Reviews (24)

TERRIFICALLY ENTERTAINING
Combining soapy suds and exhilarating dance sequences with the formidable acting skills of lead players Shirley MacLaine and Anne Bancroft, Herbert Ross creates a winner in The Turning Point. Baryshnikov is every bit as magnetic onscreen, in a well-chosen role as a dance lothario, as he is every second he is dancing; he defies gravity and sends your spirit soaring. Leslie Browne, a novice (to put it kindly), in the acting department, is no less spectacular on the dance floor. Rarely has a big, old-fashioned, commercial film been so successful at making classical ballet so tangible and electric. The score, punctuacted throughout with the obvious classical scores of the many pieces we get glimpses of, adds a resonance to the story. MacLaine and Bancroft, as rivals in romance and once, in their careers, have a grand old time with our emotions, as they traverse the entire wide range of jealousy, humiliation, aging, love, friendship -- and eventually combust onscreen, which provides the movie with its most dazzlingly entertaining moments of drama. Tom Skerrit is terrific as Shirley's dancer-gone-husband, and the portrait of MacLaine's character has surprising moments of reality sprinkled throughout the screenplay. A wonderful big, overlong, old-fashioned movie, and a great way to introduce your family to classic dance, not only painlessly, but engagingly.

Why isn't this movie on DVD????
'The Turning Point' was one of the best movies of the late 70's, I can't believe it hasn't been issued in DVD! It had 11 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, and, in a rare instance, two leading actresses (Shirley MacLaine and Anne Bancroft) were both nominated for Best Actress from the same film. It's about two women closing in on middle age, once good friends, both having been promising, competitive ballet dancers with the same company in their youth. Anne Bancroft's character proceeded on to become a successful, internationally celebrated prima ballerina, while Shirley MacLaine's abandoned the ballet scene on the verge of her career breakthrough to marry and raise a family. After twenty-one years, the Ballet company finally comes to MacLaine's Oklahoma City home on tour, and the women are reunited. MacLaine, now the mother of three young teens, begins regretting what she might have been and what she gave up. In addition to envying Bancroft's success, she envies her own eldest daughter's (Leslie Browne's) promising dance talent, and the chummy relationship her daughter and Bancroft begin cultivating as a result of the girl's acceptance into the company.

Bancroft, on the other hand, is an aging prima ballerina whose star has all but faded, and whom the company is slowly but surely putting out to pasture in favor of younger, fresher dancers. She begins regretting the things she's forsaken for her career, such as marriage, motherhood, and a meaningful romance with a special man. In turn, she starts stewing a jealousy of MacLaine's having these things that is as strong as MacLaine's resentment of her career success. To fill in the void, she seeks to endear MacLaine's young dancer daughter to her in a mentor/friend/mothering relationship that she hopes will overshadow and upstage the girl's devotion to her own mother. All these emotions build and build and build till they end up climaxing in a screamfest of accusations and insults between the two leads, that progresses to a classic physical cat fight in the parking lot of Lincoln Center.

Meanwhile, MacLaine's daughter is having problems of her own. She falls for the company's primary male dancer (a handsome young Mikhael Baryshnikov) who turns out to be a ladies man and stomps on her heart. The music, the moods, the gauzy views of MacLaine's drowsy family life in Oklahoma City and the disciplined New York Ballet world in summer, all have the quality of a golden fairy tale, and the dancing sequences performed by some of the best professional dancers in the world at the time are breathtaking. MacLaine and Bancroft are unmatched as the competitive friends, Leslie Browne is flawless as the somewhat airheaded but magnificently gifted daughter, Barishnikov is perfectly believable as the devil-may-care loverboy, Tom Skeritt does a fine job as MacLaine's patient husband, and even the boy and girl who play MacLaine's two younger children are captivating as typical opinionated adolescents.

I hope a DVD for this beautiful film is issued SOON and it is not a case of having to wait till 2007 for the 30th anniversary!

DOUBLY RICH: CAPTIVATING THEME, BREATHTAKING CHOREOGRAPHY
A very fitting title for this "Terms of Endearment" meets "Footloose" offering...a delicate, if somewhat idealistic, treat for people who like subtle emotional vectors.

The theme is sensitive: daughter becomes successful ballerina, makes mother hark back to her own difficult decision to give up her dancing passion to raise a family.

Envious angst and catty remarks ensue, but of course all is patched up towards the end. The performances are sterling all round but the dialogue could have been a little more taut, it is hit-on-the-head-obvious when things get sappy.

But that doesn't matter because it's the choreography that the movie will be remembered for, the ballet sequences are simply stunning. Minor gripe: a couple of ballet scenes have overbearing voiceovers which recap all that the dancer has gone through in life, which interrupts the lyric of the moment a bit. Again, editing may have been in order.

Nonetheless, it makes for an engaging, luminous portrait of dance and its various twists and turns as apt metaphors for the quirky vagaries of life, loves, ambition.

Very decent rental, but a great must-own if you dig chickflicks.

TOADS AND FROGS
how many times I have used that line when things have popped out of my mouth without thinking them through. This is a GREAT movie. The dancing will "wow" you and the acting by MacLaine and Bancroft is wonderful. This should be released in DVD with lots and lots of extra dance footage. My husband even stayed awake throught it. PLEASE release it!

Please, please, please issue in DVD!!!
I will purchase this film in a heartbeat as soon as it is available in DVD. The story is moving, but the dance sequences that are captured here - especially of Baryshikov in his prime - make it a ballet lover's dream. ... Read more

Reviews (108)

What are Steel Magnolias?
A pleasant mix of comedy and tear-jerking drama, Steel Magnolias is a heartwarming movie with a strong message, no matter what happens life goes on and the strong can survive almost anything. This movie takes place 1980s Louisiana and features a small town gaggle of women who congregate at Truvy's Beauty Spot to laugh, cry gossip and generally experience life. Each women has their own strong personality and brings something unique to the film. Steel Magnolias is adapted from the play of the same name by Robert Harling. The movie flashes through several milestones in the lives of six women. M'lynn Eatenton played by Sally Field is the mother of Shelby Eatenton (Julia Roberts). And the two seem to be the main focus of the movie. Strong M'lynn and caring but naive Shelby make the perfect mother-daughter team. The movie begins with the wedding day of Shelby, and after a nail polish crisis the two head to Truvy's beauty parlor to gossip and laugh. Dolly Parton plays a caring and hopelessly romantic "southern belle," named Truvy Jones; who is constantly trying to elicit some romance from her husband, Spud (Sam Shepard). Providing a scapegoat of sorts is nervous newcomer, Annelle (Daryl Hannah) who soon finds out the gossipy nature of the group when she announces she "isn't sure" if she is married or not. And of course, no clique would be complete without the sarcastic pessimist. Shirley MacClaine slips artfully into the role of Ouiser Boudreaux. The rich seemingly nasty woman who is rarely seen without a floppy straw hat and a huge slobbering dog. Providing the perfect compliment to Ouisers acrid personality is best friend Clariee (Olympia Dukasis). Miss Clairee is always ready with gossip or a playful insult of Ouiser. Ouiser, Truvy and Clairee are the main suppliers of the quirky, well timed one-liners that add spice to the movie as a whole. Being a real "chick flick" Steel Magnolias contains a few, underdeveloped male characters who are regarded more as scenery than actual characters. Drum Eatenton, played by Tom Skerritt is M'lynns husband who spends half of his screen time shooting pigeons from trees and the other half grinning blankly or snarling at Ouiser. Shelby's husband, Jackson Latcherie (Dylan McDermott) is upstaged in most of his scenes and then forgotten about completely. Annelle's boyfriend, Sammy Desoto (Kevin J. O'Connor) really only has one poorly executed, pointless scene before he too is forgotten; only to reappear at the end wearing a bunny suit. And who could forget Truvy's Husband Spud, probably everyone as his few scenes involve him reclining on a bed, drinking beer, watching television and being grumpy. Despite the appearance that these women are dippy southern women, several tragedies call them all to action, where each shows they are more than meets the eye. The character and will of the six is gradually introduced as the viewer moves from one milestone to another. The true acting brilliance of Sally Field is presented in one poignant scene, where M'lynn, hysterically asks God why. The captivating tear-jerking scene complete with Fields signature locked jaw distant eyes is broken only by a lame attempt at comedic relief. In which M'lynn switches from pissed to amused in a matter of seconds. With one motion the scene goes from classically emotional to pathetic and back again. Steel Magnolias is quite possibly the funniest movie that will also make you cry. These six witty southern belles show their strength and character time and again, proving they are true Steel Magnolias. Steel Magnolias was directed by Herbert Ross, written by Robert Harling is a TriStar Pictures production. Steel Magnolias received a 1990 Oscar nomination for Julia Roberts as best supporting actress and a 1990 Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture-Sally Field. And in 1990 Julia Roberts won a Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role for her work in Steel Magnolias. With an award like 1990s Peoples Choice Awards-Favorite Dramatic Motion Picture is it any wonder that Steel Magnolias comes highly recommended.

