John Brooks This isn't a knock on the American people, but for those who may know the actual Cyrano de Bergerac story (the one this is solely based on), with all the effort in the world to give into it this film can only come across as forced, and a hollow reinterpretation of the myth as a mainstream American disposable comedy.Steve Martin does well at times with the dialog (like the famous 'big nose' tirade, in the bar here), but it's just too obvious what he's trying to do, and the entire narrative is too obvious; and although Steve Martin is certainly very pure at heart as a man, and this is another one of his outlets of how much romanticism and sensitivity he has in him, it just falls way short really in the end. Just not convincing, too obvious.It's not awful though but 4/10 as it barely gives the original any original added value.

Predrag "Roxanne" actually tells the story of the French Renaissance-hero Cyrano De Bergerac, but brilliantly turned into a modern romantic comedy. Steve Martin stars as C.D. Bales, the head of a small village fire department. He has quite a big handicap, or should I say: nosicap? His nose is bigger than most men's... uhm, finger. But don't feel sorry for C.D.! In the first five minutes you learn that he is charming, witty, that he can take good care of himself and that he is by no means a victim of circumstances. However, C.D. is not always sure of himself. Especially when he meets beautiful Roxanne, played by Daryl Hannah. What will win Roxanne's heart: Good looks (which C.D. isn't really blessed with) or sweet and sensual poetry? Australian director, Fred Schepisi, brings Martin's adaptation of De Bergerac together in an entertaining modern romantic comedy that even today, despite the dated soundtrack, continues to be funny.Overall rating: 7 out of 10.

grizzledgeezer If you've seen the José Ferrer "Cyrano de Bergerac", it's permanently etched in your memory. (The Depardieu version is good-but-not-great.) It's one of the great romances, true or fictional, and Ferrer's Oscar-winning performance will leave you in tears. What can you do to improve it?NOTHING. Leave it alone. A timeless work doesn't need updating, let alone a translation to another venue, which only diminishes it."Roxanne" has a basically happy ending, which spoils the whole thing. We all cry over the things we want, but can't have. (In 2008, I lost the thing I most loved in life, but could never have.) We need catharsis. "Cyrano" supplies it. "Roxanne" is devoid of any real emotion.

two-cents-worth In the cacophony surrounding the big budget, CGI fuelled, extravaganzas, some movies fail to gain the audience they deserve. My list of such movies include The Dish, Stardust, Serenity, and, this one, Roxanne.More often than not, I find my opinion about a movie diametrically opposed to the professional critics. I now find myself in the odd position that that the critics and I are on the same page. A little uncomfortable actually.Nonetheless, this is Steve Martin's career all time best movie and a unforgettable gem of the rom com genre.'Roxanne' is yet another retelling of 'Cyrano de Bergerac', written in the 1890's. the staying power of this story is due to the fact that it reaches down into our memories to grade 2 when we were ridiculed over some imperfection.The movie creates and maintains an aura of gentleness tinged with loneliness arising from the extra large nose of the principle character, C. D. Bates. Steve Martins portrayal of C. D. alone is worth the price of admission.The writer (Steve Martin - screenplay) combined small comedic moments, popping up in every corner of the movie, with quirky characters, populating the town and fire department, and a delicate balance of emotional tones, with the skill and precision of a neurosurgeon.The result is a rich, gentle, satisfying rom com classic.