Reviews (11)

Blind Dated
This is one 80's movie! Which is fine considering that particular decade gave us so much nostalgia. I just feel weird giving Blind Dare 4 stars because, even though it's great, it does contain a highly distressing 'disco' scene that will make you cringe.

Walter Davis (Bruce Willis in his first movie) is a stressed workaholic who must bring a date to a business dinner to impress a Japanese client. In desperation his brings his sister-in-laws cousin Nadia (a brunette, and prettier Kim Basinger) who is very cute, but has a drink problem. Despite warnings not to get her drunk, Walter buys her champagne and, like some sort of human mogwai, she transforms into a crazed party animal. Things go very bad for Walter as Nadia proceeds to wreck his life. Not only that, but her totally mad ex-boyfriend David (John Larroquette) is stalking them at every turn. William Daniels (the voice of KITT from Knight Boat) even has a funny role as a disgruntled judge and the late (great) Phil Hartman plays Walter's brother.

Filmmaking legend Blake Edwards (The Pink Panther, Breakfast at Tiffany's) is the man behind the camera. He brings a lot of class and experience to what could have been a generic romantic comedy. His widescreen compositions and long, moving camera takes add a touch of sophistication, it's a shame it just had to end up being so 80's.

There are loads of hilarious moments and I suggest you pick it up whenever you see it. Just use 80's block factor 1000.

The DVD is in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen with average Dolby 2.0 sound. A trailer is included.

Highly underated comedy!
This is one of my favorite comedies. Bruce Willis is very funny, but the one who really cracked me up was John Larroquette. He was hilarious as a psychotic ex-boyfriend of Kim Basinger. Phil Hartman adds a lot as Bruce Willis's untrustworthy brother. Yes the ending is so predictable, but this movie has some great scenes: Willis puking in Hartman's new car; the business dinner; and of course, the funny scenes with Larroquette and Willis. The film drags a little towards the (CHEESY!!!) ending, but this is still a great comedy.

Did I hear the mambo?
I think I must be immune to 80s films now, I've seen them that many times. I really didn't find this movie 80s at all, apart from the clothes. Bruce Willis stars alongside Kim Basinger, in his first movie, and not one I can say that would have really made his name! I don't know what it was, I normally find Bruce Willis quite nice looking, but in this he didn't do anything for me. I think it was the hair! He looks great with shorter hair (and normally I hate guys with skinheads etc), I just didn't like his hair in this.

Apart from that, this film is hilarious! Kim Basinger plays the outrageous drunk quite well, and Bruce Willis plays up an almost comedic role brilliantly! There is a fantastic scene in a courtroom, which I was in fits over, and Bruce doing an extremely fake fall over some golf balls!

The movie's also quite sad, at the same time, as you watch Bruce struggle as Kim's character gets the more worse for wear with the drink, and then he tries to get drunk, and embarrass her when she's sober. And then he deliberately gets her drunk just to win her back - that bit is so sweet!

When you've finished watching this, you'll probably never want to go on a blind date again - or, on the other hand, be nearly married to a guy who sleeps with teddy bears, and worse of all, TALKS to them! All in a all a terrific, if not a little slow to get started.

Superbly hilarious!
And still one of the best date movies around.

A boyish Bruce Willis coming off his emergence in "Moonlighting" fights off insanely obsessed ex-boyfriend John Laroquette while dealing with stunning Kim Basssinger's "alcohol allergy" with hysterical results. The business meeting with the Japanese patron is classic Blake Edwards. I found myself laughing out loud throughout this kooky farce. Very funny.

The DVD has both widescreen and standard, the transfer is pretty good, but the 2 channel dolby is semi-hollow. Who cares, this movie is just pure fun! 5 Magnums

Worst movie ever
I have only walked out of a handful of movies, and this was one of them. Everything about this movie was contrived and stilted. While Blake Edwards has produced some classic movies, this simply is not one of them. I recommend S.O.B if you're looking for a truly excellent Edwards film ... Read more

