How to Solve a Mid-Life Crisis

While none of us are old enough to have had a mid-life crisis, we all can relate to those days where we feel lost, where we question every decision we have ever made in our lives. And (usually) we find a way to overcome our temporary uncertainty. We talk to friends and family or clear our heads by going for a run. We end the day back on track. In the movie "City Slickers," main character Mitch Robbins has a mid-life crisis, but unlike you and me, he solves it a little differently.

When Mitch turns 39 and starts coming to grips with the reality of his life (see his outburst above), his two friends Phil and Ed come up with a solution: a two-week cattle drive in New Mexico. For Mitch and his friends, true city slickers, this will be a challenge.

They meet their first test in Curly, the no-nonsense trip leader. While Mitch is initially intimidated by him, after spending more time with him, he comes to see the wisdom in his words. Curly advises Mitch to find the one thing that is most important in his life and then with a new perspective, he can solve his problems.

Later, Curly passes away from a heart attack. The remaining group leaders leave and the other tourists decide to pack it in. But, Mitch and his friends decide to continue and finish the drive. They battle both nature and their issues as they try to drive the cattle to the finish line in Colorado.

It is definitely a stretch to say that this movie is culturally rich, but it does do a good job of poking fun at how uptight we can be as a society. At the end of the day, it is far more important to be happy with life than to be miserably going through the motions. For Mitch and his friends, the trip to New Mexico is a healthy dose of reality; it shows them what's important in life. Similarly, this movie tries to communicate the same message to its audience.

Here are some of the best quotes:

Mitch Robbins: Have you ever had that feeling that this is the best I'm ever gonna do, this is the best I'm ever gonna feel... and it ain't that great?

His Boss: Happy Birthday.

Mitch's friend Ed: The three of us, New Mexico... driving cattle.

Mitch Robbins: What, like in a truck?

Ed Furillo: This guy, Curly, is a true cowboy. One of the last real men. He's untamed, a mustang. It'll do us good to be in his world for a while.

[Curly is approaching them from behind Mitch]

Mitch Robbins: Do us good? Didn't you guys see? The man was hanging the hired help! And, did you notice his eyes? He has crazy eyes. He's a lunatic! We are going into the wilderness being led by a lunatic!

[Mitch notices everyone's terrified faces as Curly is standing directly behind him]

Mitch Robbins: He's behind me, isn't he?

Mitch Robbins: Hi Curly. Killed anyone today?

Curly: The day ain't over yet...

Mitch Robbins: Those cows trusted us.

Ed Furillo: Trusted us? They followed us because we yelled, 'Yah'. They're cattle.