#1 favorite movie of all time!...
Steel Magnolias, which is based on the play by Robert Harling (who plays the pastor) revolves around a group of friends down in Louisiana. Julia Roberts plays Shelby, the center character. Shelby is a diabetic determined to have a baby, despite doctor's warnings that she "shouldn't." Even though this plot line would seem emotional, this movie is actually charming and witty without getting too sappy.

My favorite character is the caring and stylish Truvy Jones (played by Dolly Parton). Her beauty salon, known as The Beauty Spot serves as the gathering place for their gossip. Well, that and the local Presbyterian church. Olympia Dukakis, Daryl Hannah, Shirley MacLaine and Sally Field all have terrific roles as well. The whole cast is extraordinary.

Read the play too. Unlike the movie, every scene takes place in Truvy's beauty salon, and it gives the movie a new perspective.

Usually worried
I'm usually worried when I hear that Hollywood is going to make a movie out of some great book or play. So many have been botched in the process and few have been made better. My current fear is what they'll do to "A Confederacy of Dunces" or "The Bark of the Dogwood" when those books go into script form. But for some reason, seeing "Steel Magnolias" when I did in New York all these many years ago, I had no fear. The play lends itself expertly to a movie script (This is actually a good thing), and of course, the cast they chose was/is stellar. This is one of my favorite all-time movies and if you're not moved by it, please, get yourself to an emergency room so they can check your pulse.

One of the best stage to screen movies I have ever seen.
Steel Magnolias is a movie that is timeless. You cannot beat it. I know I am in a minority in saying that it is better than Terms of Endearment and Fried Green Tomatoes but in my opinion it really is. The love between the characters is more real and heartfelt and isn't as dismal to watch as in the previous two films. The acting is awesome, as well as the score and plot. The movie will rip your heart out. I highly reccomend it.

Shut Up You Old Bag
So let me get this straight - a bunch of old ladies and Julia Roberts in the south trying to be funny, heartwarming, poignant, dramatic and important? I'm out. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Classic Woody!
As I'm sure you now by now, this film stars Woody Allen as a film critic and CASABLANCA buff (coincidentally named Allen) whose bored wife leaves him in the throes of insecure bachelorhood, while he secretly yearns to fulfill Humphrey Bogart's role in his own love life. Watching Woody at his neurotic, self-deprecating best is fun, and he does a lot of physical comedy in this entertaining little film. It's funny that this is an essential Woody Allen film, yet Woody Allen himself didn't direct it! The film's director is Herbert Ross, director of some clever & funny movies such as MY BLUE HEAVEN (1991), and some not-so-clever-and-funny movies, most notably the awful PENNIES FROM HEAVEN (1981). However, Woody wrote the screenplay, which had been adapted from the stage play that he also had written. Since Herbert Ross doesn't take any liberties with Woody's style, it ends up being by all accounts a classic Woody Allen film.

Co-starring in this enjoyable film are Diane Keaton (in her first of many films with the irreppressable Allen), Tony Roberts (as Keaton's too-busy and full-of-himself husband), and Jerry Lacy (who continually appears to Woody as a vision of Mr. Bogart). This film was originally set in New York City, but ended up getting re-set to San Francisco due to a labor strike. Of course, all of the actors in this movie have New York accents, but that's no matter. PLAY IT AGAIN, SAM is so much fun to see for all of the trouble that Woody gets into with his dates that we only care for how his character will redeem himself by film's end.

Classic Woody!!!

An unknown classic
A very clever, funny film. Anyone who has struggled in the dating game will probably see a little of themselves in Woody Allen's charactor. The scene on the couch, between Woody and Diane Keaton, is one of the funniest scenes in any movie ever. Tony Roberts and Jerry Lacey are excellent as the too-busy husband and Humprey Bogart. If you liked ANNIE HALL or WHEN HARRY MET SALLY, I highly recommend this movie, even if you are not a Woody Allen fan.

Play it again, Sham... Go on!!!
A work of genius.

While this is one of Woody's finest moments, it also brilliantly underscores one of the dilemmas of modern man.

Allen's nerdy new age man Allan Felix is so in his head and ineffectual that his wife simply abandons ship - a brilliant observation on a social a trend that is if anything, on the increase.

The magic and true genius of this movie lies in the way Bogart's grounding yet wild Dionysian energy drives Allen's UberNerd to stop whining and intellectualizing and just act. I'm slightly paraphrasing, but Bogie's ghost's advice to Felix to 'Tell her she's beautiful' and 'Go on, kiss her... Go on!' are a joy to behold.

The revelation is that by finding his inner warrior, his wild man energy, he is actually successful, and creates a scenario in which the man and the woman can be more comfortable in their clearly defined, yet non-hierarchical roles.

While there is immense significance in the role and transforming power of the Bogart figure, this is still a warm, loving and utterly crazy Woody classic and can be enjoyed on any level.

Diane Keaton... sigh...

Great for my teenage angst
This was an important movie to me as a teen. Its the classic Woody as nebbish who wins out in the end. Far more conventionally filmed than a Woody-directed film its nonetheless up their with his funniest - touching as well.

Funniest movie ever
If you like comedy, I mean genius works of comedic brilliance, watch this movie. Buy it, rent it, or whatever. You won't be dissapointed. ... Read more

Reviews (50)

6 out of 5 Stars!!!
What can I say. This is the Godfather of dancing movies. You got served, Save the Last Dance, and Dirty Dancing 2 would not exist without Footloose. Kevin Bacon is sensational, that kid has a few moves!

Based on a true story (According to E!), Footloose is about a pack of high school kids fighting for their right to DANCE. "There is a time to laugh, and THERE IS A TIME TO DANCE," quote Kevin Bacon. You see, these kids live in a redneck town where people wear cowboy boots don't want kids to dance. Dancing was thought of as dangerous, and the leading cause of teenage pregnancy. So they want to ban dancing... but when the kid from Chicago (Kevin Bacon) showed up, he taught his redneck friends how to dance and decided to fight the resistance and want to be freed from the
anti-dancing act.

As with any movie, there has got to be antagonists. Besides crazy dancing and tight 80's style jeans, this movie is loaded with action scenes. There is a scene where Lori Singer's ex-boyfriend shows America how to beat up Lori Singer, and there is a scene where Kevin Bacon drop kicks Lor Singer's ex-boyfriend and helps young Chris Penn (when he wasn't all fat) kick 5 people's @SS. This movie is also loaded with testosterones: scenes of pickup trucks, roll bars and dancing on football field bleachers proves me right!

In many ways, this movie reminds me of the importance of Freedom. The need for Americans to fight for the right to party! Some people may laugh at the cheesy lines, lame outfits and the fact that Kevin Bacon's choreography is entertaining, but it should be taken just as serious as movies like T2 and Matrix in which the protagonist fight for the FREEDOM of fellow mankind.

If you are looking for a lighthearted film with plenty of action and laughter, you do not want to miss this great film. Kevin Bacon, I always knew you are a talent... Superb Cast and Excellent Film!

Fun and entertaining movie, but rated PG? I don't think so..
Teenager Ren MacCormack (Kevin Bacon) moves with his mom from big city Chicago to a small town in the Midwest after his parent's divorce. Ren is suprised to find that it's against the law to listen to rock 'n' roll and the law also prohibits dancing! Ren can't understand why these laws were brought about but tries his hardest to fit in with the town people. Unfortunately, though he's accepted as a friend by fellow student Willard (Chris Penn), no one else seems to like him, calling him a 'big-city kid' and a trouble-maker. After a while, he comes up with a plan to try to make it possible for the Senior students to be able to have a prom dance. He'll be going against the whole town, most specifically the Reverend Shaw Moore (John Lithgow) and the town council. Will Ren be able to change the stiff necked town people's minds? At the same time, Ren begins to fall in love with the Reverend's wild and unpredictable daughter Ariel (Lori Singer) while trying to keep his distance from her boyfriend Chuck (Jim Youngs). Also starring is Sarah Jessica Parker as Ariel's best friend Rusty, Dianne Wiest as the Reverend's wife Vi, and John Laughlin and Timothy Scott play Woody and Andy Beami, two of Ren's allies.