Description

Jack Lemmon and Julie Andrews, two screen legends with eleven Academy Award nominations between them, grace the screen in Blake Edwards' human comedy "That's Life!" Lemmon frantically portrays Harvey Fairchild, a wealthy California architect, father of three successful children, husband to a beautiful wife and neurotic as hell. Confronted with his 60th birthday, Harvey is coming down with a severe case of male menopause. Julie Andrews is Gillian Fairchild, the loving, supportive wife of ranting Harvey. Gillian's got her own problems: she's nervously awaiting the results of her hospital tests. One daughter is going through a breakup, the other is seven months pregnant...and son Josh has brought home another brainless beauty. This chaotic clan has all gathered to welcome Harvey into old age. Jack Lemmon and Julie Andrews ... Read more

Reviews (11)

don't pay attention to the critics
Jack Lemmon (Harvey Fairchild)and Julie Andrews (Gillian)shine in this story of a husband unwilling to accept the age of 60 and a wife dealing with a potentially terminal illness. The film explores a very happy family with the kids all grown up and now have their own problems. Jack Lemmon was perfectly cast as the hyperchondriac husband and Julie Andrews is just as good as the loving but somewhat reserved wife. Critics complained about the use of improvisation and a flat story. Nothing could be further from the truth. You see some of the wacky things people do at the spur of the moment,(Harvey goes to a fortune teller), and the true frustration with getting older. Blake Edwards assembled a fine cast of real-life family and friends. Robert Loggia and Sally Kellerman add to the supporting cast as do Lemmon's son Chris, Edward's daugher Jennifer, and Andrew's daugher Emma. "That's Life" may not be the most outstanding Blake Edwards film, but watch it anyway.

Is that REALLY life?
I gather Blake Edwards set out to make a "small movie" here. He enlisted his real-life wife, daughter and step-daughter, brought old buddy (and star of his classic "Days of Wine and Roses") Jack Lemmon aboard and provided parts for Lemmon's wife (Felicia Farr) and son. Farr, it may be said, lucks out if anyone does--she doesn't play one of the neurotic family members--although it appears that she has a several little problems of her own.

Does it work at all? Well, the first time I saw this movie, I HATED it. Since Lemmon's death last summer, I have been sort of running my own little "Jack Lemmon film festival" whenver I think of it, and upon re-view, it's not half bad. Seeing Lemmon's character wrestle with his mortality strikes me as poignant now after the actor's actual death. Equally eerie in its way, is seeing Julie Andrews character, a professional singer, struggling with potentially devestating vocal problems--and in her own stoic way, her own mortality.

The improvisational storyline is the real problem with this film, however. It's rather undeveloped. Lemmon typically needs a broader canvas than Edwards provides him here. He is intense here as in "Days..." but to lesser effect. He's all wound up with no place special to go. We've seen Lemmon do this kind of shtick before ("Tribute" comes to mind), and like Julie Andrews' Gillian in this movie, we feel like telling him to snap out of it--or we're leaving!

Will the real Julie Andrews stand up?
Being a Julie fan, I wanted to start collecting some of her movies. This one I didn't have. Upon watching it, I found myself Fast-Forwarding through most of it because of the language (her husband). The movie has a wonderful story behind it but it really bothered me when I heard Julie spoke some language herself in one part of the movie. Definitely not a family movie.

That's career murder!
The film starts with a biopsy: A sampling of Gillian Fairchild's (Julie Andrews) tissue shall decide over life or death. The findings won't be ready until monday. It may cost her her voice. She clears her throat, then she puts on lipstick - an outward sign that she has no intention of betraying her feelings. Her husband Harvey (Jack Lemmon) is celebrating his sixtieth birthday this sunday, and, for heaven's sake, he cannot be upset.

Harvey arrives. He is unkempt like a tramp. Self-restraint is not his thing: He doesn't mind if the others take part in his suffering. His garden is well-kept. Plastic-sheep graze on his lawn. But he takes no comfort from his luxurious villa and starts complaining at once. He is vexed that people congratulate him for his birthday, and his clients have no taste. He is plagued by all those infirmities old age has to offer. When his wife dares to argue that he never looked better, he is perplexed: "Are you out of your mind?". He has an amorous impulse - and backs down immediately - there is more that troubles him than just the gout. The food (lobster) is not to his taste and when an obtrusive neighbor (Sally Kellerman) observes Gillian's hoarseness he seizes this as a clue to continue his lamentation.

