by Wendy R.

Created on: March 15, 2009   Last Updated: April 12, 2009

You've Got Mail a movie with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan released in 1998
was based on a classic film called "The Shop Around the Corner" a movie
made in 1940. This updated version of that movie tells the story of Joe
Fox (Hanks) and Kathleen Kelly (Ryan) as they become chat room and email
buddies. Near the beginning of the movie, when they first start chatting, Kathleen and Joe talk about neutral topics that don't reveal a lot about themselves.

In the meantime, Joe's business, Fox Books, a mega-bookstore
(similar to today's Barnes and Noble or Borders,) a sharp contrast to
Kathleen's business, the Shop Around the Corner, is about to become a
reality. Joe and Kathleen meet when Joe checking out his competition, brings his half brother and his aunt (his grandfather's young child) into Kathleen's store for a story
hour. When Joe hears Kathleen complain about Fox books, he purposely
doesn't tell her his name. Later on in the week, they meet at a
publishing party and Kathleen learns that he is Joe Fox, her competitor.

Once Fox Books does open, Kathleen realizes that her store is in
trouble. She writes and asks for advice from NY 152(Joe) without
revealing what her specific business problem is. Eventually they decide
to meet in person and make a date as Shop Girl (Kathleen) and NY 152.
When Joe goes to meet Kathleen (Shop Girl), his friend who is walking with him, recognizes
her as Kathleen Kelly. Rather than not stop in the restaurant, Joe pretends
he is just passing by. He and Kathleen talk for a while, and Kathleen begins to think that NY 152 has stood her up. NY 152 later apologizes to Shop Girl giving her an excuse
for his not showing up.

As the movie continues, you see a softer, less competitive side of Joe.
He tries to convince Kathleen to follow her dream of becoming a
children's book author. As the two spend more time together, Kathleen warms to Joe.
He even shows a caring and helpful side to her while she is sick

This movie has a happy ending but it does leave you wanting for more.
There was a good supporting cast with Parker Posey as Joe's former obnoxious girlfriend, and
Greg Kinnar as Kathleen's former boyfriend. The movie also stars Jean Stapleton as Kathleen's co-worker and confidant, and a very young Dave Chappell as Joe's friend. This movie is a great reunion of Tom Hanks who have starred together in Sleepless in Seattle and Joe and the Volcano.
Overall, a great movie the whole family can enjoy. It is not your average chick flick.

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