*PLOT* - This is my first and only 80's dance movie to watch and I must say that I very much enjoyed it. The plot was interesting though of course some points were a bit unrealistic. Basically the movie is in a way a 'coming-of-age' film. I loved the way each of the characters are portrayed. Kevin Bacon's character Ren represents the 'hero' of the movie. At first when I read the reviews I thought Ren would be your typical rebellious teenager. A bit on the contraire, he is responsible and you can't help but feel proud of him when he brings his case up to the council. It's hard to explain and I can't tell you much since this is only a review, but I must say that Ren's character was extremely well-done. Ariel on the other hand is very rebellious, and flaunts it to her father. I loved how she and her father were able to resolve their problems at the end.

*ACTING* - Kevin Bacon definitely steals the whole movie with his acting. He plays the part of a teenager perfectly, even the way he walks. His dancing was also spectacular, most notably his solo dance at the warehouse to the music, "Never" by Moving Pictures. If he was doing only half of what we see on screen, I'd still be impressed. John Lithgow is also outstanding, it was interesting to see his dramatic abilities after watching him on goofball comedy tv series, "3rd Rock from the Sun". He certainly can put power in his 'sermons'! Lori Singer beautifully stunning as Ariel, a perfect example of the category of 'wild and beautiful'. Besides the character of her father, Singer's character of Ariel has the most development in the movie.

*DANCING* - The dancing is just pure fun to watch, especially for people who loves 80's dancing. The last dance was not only the best dance, but the best part of the whole movie. If by chance somebody didn't enjoy the movie, I'm sure the end will make up for it. I loved it so much, I downloaded that segment onto my computer so I can watch it any time.

*SOUNDTRACK* - The soundtrack is another plus side to the movie. Besides the "Top Gun" soundtrack, "Footloose" is on my top list of favorite movie soundtracks. Great songs include two by Kenny Loggins, "Footloose" and "I'm Free (Heaven Helps the Man". Other of my favorites include "Let's Hear It For the Boy" (Denise Williams), "Almost Paradise" (Ann Wilson/Mike Reno), "Somebody's Eyes" (Karla Bonoff), and "Hurts So Good" (John Cougar Mellencamp). Plus there's plenty more!

*PG Rating* - From here I will be giving you the downside to the movie "Footloose". I was extremely disappointed that the movie does not hold true to what a real PG movie should be. There are many reasons as to why this movie should be changed to a PG-13 rating. Though the movie is about a small town which has a dislike for rock music and dancing, the movie portrays some of the teenagers there as being very immoral. Besides having sexual innuendo, some violence, and drugs scattered all over the movie, the language is also pretty strong. I strongly recommend parents not to have younger children watching this movie. Best for kids 15 and older.

Overall, "Footloose" has the great elements to make a good movie; great story, terrific acting, nice music, and cool dancing. But it also shows some of the immoralities of teenagers so parents should be cautioned. The movie is more aimed towards teenage viewers and adults might not find this movie terribly entertaining. But then again, adults might enjoy the movie for they might be able to relate to John Lithgow's character as the father who does not want to let go of his daughter because of his love for her.

Very classic movie and soundtrack
As I said in the title, great nostalgic movie, story, acting, etc. I enjoy watching the movie over and over. I would give this 5 stars but I will give the DVD tech guys an F for not putting any features (besides ws format) on this. I think some trailers, interviews, and other stuff would have fit. They could have done a little segment on all of the songs featured here. Aside from this, great DVD.

One of my personal favorite movies from the '80s
I was watching VH1 over the holiday weekend and came across a showing of "Footloose". "Footloose" is one of my favorite movies from the '80s. I actually saw the film in the theater with some friends. We wanted to see "Splash" but tickets for that movie was out so we settled on "Footloose". At the time I thought the premise of the film of a hip teenager rebelling against an ultra conservative town with its anti-rock music and dancing rules, was a bit farfetched, if not silly. I still do to this very day but I like this movie more now than I did back twenty years ago. It's amazing how much Christopher Penn has changed since then. Not to mention Sarah Jessica Parker (still with her "Square Pegs" look), and Lori Singer. Kevin Bacon remains the same today. John Lithgow gave me one of his best performances I had ever seen before that godawful sitcom he starred in years later. Dianne Wiest was also good in the movie. The stars of the film I thought were Kevin, Lori, Sarah, and Christopher. The music was great. I love Bonnie Tyler's "I Need a Hero" and John (Cougar) Mellencamp's "Hurt So Good". "Footloose" was one of those movies where music and film went well together. To the reviewer who thought this film deserved a PG-13 rating...um? Hello? There was no PG-13 back in 1984. It was either PG or R. I would hardly qualify "Footloose" as being R-rated material. Compare "Footloose" by today's movies, it is a tame comparison. Despite being cheesy at times, "Footloose" remains a blast to watch.

Nostaligia
I grew up in a rural, religous community on the edge of the Appalachia. We were not allowed to dance. It didn't strick me at all odd at the time, and it doesn't now, that a town council could make dances illegal or that the local pastor could almost single handedly control the town council. And yes, a small town police officer could, without getting into any legal trouble, in that part of the world in the 1980s confiscate a rock and roll cassette tape (Remember those things?) for being played too loudly or simply because he didn't like the attitude of the driver.

Having said that, the movie is extremely dated and so some parts of it look and sound a little silly today. Just like today's hip teen movies will look and sound silly two decades from now. But I still like this movie. Probably because some of these seens could be right out of my life. I too went to church and looked at girls acrossed the aisle. And after church we really did ride around in cars and pickups and hang out on family farms on Sunday afternoons doing really stupid teenage stuff with farm equipment. All of these seens are caught pretty realisticly and are done very sympatheticly. People with simple value systems are not mocked here, as they so often are in Hollywood. And the story line isn't all silly. The pastor character is especially well written and well played. And I should point out that girls really did wear their hair like that back then and really did wear tight sweaters and even tighter designer jeans. Youngsters now days don't know what they are missing. Buy this movie and watch Ariel move around the screen and you'll see what I mean. ... Read more

Reviews (46)

CLASSIC FUNNY MOVIE, DVD VERSION NOT WORTH THE EXTRA DOLLARS
Okay, so I sinned and purchased a film that isn't anamorphic, heck this DVD isn't even widescreen! But it didn't cost much more than the VHS tape. Unfortunately there aren't any extras on the disc, behold why so inexpensive, and the picture and sound quality make me wonder if I would have been just as well off purchasing the VHS version. The only problem would be that I don't pop in my VHS movies any more. This movie is very funny. Steve Martin plays a great italian mobster and Rick Morranis plays the perfect boring federal agent. If you don't find yourself quoting this movie then either you're too serious, or I'm too easily amused. The movie is a 4 star movie, if only this movie could get a quality DVD transfer some day.

A NY gangster in the witness protection program
Steve Martin is one of the worlds best known comics, and this is perhaps his best roll so far. The story is about Vinni, aka Todd Wilkensen, (Martin), a New York City gangster enrolled in the witness protection program. He is sent to a yuppy town near San Diego called Fryberg. The FBI agent (Rick Moranis) assigned to look after him is a systematic, recently dumped man named Barney. It isn't easy to break old habits, and so Vinni gets involved in any crime that he can, and always trying to talk his way out of persecution from the local D.A. (Joan Cussak). This is an incredibly funny movie that shows the difference between New Yorkers and the yuppies of Fryberg. This humor is characterized by a grocrey clerk saying "Have a nice day," and Vinni returing with "F*** you." The humor is smart and quick, all topped off by great acting from Martin, Moranis, and Cussak.

One Of The Funniest Movies I've Ever Seen
Released in 1990 to mixed reactions, the mobster comedy "My Blue Heaven" reteamed "Parenthood" stars Steve Martin and Rick Moranis for a hilarious slapstick comedy that is possibly their most underrated work.