Their children arrive for the planned birthday party. Emma Walton (Julie's daughter) broke up with her boyfriend, Chris (Jack's son) brings his new girlfriend, and the very pregnant Jennifer Edwards (Julie's stepdaughter) is accordingly nervy. But Gillian proves herself as "mother courage" and responds to all their apprehensions. Meanwhile Harvey runs the gauntlet: His physician and an attractive client who tried to seduce him suggest that he consults a psychiatrist and the priest who confesses him turns out to be an old buddy (Robert Loggia). The "happy" family gathers round the dinner-table. No one makes tabula rasa, they dish out banalities. The camera registers this snapshot from behind closed windows...

Blake Edwards shot his film in his own house at the cost of about $1 million. An actor's strike took place at the time - the blacklegging did not further the careers of those involved. There is something depressing about Edwards' career: A much beloved director during the sixties (he directed Lemmon in DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES and THE GREAT RACE), he fell completely out of fashion, until he landed a big hit with TEN. His immediate reaction was to make SOB, the ultimate that'll-gonna-show-them-film. During those years, his protagonists were only thinly disguised mouthpieces of himself. With THAT'S LIFE he expected the impossible: He pushed his leading actor into icy water and ordered him to improvise. How can you improvise another man's life? The result are some of the most painful moments in Lemmon's career: The abortive seduction scene is embarrassing enough, but wait until you see him trying to bike himself to death on his home-trainer or visit a fortune-teller (his own wife Felicia Farr). She tells him an interesting fairy-tale about his toes. He leaves her tent - but not alone: crablouses are his constant companion from now on. They itch when he is attending the church...THAT'S LIFE may be Lemmon's most suicidal film. It effectively ended his film-career and, except for the funeral-like DAD he did not return to the screen until the early nineties. Julie Andrews, on the other hand, gives one of her most personal, and therefore essential, performances. Edwards' observation on the lives of the idle rich is accurate, but perhaps too close for comfort.

a good movie with some faults
Consider that you just found out that you may have terminal cancer. You won't know for sure for a couple of days so you keep it to yourself so as not to worry your loved ones. The problem is that your loved ones take up those two days with endless complaints about their own lives. That, in a nutshell, is what "That's Life" is all about. It's an interesting movie primarily because of the non-stop monologue of Jack Lemmon. He is almost maniacal at times with his compulsive self-examination and fear of aging. At times it gets overdone: We get the point. The adult children have come home to help Mr. Lemmon celebrate his 60th birthday. They all seem to have their own disfunctions and Dad, in his self-pity, was no help. Thus the mother, excellently played by Julie Andrews, has her hands full.

The problems with this movie center around its' excessiveness. As I mentioned above; we get the point. I realize that Blake Edwards has a good reputation for comedy and I think that there is good comedy in this movie. However, the drama seems to suffer for having too much comedy. The character of the priest, for example, is woefully made to look silly. Other characters seem to be too eccentric. If this is supposed to be a comedy then let me change my rating to two stars. The beauty of this movie is watching someone facing death while burdened by everyone's lesser concerns. The movie loses that focus periodically to its own detriment.

I checked for Oscar nominations for "That's Life" because I wondered if Andrews or Lemmon were nominated. They seemed good enough to be. However, the only nomination was for this awful song at the end. I can't believe that Tony Bennett agreed to sing it. Oh well, the team of Blake Edwards and Henry Mancini requires at least one nomination per collaberation. But boy did they pick the wrong category here! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A poor copy by any standard.
In the climatic moment of one of the great film scripts of all time, "The Verdict" by David Mamet, attorney Edward Concannon (James Mason) implores the judge, "We can't be expected to accept a (photo)copy when we have the original." Many consider Truffaut's 1977 "L'homme qui aimait les femmes" a wonderful film. Anyone who has seen this original, need not venture to this 1983 remake, the land of Blake Edwards, his family and his friends.

This film likely falls under the category of 'the studio still needs another film from me (Edwards) and I have not a single inspired idea'.

Don't get me wrong. I'm an avid fan of Edwards, and consider many of his films (notably Days of Wine and Roses, Breakfast at Tiffanys, S.O.B., and Operation Petticoat to ALL be amongst my favorites. Of course the Pink Panther series is a masterpiece in and of itself.

