Julie-Hagerty Movie Reviews

I am a huge fan of Damon Runyon and this is so much in his style it's a delight to watch. The star studded cast play Runyons characters marvelously. If you like this move you will love Runyons books and vice versa.

This 1989 film is a truly great movie starring everyone from Rutger Haur to Madonna, and everyone (everyone!) is amazing! This film is not to be missed, despite its low-key theme and less flashy style. Excellent!

_Necessary_Parties_ illuminates a window on the innocent victims of divorce -- the children. Chris Mills, a 14-year old boy, hires a jaded part-time attorney to derail his parents martial dissolution proceedings. The film creates a nuanced portrait of the protagonist Chris and Corelli, his auto-mechanic lawyer. The grandfather and a class chum add comic relief. Other performances seem a tad more mixed. The mother figure seems rather detached even for the character portrayed and the father figure resembles a caricature, spouting platitudes that divorcing parents invariably say and cannot possibly mean. (This isn't a reflection of the acting, but of the script.)

Amidst the pressures brought on by within the court, the law, his parents and the school, Chris continues against the odds to plead his case. And they are long odds indeed, for as the judge points out towards the end, the law provides no remedy against mutual or even unilateral divorce. Finally, the pain Chris and his kid-sister Jenny feel move both father and mother to reconcile and renew their commitment to their family.

The film provides a glimpse at family law and merges a facet of contract law. Generally, legal issues were far more accurately introduced than in _The_Rain_Maker_. One jarring note was the intimidating meeting between Chris and his father's lawyer Davis, which nowadays might be sanctionable, since Davis knew the boy was represented by counsel. One minor concession that WonderWorks made to the PC crowd was the obligatory anti-smoking campaign aimed at the father (despite being a fitness freak) that intermittantly seeped in.

_Necessary_Parties_ points to the thoughtless selfishness of most divorces -- caused by an intellectual dishonesty in refusal to acknowledge that this legal racket injures children, or that the public ought not expect couples to fulfill their martial obligations. The film is a heart-warming story that ought to be watched by all persons contemplating family dissolution.

_Necessary_Parties_ illuminates a window on the innocent victims of divorce -- the children. Chris Wells, a 14-year old boy, hires a jaded part-time attorney to derail his parents martial dissolution proceedings. The film creates a nuanced portrait of the protagonist Chris and his auto-mechanic lawyer. The grandfather and one class chum add comic relief. Other performances seem a tad more mixed. The mother figure seems rather detached even for the character portrayed and the father figure presents a mere caricature, spouting platitudes that divorcing parents invariably say and cannot possibly mean.

Amidst the pressures brought on by within the court, the law, his family and his school, Chris continues against the odds to plead his case. And they are long odds indeed, for as the judge points out towards the end, the law provides no remedy against mutual or even unilateral divorce. Finally, the pain Chris and his kid-sister feel move both father and mother to reconcile and renew their commitment to their family.

The film provides a glimpse at family law and merges a facet of contract law. Generally, legal issues were far more accurately introduced than in _The_Rain_Maker_. One jarring note was the poignant meeting between Chris and his father's lawyer, which nowadays might be sanctionable, since the lawyer knew the boy was represented by counsel. One minor concession that WonderWorks made to the PC crowd was the obligatory anti-smoking admonition aimed at the father (despite being a fitness freak) that intermittantly seeped in.

_Necessary_Parties_ points to the thoughtless selfishness of most divorces -- caused by an intellectual dishonesty in refusal to acknowledge that this legal racket injures children, or that the public ought not expect couples to fulfill their martial obligations. The film is a heart-warming story that ought to be watched by all persons contemplating dissolution.

This a fun-filled movie for the whole family. My 5 year old enjoyed it every bit as much as my 8 and 10 year olds did. Daniel Stern does an great job portraying a Dad out to reconnect with his family. No matter what. He's a real dud - or is he? If you're looking for a light-hearted family-style movie this one you're sure to enjoy over and over again.

This movie is silly. Just downright silly, with Daniel Stern as the "mad" dad trying to find a piece of his relative's history in the Civil War, and Julie Haggerty (from the AIRPLANE movies)as the high-strung mother. Downright silly, and some emotions are shown in this fine movie.

This a fun-filled movie for the whole family. My 5 year old enjoyed it every bit as much as my 8 and 10 year olds did. Daniel Stern does an great job portraying a Dad out to reconnect with his family. No matter what. He's a real dud - or is he? If you're looking for a light-hearted family-style movie this one you're sure to enjoy over and over again.

This movie is silly. Just downright silly, with Daniel Stern as the "mad" dad trying to find a piece of his relative's history in the Civil War, and Julie Haggerty (from the AIRPLANE movies)as the high-strung mother. Downright silly, and some emotions are shown in this fine movie.

COntrary to the critics appraisal, its a pretty darn funny movie the first time yuou see it. It basically fits into the stupid funny genre, great watch while smoking (*chuckles*). I highly recommend it,, especially if you smoke.