Vinnie Antonelli (Martin) is an Italian mobster who is put in the witness protection agency after witnessing a murder. After his wife leaves him, he strikes up a friendship with Barney Coopersmith (Rick Moranis), an uptight FBI agent who is assigned to look after him. In addition to protecting him, Barney learns from Vinnie how to be loose and on the edge. He strikes up a romance with Assistant D.A. Hannah Stubbs (Joan Cusack), and Vinnie gets remarried... twice.

There a number of hilarious moments in this film. Like when Vinnie's family arrives in New York or the turtle death sequence or the climax at the courtroom or the supermaket sequence (it's a veg - a - table). This whole film is hysterically funny. Pick it up when you get the chance.

New York mobster in southwest paradise
Although slightly inferior to MY COUSIN VINNY, Steve Martin's MY BLUE HUSBAND is also a variation of the old city mouse/country mouse theme, and a terrifically funny one at that. Martin, Moranis, and Cusack are a great team and turn their usual solid performances.

Other reviewers have done a good job of giving you the basic plot outline, so I won't bog you down with that again. But I can't refrain from mentioning my favorite scene. Vinnie (Martin) hunts for arugala in a huge supermarket. Being far from Manhattan, this Italian vegetable is impossible to find in the white bread and mayo southwest. As his frustration mounts, and after countless "Have a nice days" from the clerks, Vinnie explodes with a resounding "F**k YOU!" It sounds crude but it is not gratuitous. Because we understand Vinnie's outrage, we understand his outburst.

Director Herbert Ross does an admirable job of pacing this film, as he does in drawing out the best possible performances from his cast. MY BLUE HEAVEN is one of those sleeper films that many people haven't heard of, but once they see it, they love it.

Hillariously funny, im many ways
Hillarious!! Steve Martin and Rick Moranis, what a pair! Not many people realize that in some movies, the fact that they aren't even close to what their character is supposed to be like is supposed to happen. The acting is wonderfull, the script, excellent, and everything just runs together nicely.

This movie is awesome, and if you don't start quoteing the movie, well, everyone thinks they have a sense of humor, even those who dont. You should watch it. ... Read more

Reviews (54)

A movie that seemed to have a script
UNDERCOVER BLUES was a movie that seemed to have a script; flawed script as it was. I bought this movie to watch the likes of Bacalique Kathleen Turner and that movie star, Quaid. I saw them--with a baby to tend-- try to stage a spy-comedy story, but strangely the outcome reminded me of 101 Dalmations. REALLY! Lucky for an audience was this comic character, Stanley Tucci, who stole the show. Otherwise, Turner and Quaid--CIA Undercover--were too, too suave for spy characters. Their James Bond quip comedy lines just didn't work. Here is another movie that couldn't make up its' mind: is it a comedy, drama, suspense, mystery, n'importe quoi kind of story. Nevertheless, for all of its' flaws, UNDERCOVER moves along and keeps your attention. You are going to laugh somewhere along the line. And keep your eye out for Cruella. She's there with her sort of funny bad guys.

Undercover Excellence
I have rented this movie on more than one occassion and have loved it every time. I am fixing to buy my own copy from Amazon within the hour. I would definitely have this film on the top of my list of recommended movies. It's funny, romantic, full of good ol' fashioned action, and it's something anybody can watch. There's really only one word of profanity in the entire movie. The cast is incredible and I don't think you could find that kind of chemistry in just any movie. Quaid and Turner are fantastic together, and Tucci makes the most of a character that most people would blow off. I don't think the original critic watched the same movie I'm praising (the couple has an 11 month old girl, not a one year old boy, for clarification). Definitely one of the best and one of my absolute favorites!

I Got a Right to Sing the Blues
I love this movie, and it is with great reluctance that I'm rating the DVD with fewer than five stars. However, it seems that little work was done digitally mastering the film: there's a lot of grain and artifacting on the DVD (to be fair, the VHS doesn't look great either, but the blur of the tape reduces the grain in the image; on the DVD you get nice, crisp speckles and blotches). Basically this is a 5-star movie with 2-star production values, split the difference and round up, you get four stars.

The plot provides a so-so post-Cold War backdrop for the actors to do their thing. There hasn't been such a breezy, fun-loving, crime-fighting couple since Nick and Nora Charles. Dennis Quaid's dazzling smile and cheeky attitude brighten up the film, and Kathleen Turner provides a street- and book-smart turn as the brains of the operation. Add in Larry Miller's supporting role as the lisping, soft-spoken Detective Sgt. Halsey (that'th eth-ee-why, not eth-why), Stanley Tucci's shrieking tough guy, Muerte, and Fiona Shaw's devilish Paulina Novacek and you've got ninety minutes of comedic gold.

Unfortunately, along with the straight-from-video transfer, no expense was spent in providing extras on the DVD. There are a handful of trailers and that's about it. The menu screens look good, but if you go to a restaurant and the best thing you can say about it is "nice menus," odds are you won't be eating there very often. That's a shame really, because this is a good movie that's getting a raw deal from poor packaging and a lousy transfer.

If a remastered version of this disc comes out - with or without all the bells and whistles in the bonus department - swoop on it without delay. In the meantime, VHS is actually your best bet: the film's flaws aren't as noticeable and you've been making allowances for such things for years now anyway.

glad it's finally on DVD!
Wow, this is one of my favorite funny movies, no matter what the critics say!! It's obvious that other viewers feel the same. I've watched it many times since the first time I saw it 9 years ago, and always laugh 'till my sides hurt. The way Turner and Quaid interact is great, and I love the people they meet throughout the movie (such as Morty I mean Muerte). The music is great, and I like the New Orleans scenery.

I'm always quoting these lines:
"That's funny"
"Funny ha-ha or funny strange?"

Buy it and enjoy!!

I love this film. Stanley Tucci plays a great loser!
I happened across this film on a cable network that will remain anonymous. I saw that Kathleen Turner and Dennis Quaid were in it, and it was a comedy, so I watched it. All I can say is....I laughed my butt off! I was shocked because I had never heard of this film. It must have been made and send directly to video, although that's no indication of it's quality.

"My name...is Muerte!" The supposedly streetwise thug played by Tucci says when he mugs his victims. Morty, as Quaid calls him, meets his match when he meets ex-CIA, ex-FBI agent Jeff (played by Quaid).

On vacation after the birth of their first child, Quaid and Turner go to New Orleans to enjoy some good food and music, but end up getting pulled back into service of the government when a terrorist organization is trying to buy up a lot of an experimental high explosive.

The action is good, and the comedy even better. There is no adult humor in this film, so it's suitable for even younger children, although the fight scenes might be a bit much for very young kids.

If you like any of the actors in this film, or just like comedy, you should pick this up, it's one of the best comedies out there. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Derivative fluff from 1987, made tolerable by its bawdy exuberance and an appealing performance by Michael J. Fox, who was still enjoying TV stardom and the career momentum he earned by traveling Back to the Future. Here he plays a Kansas farm boy who dreams of scoring big in New York City, but reality turns out to be brutal to his ambition. When his uncle (Richard Jordan) gives him a mail-room job in the high-rise headquarters of a major corporation, Fox occupies an empty office and poses as a young executive, winning the attention of a lovely young colleague (Helen Slater) and having an affair with his boss's wife (Margaret Whitton). Sporadically amusing as a yuppie comedy and rather off-putting as a wannabe sex farce, the movie's still recommendable for its lively cast and a breezy style that almost succeeds in updating the conventions of vintage screwball comedy. Whitton is a standout performer here, so you may wonder why her comedic talent has been underrated, apart from a good role in the first two Major League movies. This may be little more than a big-screen sitcom, but it's not without its charms. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (19)

It's Michael!
"The Secret of My Success" owes all its minimal success to the casting of Michael J. Fox, one of the most likable screen presences in all of film history. In "Back to the Future," he was the overwhelmed high schooler who accidentally traveled back in time to 1955 and had to find a way back. In "Teen Wolf," he was the highschooler turned into a werewolf. In "The Hard Way," one of the best cop-buddy films of all time, he was the eager-to-please Hollywood actor trying to do some good-natured research.

All his roles fall back on the Sweet Guy persona. In "The Secret of My Success," he plays Brantley, a Kansas boy who makes the big move to the Big Apple, where he lands a job at his uncle Howard's (Richard Jordan) firm. He gradually makes his way up the ladder as a mail boy, but his real break comes when he is mistaken for a higher-up and tries to woo hard-to-get girl Christy (Helen Slater), a beautiful co-worker of the company who buys Brantley's job position.

