was a box‑office hit that garnered two Academy Award nominations.

Beyond the Four: A Director’s Larger Footprint

While the article centers on these four films, it also provides brief nods to other milestones in Reiner’s career. A side‑panel points readers to The Princess Bride (1987), which, although often associated with the earlier 1980s, remained a commercial success and a beloved family favorite. The LA Times article includes a link to the Princess Bride soundtrack, which features the now‑iconic “The Princess Bride” theme, and to a 2024 interview where Reiner reflects on the movie’s mix of romance, adventure, and satire.

Reiner’s transition from actor to director, producer, and writer is explored through links to his work on Laverne & Shirley (where he first broke into the industry), the The Odd Couple spin‑off Caddyshack, and his later work in television with series such as The Big C and The Good Fight. The piece also touches on his work as a writer and producer on films like The Hunt for Red October (1990) and The Wedding Singer (1998).

Why These Four Films Matter

The LA Times article concludes by summarising why these four titles represent the core of Reiner’s directorial identity:

1. Versatility – From mock‑documentary to romance, from psychological horror to legal drama, Reiner demonstrates an uncanny ability to master diverse genres.
2. Character‑Driven Narratives – Each film places strong, nuanced characters at its centre, a hallmark that has earned Reiner acclaim across the industry.
3. Cultural Touchstones – Lines and scenes from When Harry Met Sally…, Misery, and A Few Good Men have seeped into everyday conversation, underscoring the films’ lasting influence.
4. Commercial Success & Critical Acclaim – All four have performed well at the box office while earning accolades from both fans and critics.

The article ends with a note on how Reiner’s legacy has inspired newer generations of filmmakers who cite his blend of humor, suspense, and character depth as a blueprint for creating timeless cinema.

In sum, the LA Times piece offers a compact but thorough guide to Rob Reiner’s most influential works. By linking to detailed profiles, production histories, and critical analyses, it provides readers with a multi‑layered understanding of why This Is Spinal Tap, When Harry Met Sally…, Misery, and A Few Good Men continue to be celebrated as pillars of modern American filmmaking.