Although actors, directors, and crew members who have put on a show have an easier time relating to this movie, pretty much anybody who's ever had a good idea go wrong will get a kick out of Noises Off. You get acquainted with the actors' on- and off-stage characters, and the storyline of the play they're doing, just so you can see how badly they mess it up and how chaotic things can get on the road and backstage. Most of the comedy is slapstick and verbal...it's one of thoes movies that you almost always find something new every time you watch it. There's definitely a little bit of sexual humor...enough that it's not a family-type movie, so just a little warning. It's for sure a good group movie, almost funnier when watched in mixed company. This is definitely one of those little-known gem type of movies, especially with all the big name actors. It's not surprising to find Carol Burnett and Michael Caine in it, but what a different side of Christopher Reeve! I would highly recommend adding this movie to your comedy collection.

Noises Off is a treasure of a movie buried in the comedy section of the video store. And after viewing it as a chance discovery, I would rank it as one of the funniest movies I've ever seen ' bar none! There is no message, no lingering camera work and precious little plot actually, but the sight gags and interaction of the characters make this movie an absolute laugh riot.

The premise of this film deals with the rehearsals and pre-Broadway tour of a play that aspires to be a classic British sex farce. Michael Caine plays the beleaguered director, with Julie Hagerty as his stage manager, trying to corral a collection of stage and movie actors on both sides of the career loop. Carol Burnett, John Ritter, Christopher Reeve, Denholm Elliott, Marilu Henner and Nicolette Sheridan make up the onstage ensemble, with the able support of Mark Linn-Baker. Throughout early rehearsals and performances the cast conspires with and against each other in matters of romance, revenge and profession expression ' all to hilarious effect.

It all culminates in a fateful performance that we view/hear primarily from backstage as conflicts of love and stage presence boil over in mid-show. It just might be the funniest thing ever filmed that didn't involve the genius of Mel Brooks.

This movie by far is one of the best unknown comedys I have ever seen. I have watched it over and over and it still cracks me up. Noises Off has a great cast of characters including John Ritter, Carol Burnett, and Christopher Reeves to name a few. I don't want to go into the story its better to watch it yourself you wont be disappointed.

"Surely you can't be serious"
"I am, and don't call me Shirley!"
Classic lines from a classic spoof-comedy. It doesn't get much funnier than this.
Ok so we all agree it's a classic spoof-comedy - but what about the DVD? I can't complain for lack of special features - the movie is what's important. And about the movie, I have noticed that there are parts missing (yes, scenes were cut out) of the DVD that were in the original movie!
One such scene is when the two children are play-acting as adults drinking coffee, when he asks her how she takes her coffee, she replies, "black, like my men". This isn't in the DVD but was in the original VHS version. There are a few more such incidents - this really makes me mad - I wonder if they cut these parts out for politial correctness or ??
It makes no sense to me. Watch your old VHS version and then the DVD - you'll notice that scenes are cut out and that's just not right. So while the ORIGINAL movie gets ***** five stars, the DVD with it's missing scenes gets only *** and a big boo! from me.

The greatest movie spoof and funniest film of all time is on DVD! Directed by the Zucker Brothers, AIRPLANE is the king of all spoofs, putting lame attempts like SCARY MOVIE to shame. The relentless number of gags is the key here, with so many jokes it takes several viewings to catch them all. My favourite gags are the Saturday Night Fever disco mock, the mayhem jokes on the plane (crash postions etc), Stephen Stucker as Johnny ("The tower! Rapunzel!) and the very patient cab driver! And of course, one of the best lines, "Surely you can't be serious!" "I AM serious, and don't call me Shirley!" and "Joey, do you like movies about Gladiators?" Classic! The jokes come fast and frequently, providing enough weird humour to satisfy fans of this genre. Great fun. The DVD extras consist of a terrific Commenatary from the directors and a trailer. More extra stuff would be nice, but the commentary alone is worth it.

This is a great spoof style comedy that makes fun of both the 70s genre of disaster flicks as well as a few popular fads of this time (John Travolta's dance scene in Saturday Night Fever). Even if this movie is "before-your-time", you can still get a lot of laughs. Among other things, this makes fun of the serious romantic situations that are plugged into many dramas (for instance, the girl with the long goodbye to the soldier leaving, the island scene where two individuals fall in love, the man telling his life story of love to everyone he meets, etc).

Robert Hays plays Ted Striker, a pilot in the army who is trying to regain love for Elaine (Julie Hagerty), a stewardess. There is actually a story to the movie, but there are so many funny jokes and bits added in that it almost becomes a secondary element.

Silliness reigns supreme. The three pilots names are Victor, Clearance and Roger ("That's a roger, Roger....What's our vector, Victor?...Do we have clearance?, etc). Deadpan-serious Leslie Neilson is also amoung the cast, playing a doctor on board (Surely, you can't be serious. Neilson's response: I am serious. And don't call me Shirley.). There is also a hilarious scene with Barbara Billingsley (Beaver's mom on Leave it to Beaver), in which she attempts to help a situation by offering to speak jive ("Oh stewardess, I speak jive."). Robert Stack plays a former pilot that worked with Striker in the army, and tries to talk him down and build up his confidence to land the plane. Lloyd Bridges plays the man at control who barks orders at everyone, becomes stressed out, and has a running joke about all the things he shouldn't of given up this week (smoking, drinking, etc).