Simple premise, but it becomes all the more entangled when Brantley has to run back and forth between different job positions, changing clothes in the elevator and getting in a heated affair with his uncle's wife (played by Margaret Whitton), the kind of lady who doesn't take no for an answer.

The film's amorality is what struck me on multiple viewings. It sort of seems dirty and unclean -- Brantley's a farm boy but he's eager to get in a romance with his aunt. The casual sexuality of the film is what, ultimately, makes it sort of disturbing, and also sort of memorable, as odd as that may sound.

Fox shines in the lead role, and with any other actor the film would simply fall flat on its face. And, to be honest, a film like this could never be made nowadays -- I can imagine Jim Carrey in such a role, but the outcome would be wholly different. The eighties were an entire generation of comedy unto themselves. A lot of people love the comedies from the eighties because so many were made with so little thought and yet a lot of heart, kind of like "The Secret of My Success." Its mediocrity is what drives it, amazingly, but also its heart, and so many comedies nowadays lack the heart of the comedies from the eighties.

I come back to "The Secret of My Success" a lot, probably because I saw it on TV when I was younger and it's been in my head ever since. It's a routine film that's hardly recommendable, but I actually enjoy it a lot the more I watch it, and it has a kind of frenetic comedic energy that most of the films of the genre are lacking nowadays.

The script, by Jim Cash nd Jack Epps Jr., seems as though it were one from an earlier decade. It has a delightful sweetness to it that's simply not unnoticeable.

I understand how many would dislike this film. The critic Roger Ebert gave "The Secret of My Success" 1.5/4 stars upon its inital release in 1987. I can't say I wouldn't have, either, if I were in his shoes. But comedies, over time, sort of grow on you, and this is one of those cases.

It's not as good as "Back to the Future," or "The Hard Way," but it's a lot like Fox's "Teen Wolf" (1985): fast-paced, extremely routine, cliched, flawed, and lots of fun. Don't miss this one, even if it isn't exactly the pinnacle of comedy.

Fluffy, delightful, fun.
I think a good test of how good or bad a movie is, is by how long it feels. Some 90 m. movies feel like three hours and vice versa. Secret of My Success feels like a half an hour. That's pretty good.

Brantley moves from Kansas to NYC in order to make it in the corporate world. Problem: he gets laid off even before he starts. He's a trooper, though, and doesn't want to run home with his tail between his legs so he goes to his Uncle Howard for a job. It's not exactly what Brantley envisioned as he is stuck in the mailroom. Using corporate bureaucracy against itself, he manages to swing a job as a vice-president. It gets pretty funny from there as Brantley tries to maintain two identities without being found out. The elevator scenes are priceless!

This movie is the definitive eighties comedy. Michael J. Fox gets to showcase his screwball comedy antics and the rest of the cast is equally fine. Helen Slater stands out as a female executive that manages to break through the glass ceiling only to be pressed up against it and fondled by the smarmy CEO. "Auntie Vera" is also a hoot as the sex-starved wife of Uncle Howard.

The DVD doesn't offer too much in the way of extras, but that's okay because the movie alone is worth having on disc. Get this one right away.

QUIRKY COMEDY FROM THE EIGHTIES
A fairly strong recommendation for a charming feel-good entertainer about a young gun making it to the top, starting of course from the mail roon. We might as well have called it "The secret of how I succeeded without really trying". The script is thus obviously doozy and relies on some major implausible situational gaffes, but the energy of Michael Fox and the brilliant comic timing of Margaret Whitton as his aunt makes it all borderline credible. Plus, the snappy final half hour is the best part of the film, with some thoughtful romance thrown in for good measure. I guess we all have a hint of Bradley (Fox' character) buried in ourselves. A fun rental to lighten things up.

New York here we come
this is a graet Michael J fox movie. its about a man who is liveing to lifes. he gets a job in new york at his uncles company as a mail boy. then he makes himslef out to be a new employee with a desk job and a secrotery. that may be confusing but trust me is a good movie. If you like Michael J fox i would say go rent it or buy it

Michael J. Fox's performance makes up for some big holes
It has dawned on me that I have probably used "The Secret of My Succe$s" as an example in class more than just about any other film ever made. Part of the reason is that most students have seen this film, so I am likely to get nods of recognition more than if I mention "Battleship Potemkin" or "Citizen Kane." This 1987 comedy tells the story of Brantley Foster (Michael J. Fox), who heads from his family's farm in Kansas to the Big Apple to put his business degree to use, but all he can get is a job in the mail room of a firm owned by a distant uncle (Richard Jordan). Brantley comes up with a short cut but there comes a moment when he has to step up to the plate and impress a group of potential investors with a brilliant idea. We see Brantley explain but his idea to an enthralled group of rich businessmen, but...WE HEAR NOTHING. The script by Jim Cash & Jack Epps, Jr. and AJ Carothers ("and" does not mean the same thing as "&" in Hollywood) could not come up with anything good enough to carry the scene so they just turned up the music and figured if we had enjoyed the movie to that point and if we liked Michael J. Fox then we would just buy this and proceed to the happy ending.

Contrast this with the movie that might be the one I mention second most in class, "The Karate Kid," and the great scene where Mr. Miyagi explains to Daniel-san that "sand the floor" means a whole lot than he ever imagined. That is the sort of scene that makes an entire movie, and "The Secret of My Success" has a big hole where that scene should be. There are more holes in this film, which allow Brantley to create the persona of Carlton Whitfield, a young executive in a previous empty office (being in the mailroom has its advantages in such a scheme) and provide a fairy godmother in the person of his Aunt Vera (Margaret Whitton). Meanwhile, Brantley (or Whitfield, depending on your perspective), is interested in Christy Wills (Helen Slater), who is introduced in the most erotic display of drinking from a water fountain in the history of American cinema.

This is Michael J. Fox's movie and his engaging performance forgives most of the film's faults in this mindless comedy (mindless in that you will like the film if you mind the holes in it less). Actually, I was amazed to really see how many stupid things happen in "The Secret of My Succe$s," but I still like Fox's performance. If nothing else, this film is a reminder that Fox was a gifted physical comedien. The world of business does not come out looking well, but then it is hard to find too many movies in the past twenty years that make you think kindly towards big business. ... Read more

Reviews (31)

AFI's Great Love Stories: #81 "The Goodbye Girl"
Richard Dreyfuss won the Oscar for his performance in "The Goodbye Girl," and Marsha Mason was married to the playwright, but I remember thinking that it young scene stealing Quinn Cummings who probably had more talent that the other two put together. But then Cummings, after a nice turn on the classic TV domestic drama "Family," has not been seen since "Listen to Me," the 1988 film about college debaters starring Kirk Cameron and Jamie Gertz. Meanwhile, it is Dreyfuss who has resurrected his career as an older curmudgeon.

In "The Goodbye Girl" Dreyfuss plays a young curmudgeon, Elliot Garfield, a struggling actor who has made the fateful mistake of sub-letting an apartment in the Big Apple from a friend. The problem is that the friend split town leaving behind his girl friend, Paula McFadden (Mason) and her daughter Lucy (Cummings), who are not thrilled with the idea of being put out on the street. After a series of initial diatribes (including the classic scene where each lays down the law for the other in turn), an uneasy alliance is agreed upon and we wait for the inevitable meeting of much more than the minds between the feuding couple.

The title of Neil Simon's play has to do with the fact that Paula always gets dumped in the end and the prospect of happiness does nothing to deter her absolute belief in the inevitability of her unhappiness. An added treat in this film is Elliot's performance in Shakespeare's "Richard III," which, as directed off-Broadway by Mark (Paul Benedict), insists the king was gay. Really gay. Incredibly, ... out of the closet and way over the rainbow gay.

Most Romantic Line: "What is it about you that makes a man with a hundred forty-seven I.Q. feel like a dribbling idiot?" What did you expect? This is a Neil Simon story so there are dozens of great one-liners, none of them especially romantic.

If you like "The Goodbye Girl," then check out these other films on AFI's list: #38 "It Happened One Night," #25 "When Harry Met Sally," #17 "Moonstruck," and #14 "The African Queen." Why? Because these are also films in which two obviously mismatched people are thrown together by circumstances and eventually live happily ever after. Apparently, this is a very successful formula when it comes to romance movies.