But this film is weak, and uninspired, laden with narrative-I've never really figured who came up with the idea of opening a 'comedy' with the main character's funeral, and an accompanying heart-wrenching eulogy from one of his lovers.

Don't accept a copy when the original is available.

Mediocre Remake by Blake Edwards... With a Few Surprises
Blake Edwards's 1983 remake of Francois Truffaut's classic, "The Man Who Loved Women" (1977) has the basic elements of countless adult films: it plays like an extended male/female sexual fantasy. Male viewers may place themselves in the role of David Fowler (Burt Reynolds), the stud who can be loved, adored, and physically satisfied by scores of women at once; female viewers will adore Burt's sensitive, artistic, sexually aggressive male lover. Thus, on a psychological level, Edwards's film is completely unrealistic hogwash; it treats its subject with half-seriousness, half-camp, and becomes extremely dull. Blake Edwards scores in a few areas ignored by Truffaut, however; first, he includes a riotously funny subplot where Fowler travels to Texas and has an affair with an oilman's wife (Kim Basinger) who is turned on by sexual activity in high-risk places. (When Basinger tries to seduce Reynolds in an empty hotel room, he warns her, "Oh, no! I know how you operate. There's some sort of danger here, isn't there? What is there, an Elk's Club meeting here tonight?") Second, Edwards exploits Reynolds's image as the sweet-talking ladykiller to perfection; it becomes extremely satisfying to hear Reynolds wheedle his way into womens' lives with carefully-chosen words and phrases.

See the French Version
Too slick, hip and cool for my britches. An Americanization of a European classic that doesn't work. Funny for American audience tastes, but too physical, too materialistic in its approach for my liking.

There's a spiritual element to the Truffault version that's missing in the American one with Mr. Reynolds. The French one is more subtle, deeper and sincere.

Arguably Truffaut's Best Movie
Blake Edward's spoof of this movie is funny, but the original is much funnier. It's funny cuz it's true.

Entertaining, Sexy, every man's fantasy with a unhappy end.
I have seen this movie several times, and each time I love it more. Burt Reynolds holds many of the same thoughts that others fantasize about. He loves them and leaves them........but never realy leaves them. They all love him. He is constantly searching for his real love, and when he thinks he finds it, it is too late. There is brief nudity done in excellent taste. The women selected to play these parts are excellent choices. The real beauties of Hollywood come out. Burt love them all and they love him. A really great movie. Be prepared to leave horney. ... Read more

Reviews (156)

Fascinating ......they're after the same rainbow end
I love this film.From the first scene when the yellow cab stopped with Holly alighting,having her breakfast in front of Tiffany's to the very last scene when Holly & Paul reconciled and kissed in the rain...

Simply marvellous piece of work. With the flawless performance from Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard. The unique mood of the movie.And my fave song "Moon River". Who can forget the part when Holly sitting by her window plucking the guitar strings and singing...."Moooonnn River...." Great adaption from Truman Cropte's book with many magical touches and refinements. It's about a free-spirit girl Holly's struggle in Life,her fear of Love and commitment, she didn't even think she own her nameless 'cat'. Paul is a struggling writer who actually a 'kept-man' by a rich lady. Fate brought them together,first as neighbours to friends and eventually lovers. They were soul mates who needed each other and are made of each other....they are after the same rainbow end.

The idea was refreshing....esp.doing things that each have never done:- Strolling down New York street in the morning, stealing, visiting the Library and of course Tiffany's. Simply amazing, fantastic and romantic .

The best part about it was both Holly and Paul were practical people with dark secrets and not really perfect human beings and it make the story more realistic but not losing the romantic fairy tale feel.

This film is one of the best in movie history. It touches my heart my soul with scenes with the perfect combo of laughter,sadness,ironic,truth,secrets,romance,life,etc....... Timeless and Unforgettable......

Fascinating¿They are after the same rainbow end!
I love this movie. From the first scene when Holly(Audrey Hepburn) alighted from the yellow cab to have breakfast in front of Tiffany to the very last scene when Holly and Paul(George Peppard) reunited and kissing in the rain.

