ReaderKenka Let's be realistic.

Beystiman It's fun, it's light, [but] it has a hard time when its tries to get heavy.

SteinMo What a freaking movie. So many twists and turns. Absolutely intense from start to finish.

Freeman This film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity.

marcslope MGM was in a slump in 1982, and nobody knew how to market this episodic, whimsical adaptation of two plot-light John Steinbeck novels. So a lot of people were deprived of a life-affirming, atmospheric wartime romance that preserves the democratic, people-loving tone of the Steinbeck originals. Shot partly on an elaborate sound stage and partly on or near Monterey seaside locations, it's a leisurely collection of likable losers and near-losers inhabiting the titular sardine- canning center that's seen better days. Nick Nolte as Doc, a marine biologist with a not-too-secret past, is perfection, as is Debra Winger as Suzy, a combative but yearning drifter--the movie captures the character's mercurial, changeable nature far better than Rodgers and Hammerstein did in their own adaptation, "Pipe Dream." We'd like to see more of the gang, and don't really get to know Mac (M. Emmett Walsh) and his cohorts very well. But Frank McRae's a wonderful Hazel, and John Huston's narration, much of it verbatim Steinbeck, ties things together neatly. A bit slow, and a bit fanciful, it's nonetheless a wonderful date movie, best experienced with a good California wine.

owlbay Could this be the most underrated film of all time? I have seen lukewarm responses by critics that remind me of the limited usefulness of critics. I loved this film 30 years ago and watching it again today I see that it is timeless. If you ever feel despairing of life watch this film and see how a crew of lovable misfits can enjoy life and one another. Ebert didn't see it as a realistic portrayal of drunks. He didn't hate the film but didn't love it the way you'd think he would. But he didn't love Silence of the Lambs either. Look, even Michael Jordan missed shots, like half of them.I have known drunks, well pot-heads actually, old washed up ones from the sixties. And they could go about life with humor and disheveled dignity just like the characters in this film. Sometimes artists bring out the dignity that people don't even know they have. That's what Steinbeck did and this wonderful film is a dutiful tribute to him. A classic film. And let us not fail to mention the one of a kind narration by John Huston.

rmagier Have not seen the movie in many years, but recall vividly the mood it created, particularly through the narrative provided by John Huston. Incidentally, for those of you who are curious and experimental, beer milkshakes don't really have a great deal of flavor, but like this movie, can be greatly enhanced through the addition of liberal amounts of blackberry brandy. Though not a parody, I am reminded of someone's observation that great parody must embody a true respect for the original. This movie can be easily criticized on many levels, but the admiration for the material seems fairly genuine, even if it does not always find the mark.

hrandolph Cannery Row is firmly placed in my personal top 3 films of all time. Set decoration, cinematography, characterization. A Broadway Musical, without the music. The screenplay and dialog are masterful and are true testaments to the art of John Steinbeck. Is the story really that much different than The Grapes of Wrath? Love, companionship, respect, family; and most of all – Hope. You really must read Steinbeck (both fiction and non-fiction) to understand and appreciate the essence of this film.This was not a musical, but David S. Ward injected the perfect 'music' -John Huston's narration. Using the Director's eye (and remarkable voice) to tell the back story, and subtly shine a light of dignity and respect on the Players is a masterful addition.