Love means never having to say goodbye...
With the current remake of Neil Simon's 'The Goodbye Girl' showing on television at the moment, it reminded me of this original film production, one of the better films from the 1970s, and one of the better films to derive from a Broadway play to keep much of the same character as the play. This film won numerous awards: Best Actor Oscar/Best Actor Golden Globe/Best Actor BAFTA for Richard Dreyfus; Best Picture Golden Globe; Best Actress Golden Globe/Best Actress Oscar Nomination for Marsha Mason; Best Supporting Actress Oscar Nomination for Quinn Cummings; Best Writing Oscar Nomination for Neil Simon, and the list goes on...

Neil Simon's play is dialogue driven rather than action-driven; this sometimes means the kiss of death for film, but in this production, it works beautifully. Richard Dreyfuss and Marsha Mason (married to Neil Simon at the time) make a lively, comfortably uncomfortable duo as the new-to-New-York actor Elliot Garfield and the down-on-her-luck 'Goodbye Girl' Paula McFadden. Garfield shows up the night McFadden was dumped by her actor-boyfriend (not the first time this has happened, we soon discover); Garfield has been given the lease to the apartment that McFadden occupies with her daughter Lucy (admirably played by Quinn Cummings) -- much of the 'action' of the film takes place within the confines of this apartment (the primary set for the stage play) -- the relationship as Garfield and McFadden negotiate an unsettled truce which eventually becomes a friendship and then finally a love affair, with Lucy providing colour commentary all along the way.

Garfield is booked to play Richard III in the worst of all possible interpretations of the play; it closes in short order with atrocious reviews. McFadden tries to resurrect her dancing career, realising that she has passed the realistic age for most Broadway productions (certainly at that time). When Garfield gets the offer of a lifetime, he too plans to leave town, setting McFadden up for failure with a relationship once again, but at least she still has the apartment, right?

The dialogue is comedic and realistic at the same time -- the rapid-fire banter is classic Simon stage or screen; the impossible situations that cause characters to be constantly on the verge of a nervous breakdown until small miracles creep in to keep life sane are also far more true to life than most people feel comfortable admitting. Herbert Ross is to be commended with his direction here, in that he made the film a great film while retaining the crucial aspects of the great play.

Everyone should see this film, a romantic comedy/drama with a serious edge and ironic undertow.

Dreyfuss as Richard III?
Ever since I learned that Richard Dreyfuss had won the Best Actor Academy Award for his role as Elliot Garfield in The Goodbye Girl, it had been added to my "must-see" list. I just saw it last night and, like many Neil Simon films, it has its ups and downs.

When her live-in actor boyfriend Tony leaves for Italy, out-of-work dancer Paula McFadden (Marsha Mason, who was married to Simon and would eventually act in six of his films) is left alone, again, with her 10-year-old daughter Lucy (Quinn Cummings). What she didn't know is that, before leaving and since the lease was in his name, Tony had sublet their apartment to someone else: struggling Chicago actor Elliot Garfield, just in town for his New York premiere as Richard III. After a lengthy set of arguments, they come to an arrangement: they will share the apartment.

The Goodbye Girl is a romantic comedy so, of course, Paula and Elliot spend the first half of the movie at each other's throat (before coming together at the end) while Lucy delivers the film's best lines and is, in general, adorably charming. Cummings probably gives the film's most engaging performance. Mason is good, but her sharp features left me wondering what the attraction was, although the bearded and bespectacled Dreyfuss is no catch, either. (It is apparent that the cast was chosen for their acting ability and not their matinee idol looks.)

And now Dreyfuss: did he deserve the Oscar over Woody Allen (Annie Hall), Richard Burton (Equus), Marcello Mastroianni (A Special Day), and John Travolta (Saturday Night Fever)? I'm torn but tend to lean toward the positive, not based on his entire performance, but on specific moments when I went "wow" like when Paula and Lucy go to see him after the opening of Richard III. Every bit of that scene comes through his eyes and facial expression. He doesn't say a word and, probably because of that, my eyes were riveted to him. For the rest, just imagine Hooper from Jaws in love; Dreyfuss usually plays himself. Although I can certainly imagine that Jason Alexander's performance as George on Seinfeld owes more than a little to Dreyfuss' 1970s film persona, especially here.

Neil Simon stories are generally uneven and The Goodbye Girl is no exception. When he is writing comedy, there is no one better. Unfortunately, he likes to insert moments of drama in his plays, as well, and, after laughing so much, the absence of it is very noticeable. I found myself slowly losing interest toward the end as the romance developed. I'm not intrigued by watching two very ordinary-looking people kissing, and there is at least one intense scene of that alone. Also, Lucy became less prominent as the romance was played out, and that is a loss. And the last quarter of simply didn't have room to be funny. Surprisingly enough, even though The Goodbye Girl is one of the few Simon movies not based on a Broadway play, it feels like one: it takes place almost entirely in one location, and the actors (particularly Dreyfuss) often descend to extreme gestures. I can't imagine watching it again, but I think people should see it, especially actors, if just to watch Dreyfuss play Richard III as a mincing gay man. It's offensive in the best way.

Very Good!
The original Goodbye Girl movie is a very good movie and Marsha Mason and Richard Dreyfuss are great as Paula and Elliot and I recommend this movie very highly! I watched the remake on TNT and it isn't as good as the original but as far as remakes go I actually thought it was pretty good which is mainly because of the good performance from Patricia Heaton as Paula. Okay, I prefer Marsha Mason as Paula because I was a kid when I saw that movie in a movie theater and grew up watching that version over the years on HBO but Patricia Heaton was good and though not as good as Quinn Cummings was as Paula's daughter Lucy I think Hallie Kate Eisenberg gave a good performance. Jeff Daniels who is a superb actor was good as Elliot but Richard Dreyfuss was just a little better because of his inspired, energetic performance but though I like the remake I prefer this original version.

This is my one of my favorite movies!!
I have loved this movie ever since I first saw it on cable tv back in the 70's!! Marsha Mason is one of my all-time favorite anyways and Richard D. is hilarious!!

This is a MUST have in your movie collectiables! If you have seen the movie as much as I have, you will start repeating the lines...lolol The sound-track of the movie is PERFECT for the theme of the movie,... (goodbye,..doesn't mean forever...)

**Regular TV did a remake of this movie a couple of months ago, ( the two actors I forgot the names). But it was HORRIBLE acting! The dialong was exactly the same, but the actors did a horrible job. I'm sorry, the acting of Richard D. & Marsha Mason "MADE" what the origianl Goodbye Girl what it is!!!** FANTASTIC & FUNNY!!

May I HIGHLY suggest watching, "Chapter Two" / also a Neil Simon movie with Marsha Mason!!! ... Read more

Description

During the Great Depression, a married sheet-music salesman falls in love with another woman and uses cheery songs from that era to imagine a better life for himself. ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Babs and Segal charm in dated romantic comedy.
Way back in 1970, Barbra Streisand paired with George Segal in this sleazier than Neil Simon,opposites attract, romantic comedy, written by Buck Henry based on a play by Bill Manhoff.. While Owl and the Pussycat is far better than your average romantic comedy (just try the 'Touch of Class' movies today for instance), the film is little more than an unrealistic, though entertaining sit-com.

Barbra Streisand risked a lot by playing Doris, a slutty, gutter talking (more rude than crude) part-time prostitute who is 'an actress with three, well two commercials' to her name. This was a far cry from the beloved Funny Girl or Broadway Diva who starred on T.V. specials the audiences accepted. George Segal is Felix, the overly nervous intellectual struggling writer. They live in the same apartment building. [...] About halfway through the film, the film gets a bit more serious and we learn a little more about the characters. This is not a utter fantasy type film like say Pretty Woman, but the characters are clearly not particularly realistic either.

The film is a relic of its era and perhaps a bit more interesting now because of that. Streisand appearing as a prostitute in skimpy outfits (you'll perhaps remember the lingerie with the strategically placed pink hand silhouettes when you see it from the old poster for this film). Streisand proved with her thicker than usual Bronx accent, and her portrayal of a risqué character that she had talent as an actress/comedian and there was more to her than Funny Girl. George Segal is at his best. His reactions, comic timing and slow burn frustrations are amusing and very entertaining to watch.

