In 1983, moviegoers adopted some new friends when Lawrence Kasdan gave us The Big Chill. Nearly 20 years later, a new generation needs to do the same.

It is the story of seven friends who come together for the funeral of the eighth member of their college circle. During a weekend of drugs, drinking and dancing, the group finds that they have all grown up in different ways and are living lives on opposite planes.

Harold and Sarah, played by Kevin Kline and Glenn Close, are the happily married couple who play host to their old friends. With their squeaky clean lives it's no surprise that the others come to them for advice on their own problems throughout the weekend.

And their problems are indeed real problems. First, we have the much too easygoing Nick (William Hurt), who has shifted from job to job since college, and now spends his time selling drugs. His secrecy sparks feuds as a result.

One woman desperately wants to have a baby, yet isn't married and can't seem to find a suitable man to love her. Sarah's solution to her friend's problem floors many viewers -- myself included, yet it gives the movie the ever so important "I can't believe that!" touch.

Things have turned out poorly for Karen (JoBeth Williams) as well, as she has landed the life of a housewife trapped in an unhappy marriage to a "nine to five" type man. She is put to the test during the weekend when Sam (Tom Berenger), now a television star, confesses his feelings for her and the two rekindle their college love. Sam is charming and fun, exactly what Karen's boring life needs. Watching her let loose with Sam is one of the most satisfying parts of the movie, at least from a female perspective.

Perhaps the only "happy go lucky" character of all is Michael, the entertainment journalist who spends the weekend musing about the "lost hope" of their 1960s generation. He even falls for Chloe, the girlfriend of their deceased friend. Jeff Goldblum plays this innocent and witty character with enough heart to warm up the chill.

Let's not forget Alex, the friend who took his own life and the reason the group has reunited in the first place. Although you only get a tiny glimpse, let it be known that it is Kevin Costner who is lying in the coffin. The Big Chill was the actor's first movie, and as a friend of mine says, it was his best.

As the friends rediscover their bond, secrets are unfolded, relationships are mended and songs are sung. The film's soundtrack has become one of the most popular of all time with its track list full of the "who's who" of Motown, including Marvin Gaye and The Temptations. The scene with the group's song and dance will surely bring a smile to your face as you imagine a weekend with your own friends and old flings in 10 years.

This is a film that rests upon its script and the performances of the actors. There are no special effects and no big-time blockbuster stars to grace the screen. Nonetheless, The Big Chill has become a favorite amongst many because of its universal themes. The idea of love and friendship being the "constants" in a somewhat uneasy world is solidified during the course of the movie.

Playing characters as different as people can come, each actor in the film gives a completely believable performance and you are left feeling as though these are actually your friends. What a pity they're not, because you too will want to be a part of the next big chill.