5 For: Life or Something Like It (2002)

In this second installment of Movie Memory Machine: Five For, Landen and Truman recommend five films that pair—however weirdly—with Life or Something Like It. Whether you're here for existential questions, platinum blond archetypes, or broadcast journalist existential crises in Seattle, we’ve got a lineup that’s weird, wild, and unexpectedly sweet. From Bill Murray eating pastries to Jane Russell taking a surprise dive into a pool, this episode is all about life, death, fate, and great suits.

Films Discussed:

1. Groundhog Day (1993)

2. Heart and Souls (1993)

3. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)

4. The Ring (2002)

5. His Girl Friday (1940)

Topics Covered:

• Why Life or Something Like It echoes Groundhog Day, but less metaphysical and more Oreos

• Heart and Souls and the bleak whimsy of 90s studio comedies

• Marilyn Monroe’s myth-making power and Lainey’s aesthetic in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

• Seattle as both rom-com and horror film territory (The Ring)

• Howard Hawks' template for romantic banter in His Girl Friday

Key Takeaways:

• Angelina Jolie’s Lainey is basically Bill Murray with a better blowout.

• You can build a whole vibe off Marilyn Monroe’s bracelet game.

• The Ring is what Life or Something Like It becomes if you swap cigarettes for cursed videotapes.

• Screwball comedy is eternal (and a little bit horny).

Listener Prompt: What movie helped you re-evaluate your life—or your hairstyle? Tag us on social using #MovieMemoryMachine.

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