Robert Klein pops up as Barney, a friend of Segal's Felix (and his girlfriend is none other than former Ivory Soap star turn porn star Marilyn Chambers), and there's Allan Garfield as a manager of a dress shop and Jacques Sandulescu as the cranky apartment manager/super, but this is almost entirely a two character film and the charisma and talent of Segal and Streisand carry the picture easily. Don't expect Streisand to break out singing--she doesn't warble a note in character here in this movie.

PC WARNING: When Doris first meets Felix she insists he's gay and continually taunts him for being a weak gay man. The sensitive among you may find the dated, insensitive and not politically correct references more insulting than funny.

NOTE: This is the re-released PG rated film which is two minutes shorter then the original R rated film that was released in 1970. Barbra says the F word in the original, but does not do so here and there was also a few other cuts for language (and one peek-a-boo revealing shot of
Bab's anatomy now excised). A bit of a cheat to release the re-release of the film without a note or explanation about it.

In the end of course the film doesn't stray very far from the formula of your typical Doris Day/ Rock Hudson film. Eventually the characters reveal their softer sides to each other but the film doesn't let itself get too soppy.

If you like the stars at all you'll want to see the film, but even if you aren't a fan of Streisand, she's playing an interesting bigger than life character here worth taking a look at , particularly if you like plays and films like Barefoot in the Park or The Odd Couple.

DVD STUFF

The film is presented in 1:85:1 Anamorphic widescreen of you can watch a pan and scan version as well (don't). The film has been digitally remastered from an excellent print that has only occasional specks of grain and a few scratches. The colors look good, the black levels are strong and very little edge enhancement is visible.

The Audio is Dolby Digital Mono, (in both English and French.). The over-lapping dialogue is easy to hear and the dialogue, sparse sound effects and background music is sharp and free from distortion or signs of age.

EXTRAS:

The only extra feature on the DVD are three theatrical trailers for The Mirror has Two Faces (a bad Streisand film), For Pete's Sake (a forced dated Streisand comedy) and Roxanne (the Steve Martin romantic comedy). No trailer for Owl and the Pussycat however.

There are the not quite complete filmographies of the director and stars, and lots of different subtitle choices.

This is a no frills DVD.

bottom line:

Here's a slightly risqué and racy romantic comedy sit-com feature film relic from 1970. It's dated but if you have any affection for either one of the stars or have forgotten that Diva Barbra is actually a pretty impressive actress when she wants to be, there's a lot to encourage you to give this film a try. The film boasts many funny one-liners and director Herb Ross never lets things get too soppy. The DVD looks and sounds very good but there are no extras..

Christopher Jarmick, is the author of The Glass Cocoon with Serena F. Holder a critically acclaimed, steamy suspense thriller.

I'm with the critics -- DON'T CUT IT!!
Enough reviewers have groused that the verdict is in -- The Owl and the Pussycat WAS a classic that rocked, until the idiot Babs and the Columbia scissor boys got hold of it. If I were Buck Henry, I'd be angry. The majority of people who would be interested in this film ALREADY SAW IT in our relative youth. That means we saw Babs nude and we heard the "F" word that had everyone talking, as she tells off a bunch of moochers. More than a few of us need to give Columbia a piece of our minds. This is unconscionable. The nude scene was NOT destroyed, it was BLOCKED from the collar bone down (she was laying in Barney's bed, asking "Whatdaya think?" just before Felix joined her. It still exists in the vault. I own a copy with the "F" word intact, and in context, it only makes it funny. COLUMBIA, NOW HEAR THIS: GIVE US THIS FILM IN ITS ORIGINAL FORM, OR GIVE US NOTHING!!

OWL & THE PUSSYCAT DVD CENSORED???
Finally, one of the funniest STREISAND films Comes to DVD, unfortunately in a PG-EDITED version! Why can't Columbia picture heads let us decide what we can and cannot see? I own the almost unedited R rated VHS copy, and waited for years for it's widescreen DVD debut. Much to my dismay, it finally comes out EDITED!!!! WHY??? Because i wanted the widescreen version i plopped down my $25.00 for it anyway. Transfer is great and i highly recommend this DVD if you don't mind Corporate Censorship! Shame on Columbia Pictures DVD, do they honestly think someone underage will shell out for a movie they probably never heard of?

"The sun does not spit!"
One of the most hilarious films ever made, THE OWL AND THE PUSSYCAT has more laughs than ten of today's so-called "comedies" combined. Even though a few set changes and a couple of new supporting characters are added to "open up" the storyline, director Herbert Ross and writer Buck Henry manage to keep the same spirit of the original one-act, two-character play intact. There's a lot of verbal warfare in Henry's screenplay, and he seems to have a gift for penning wickedly funny dialogue. Some viewers could argue that THE OWL AND THE PUSSYCAT is little more than two characters insulting each other for 95 minutes, but - when those insults are so rigorously funny - who cares?

In the female lead, Barbra Streisand gives a refreshingly unsentimental performance as Doris, the semi-literate hooker who (for once) does not have a heart of gold. George Segal was primarily known as a dramatic actor befre he was cast as Felix, the snotty book clerk/writter-wannabe. His performance is so convincing that he has been known as an expert comic ever since. The chemistry between Streisand and Segal ignites from the beginning, and it stays aflame throughout their relationship's many ups and downs. Robert Klien has a funny supporting role - and plays it expertly - but THE OWL AND THE PUSSYCAT remains a showcase for the chemistry between Streisand and Segal. I think well-respected film critic Pauline Kael said it best when she wrote, "Were Tracy and Hepburn ever this good. . . maybe, but they were never better." High praise indeed!

About the DVD: This relatively featureless DVD has excellent picture quality (I wish all films from the seventies looked this good), but I am very disappointed that Columbia chose to use the PG edit of the film for this release. Though only one scene was edited, that particular scene no longer makes any apparent sense with Streisand's foul-mouthed phrase deleted. Hopefully the original theatrical cut will someday make it's way to DVD

The Owl and The Pussy Cat w/Barbara Streisand
This movie is a classic. Very funny worth buying especially at Amason' prices a must see for all Barbara Streisand fans. It will have u rolling on the floor with laughter ... Read more

Description

Nora, a single mother, lives with her son Michael.They live in a small house, and while they don't have much money, they have each other.Until one day Nora's father appears with a suitcase full of money.Trying to make up for the time he's lost since leaving Nora and her mother when Nora was just a child, he showers Her and Michael with gifts.But time is short and the money might just be shady... ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Max on DVD,a long time coming
I've been waitingfor Max Dugan Returnstobereleased on DVD ever since I bought my firstDVD player in December 2000. One of the most underrated movies of the 80s.

one of those great family movies
I am a Neil Simon fan. I will reluctantly admit it. This is not a biographic type movie like Brighton Beach Memoirs. It is not edgy like the Sunshine Boys. It is my favorite movie he has done because it has a family feel without being to sad.

Everyone little kid has wished that some rich relative would blow in and buy all the answers to their problems. So Max Dugan has decided that he will buy the love of his daughter and his grandson. One problem... He is wanted by the police and the mafia. With a lot of lies and side stepping Max buys a few weeks with his family. He just doesnt expect to love them so much.

I hope they do release it even in a bargain Vhs. They don't make family films like they used to.

A GOOD TIME!!!!
I LIKED THIS MOVIE THIS WHOLE MOVIE IS GOOD. IT IS A MUST HAVE FOR ANYONE WHO LIKES JASON ROBARDS . THIS IS A MOVIE ABOUT A MAN WHO HAS A LOT OF MONEY AND COMES INTO TOWN TO VISIT HIS DAUGHTER AND SHOWERS HER AND HER SON WITH EXPENSIVE PRESENTS THIS ISVERY ENJOYABLE MOVIE. I ENJOYED ITA WHOLE LOT!!!

We want this on DVD and we want it NOW
I'm sick and tired of these studios dragging their feet on releasing certain movies on DVD!The same thing happened when we all went to CD's and now I have to scour the bargain bins to find the albums I once loved.This is a wonderful and charming movie that is funny and touching without being heavy-handed in any way.Neil Simon is great writer and I would love to share this with the next generation but that can happen ONLY IF THE IDIOTS AT 20TH CENTURY RELEASE IT ON DVD!!!I urge every fan of this movie to sign their name to the online petition at www.petitiononline.com/maxdugan/petition.htmlLet's have Max return to us in this century, too!