Mesmerizing film, shine in all departments. Excellent adaptation from Truman Capote's same name novel. Skillful directing by Blake Edwards and flawless performances from both the leads and not forgetting great supporting casts. This role was made for Audrey Hepburn, she was graceful, witty, charismatic and totally awesome. One of her best performance ever!

The story was about a free spirited and helpless Holly Golightly who lived with a nameless 'Cat', didn't want to own anything and afraid of love and commitments. Life pretty much socializing because holly's goal in life to marry one of the richest man under 50. Things take a twist with Paul Varjak moved into the apartment below hers. Paul was a struggling writer who actually a kept man by a rich lady. They became neighbour to friends then soul mate and eventually lovers.

This is not the usual romance story, "Breakfast at Tiffany's" is a timeless classic, showed sincerity, sensibility and class.

I also love the song of this movie "Moon River". Who can forget the part when Holly plucking the strings of the guitar and singing it "moonnn----riv---ver"......

This movie touch my heart with memorable characters, song, etc and I've watched it from time to time because each time I watch it, I renewed the feeling. Marvellous vintage classic.Simply divine!

One of the best chick flicks ever
I loved Breakfast at TIffany's. I had read about it from all of the gossip girl books and eventually became curious about the movie. I figured the movie would be good but I didn't expect to fall in love with it as much as I did. It is one of the best romantic comedy, chick flicks I have ever seen.

Good for ALL ages!
Because of the fact that I'm only 17 years old, I just got around to watching this movie. I'd always heard about it but I never knew what it was about. And, to be quite honest, I didn't even think about watching it because I thought it was in black and white! (Eh, I didn't know when it was made!)

My dad made me watch it this past weekend and I fell in love with it! Unlike most romantic comedies made today, both main characters are broke. It doesn't follow the mold of: poor/average girl falls for rich guy blah blah blah or the other way around. It was funny (Mickey Rooney's character was HILARIOUS!) and sad (when Holly finds out about Fred) and sappy (the last 20 minutes) all at the same time.

This movie is great for anyone, whether you saw it the first time around or you're a "late viewer" like me.

my fav movie!
i love this movie so much!
it is a love story but its not sappy it is so fun to watch

it is not an earlier version of pretty woman at all (as another review stated) audrey hepburn does not play a prostitute really she just has a lot of suitors. Anyway i completely recommend it so worth the $ ... Read more

Reviews (5)

It's Julie Andrews' rare Musical Movie!
It's hard to find this title, VHS and DVD! I had watched this movie on TV movie channel! Julie Andrews' voice is perfect and now I'm listening CD soundtrack! I wish this title release as soon as possible..

Darling Lili
This is one of the greatest romantic comedies of all time! It has a hauntingly beautiful musical score that is the perfect vehicle for Julie Andrews at her best. Blake Edwards has equalled this riotously funny level only with the Pink Panther series. The romance with the Rock Hudson character (a WWI pilot) is funny, yet convincing--you want it to work! The espionage story line is cleverly woven into the high-jinks.
The real mystery is that this film did not do well at the box office, & Julie Andrews has even been embarrassed as a result! PLEASE make it available!!!!!

Darling Lili
I have not purchased this DVD or VHS because it is no longer available. However, I have watched it on TV numerous times and can't understand why it didn't do better at the Theaters. Julie Andrews performance in this movie is outstanding and the story line, although complicated at first, is very entertaining. Please make this available again. Thank you.

One of my favorite musicals!
I bought this movie on video for my friend Jill. I ended up watching it with her and I loved it. I don't know why it was such a flop but it is a great movie. The music is magnificent. The costumes are beautiful. And the story is the perfect blend of romance, comedy, drama, and suspense. I couldn't see anybody else in this role but Julie Andrews. It is so great to see here get down and dirty as well(you have to see it). I recommend it for any musical fan. Great Movie!

Darling Lili Smashing!
Although this has not been released yet on DVD or Video for that matter, i beleive it deserves better treatment as it is one of the best and funniest musicals ever made. Julie Andrews show stopping sexy striptease to the music of one of the greatest musicians of our time Henry Mancini's "i'll give you three guesses who loves you" is brilliant. Although this is not yet available on DVD, buy the CD, you will not regret it believe me! ... Read more