Reality Bites: 10th Anniversary Edition

Trying a bit too hard to codify the defining experiences and reference points of early 1990s twentysomethings, Ben Stiller's 1994 Generation-X comedy stars Winona Ryder as an unfocused young woman juggling career and relationship issues, Ethan Hawke and Stiller as the rival lovers pursuing her, and Janeane Garofalo as Ryder's best friend. What these characters go through, together and separately, offers a convenient overview of a postmodern world in which bad pop culture from another time is now ironically cool, and empty gestures (e.g., poetry slams) take on heightened significance. On the other hand, Stiller's coming-of-age story is finally about the effort to grow up and out of inauthentic rituals, so there are some good things to hang onto here, which is one reason why it remains a favorite with now-thirtysomethings. The other is the cast, which also includes David Spade, Renee Zellweger, Kevin Pollak, Jeanne Tripplehorn, and Stiller's mother, Anne Meara. Making its second appearance on DVD, Reality Bites: 10th Anniversary Edition boasts digitally remastered picture and sound, and extras that include commentary by Stiller and writer Helen Childress, deleted scenes, an interview with singer-songwriter Lisa Loeb, and the music video for Loeb's “Stay.” Optional. (T. Keogh)