Put this on DVD please
I watched this movie as a kid, and fell in love with it.I had forgotten about until last fall, when I seen the movie title on a cable channel....I just had to watch it again.I would love to have this on DVD. ... Read more

Reviews (50)

6 out of 5 Stars!!!
What can I say. This is the Godfather of dancing movies. You got served, Save the Last Dance, and Dirty Dancing 2 would not exist without Footloose. Kevin Bacon is sensational, that kid has a few moves!

Based on a true story (According to E!), Footloose is about a pack of high school kids fighting for their right to DANCE. "There is a time to laugh, and THERE IS A TIME TO DANCE," quote Kevin Bacon. You see, these kids live in a redneck town where people wear cowboy boots don't want kids to dance. Dancing was thought of as dangerous, and the leading cause of teenage pregnancy. So they want to ban dancing... but when the kid from Chicago (Kevin Bacon) showed up, he taught his redneck friends how to dance and decided to fight the resistance and want to be freed from the
anti-dancing act.

As with any movie, there has got to be antagonists. Besides crazy dancing and tight 80's style jeans, this movie is loaded with action scenes. There is a scene where Lori Singer's ex-boyfriend shows America how to beat up Lori Singer, and there is a scene where Kevin Bacon drop kicks Lor Singer's ex-boyfriend and helps young Chris Penn (when he wasn't all fat) kick 5 people's @SS. This movie is also loaded with testosterones: scenes of pickup trucks, roll bars and dancing on football field bleachers proves me right!

In many ways, this movie reminds me of the importance of Freedom. The need for Americans to fight for the right to party! Some people may laugh at the cheesy lines, lame outfits and the fact that Kevin Bacon's choreography is entertaining, but it should be taken just as serious as movies like T2 and Matrix in which the protagonist fight for the FREEDOM of fellow mankind.

If you are looking for a lighthearted film with plenty of action and laughter, you do not want to miss this great film. Kevin Bacon, I always knew you are a talent... Superb Cast and Excellent Film!

Fun and entertaining movie, but rated PG? I don't think so..
Teenager Ren MacCormack (Kevin Bacon) moves with his mom from big city Chicago to a small town in the Midwest after his parent's divorce. Ren is suprised to find that it's against the law to listen to rock 'n' roll and the law also prohibits dancing! Ren can't understand why these laws were brought about but tries his hardest to fit in with the town people. Unfortunately, though he's accepted as a friend by fellow student Willard (Chris Penn), no one else seems to like him, calling him a 'big-city kid' and a trouble-maker. After a while, he comes up with a plan to try to make it possible for the Senior students to be able to have a prom dance. He'll be going against the whole town, most specifically the Reverend Shaw Moore (John Lithgow) and the town council. Will Ren be able to change the stiff necked town people's minds? At the same time, Ren begins to fall in love with the Reverend's wild and unpredictable daughter Ariel (Lori Singer) while trying to keep his distance from her boyfriend Chuck (Jim Youngs). Also starring is Sarah Jessica Parker as Ariel's best friend Rusty, Dianne Wiest as the Reverend's wife Vi, and John Laughlin and Timothy Scott play Woody and Andy Beami, two of Ren's allies.

*PLOT* - This is my first and only 80's dance movie to watch and I must say that I very much enjoyed it. The plot was interesting though of course some points were a bit unrealistic. Basically the movie is in a way a 'coming-of-age' film. I loved the way each of the characters are portrayed. Kevin Bacon's character Ren represents the 'hero' of the movie. At first when I read the reviews I thought Ren would be your typical rebellious teenager. A bit on the contraire, he is responsible and you can't help but feel proud of him when he brings his case up to the council. It's hard to explain and I can't tell you much since this is only a review, but I must say that Ren's character was extremely well-done. Ariel on the other hand is very rebellious, and flaunts it to her father. I loved how she and her father were able to resolve their problems at the end.

*ACTING* - Kevin Bacon definitely steals the whole movie with his acting. He plays the part of a teenager perfectly, even the way he walks. His dancing was also spectacular, most notably his solo dance at the warehouse to the music, "Never" by Moving Pictures. If he was doing only half of what we see on screen, I'd still be impressed. John Lithgow is also outstanding, it was interesting to see his dramatic abilities after watching him on goofball comedy tv series, "3rd Rock from the Sun". He certainly can put power in his 'sermons'! Lori Singer beautifully stunning as Ariel, a perfect example of the category of 'wild and beautiful'. Besides the character of her father, Singer's character of Ariel has the most development in the movie.

*DANCING* - The dancing is just pure fun to watch, especially for people who loves 80's dancing. The last dance was not only the best dance, but the best part of the whole movie. If by chance somebody didn't enjoy the movie, I'm sure the end will make up for it. I loved it so much, I downloaded that segment onto my computer so I can watch it any time.

*SOUNDTRACK* - The soundtrack is another plus side to the movie. Besides the "Top Gun" soundtrack, "Footloose" is on my top list of favorite movie soundtracks. Great songs include two by Kenny Loggins, "Footloose" and "I'm Free (Heaven Helps the Man". Other of my favorites include "Let's Hear It For the Boy" (Denise Williams), "Almost Paradise" (Ann Wilson/Mike Reno), "Somebody's Eyes" (Karla Bonoff), and "Hurts So Good" (John Cougar Mellencamp). Plus there's plenty more!

*PG Rating* - From here I will be giving you the downside to the movie "Footloose". I was extremely disappointed that the movie does not hold true to what a real PG movie should be. There are many reasons as to why this movie should be changed to a PG-13 rating. Though the movie is about a small town which has a dislike for rock music and dancing, the movie portrays some of the teenagers there as being very immoral. Besides having sexual innuendo, some violence, and drugs scattered all over the movie, the language is also pretty strong. I strongly recommend parents not to have younger children watching this movie. Best for kids 15 and older.

Overall, "Footloose" has the great elements to make a good movie; great story, terrific acting, nice music, and cool dancing. But it also shows some of the immoralities of teenagers so parents should be cautioned. The movie is more aimed towards teenage viewers and adults might not find this movie terribly entertaining. But then again, adults might enjoy the movie for they might be able to relate to John Lithgow's character as the father who does not want to let go of his daughter because of his love for her.

Very classic movie and soundtrack
As I said in the title, great nostalgic movie, story, acting, etc. I enjoy watching the movie over and over. I would give this 5 stars but I will give the DVD tech guys an F for not putting any features (besides ws format) on this. I think some trailers, interviews, and other stuff would have fit. They could have done a little segment on all of the songs featured here. Aside from this, great DVD.

One of my personal favorite movies from the '80s
I was watching VH1 over the holiday weekend and came across a showing of "Footloose". "Footloose" is one of my favorite movies from the '80s. I actually saw the film in the theater with some friends. We wanted to see "Splash" but tickets for that movie was out so we settled on "Footloose". At the time I thought the premise of the film of a hip teenager rebelling against an ultra conservative town with its anti-rock music and dancing rules, was a bit farfetched, if not silly. I still do to this very day but I like this movie more now than I did back twenty years ago. It's amazing how much Christopher Penn has changed since then. Not to mention Sarah Jessica Parker (still with her "Square Pegs" look), and Lori Singer. Kevin Bacon remains the same today. John Lithgow gave me one of his best performances I had ever seen before that godawful sitcom he starred in years later. Dianne Wiest was also good in the movie. The stars of the film I thought were Kevin, Lori, Sarah, and Christopher. The music was great. I love Bonnie Tyler's "I Need a Hero" and John (Cougar) Mellencamp's "Hurt So Good". "Footloose" was one of those movies where music and film went well together. To the reviewer who thought this film deserved a PG-13 rating...um? Hello? There was no PG-13 back in 1984. It was either PG or R. I would hardly qualify "Footloose" as being R-rated material. Compare "Footloose" by today's movies, it is a tame comparison. Despite being cheesy at times, "Footloose" remains a blast to watch.

Nostaligia
I grew up in a rural, religous community on the edge of the Appalachia. We were not allowed to dance. It didn't strick me at all odd at the time, and it doesn't now, that a town council could make dances illegal or that the local pastor could almost single handedly control the town council. And yes, a small town police officer could, without getting into any legal trouble, in that part of the world in the 1980s confiscate a rock and roll cassette tape (Remember those things?) for being played too loudly or simply because he didn't like the attitude of the driver.

Having said that, the movie is extremely dated and so some parts of it look and sound a little silly today. Just like today's hip teen movies will look and sound