Overall, a hilarious spoof. This really was the first of its kind; many spoofs that have come out since have followed the same type of formula for making fun of movies and shows. I highly reccomend giving this one a try.

"Hello, I'm Bob. Would you knock me out, please?" To paraphrase Bob on Neil Diamond, there are two types of people in this world -- those who like What About Bob and those who don't. It's such a shame comedies never really win oscars -- especially for absolutely priceless Richard Dreyfuss here. (It's a toss up between this and Groundhog Day for Bill Murray's best.) Human crazy glue patient Murray and "Baby Steps" author/psychoanalyst Dreyfuss and his "fam" trying to take a vacation -- "just me and the family and my book" -- years since its release, I still sometimes leave What About Bob running as background priceless comic relief and it's still Dreyfuss who leaves me sore and speechless. (It does get a little bit weak at the end, but the flying bust of Freud pretty much makes up for that.) The memorable quotes are nonstop. "That patient Bob committed suicide. Oh, well, let's not let it spoil our vacation." Perfect "who's the crazy one?" writing, beyond perfect comic timing and acting, perfect silly soundtrack -- near perfect casting including Julie Hagerty as the dangerously naive wife whose blouse is the same fabric as the couch and the bus driver "Wing" ("You think you can do it today, Bob? We have a baby schedule to keep."). "I feel good, I feel great, I feel wonderful." There should be midnight showings ala Rocky Horror of What About Bob. Not to be missed, sometimes not to be taken out of the VCR.

If you haven't been turned onto the genius that is Bill Murray then you:

a. have very horrible parents

b. haven't a funny bone in your entire body

c. lack an eternal soul!

Ok, that might be just a bit dramatic but I have to give credit where credit is due. In the early 80's (when I was just a tot) my Mom started letting me watch Saturday Night Live and I particularly liked the skits that included Bill Murray. One of the funniest comedians to ever live, Murray pulls out all the stops in this movie, giving one of the best performances of his life. In this hilarious film about an obsessive compulsive and his relationship with his short-tempered therapist the laughs never stop coming. When the therapist (played by Richard Dreyfuss) takes his family on vacation his most needy patient, Bob(Murray) decides he can't live without his therapy sessions and follows the family. Antics ensue that, although I can pretty much quote them by heart, still put me in stitches everytime I watch. There isn't much in this movie that should keep parents from letting kids watch(some language that's it). If you are a comedy fan and you haven't seen this movie well then you have been lying to yourself. For a supposed comedy fan to have not seen this movie, well there's just no excuse. Bill Murray is always worth the price of admission if you need a good laugh. Although sometimes he doesn't leave much room between for those essential breaths of air. One of the best and most memorable movies of the 1990's. This is one movie I'll definitely be watching with my kids! Go Watch It Now!

Bob Wiley is afaid of everything. But, just when he's starting to recive haelp, his pshyciatrist leaves on vacation. Now Bob is on a questfor help, as is the pshyciatrist.
What about Bob? is a great comedy for people of all ages. Adult's will love the one-liners and kids will love the antics.
Starring Bill Murray and Richaerd Dreyfuss.
HIGHLY RECOMMENED.

This is one of those movies that takes on a difficult subject and looks at it a thousand different ways. In any other hands than Tom Noonan's, it would have been as hypocritical and as shallow as its subjects and filled with celebrities & predictable one-liners.

Tom Noonan and Shawn Wallace, of My Dinner with Andre fame, give exemplary performances as a new age 'authentic' therapist and a new age wreck respectively. When Wallace's character shows up unexpectedly, with his wife, at the therapists home the results are startling and sweet but not unexpected. This movie unfolds with a subtle brilliance and pace that is not often seen in American productions.

The Wife is well worth the rental but it is unlikely that the chain video stores will have it as a part of their collections. You might have to borrow it from a friend or buy it. Sadly the DVD is very sparse and has few extras but that shouldn't deter you from seeing it.

It is a great accompaniment to a winter's dinner of penne in a light clam sauce with a bottle of merlot slightly chilled. For dessert a rice pudding would be appropriate.

None of the previous reviewers said anything about the real point of this film: honest satire on therapy and therapists. The hilarious dialogues are full of perfectly delivered therapy cliches that can enlighten the audience about the craziness of therapists who are locked in their psychology role. It uses irony to point out the importance of being honest and genuine in relationships. It is a very human film: there is an amazing scene where Wally Shawn dances by himself that is beautiful, poignant and very funny. This movie is highly recommended for well-meaning therapists who can't see just how ridiculous their own languaging can get... But not recommended for therapists who are not experienced enough yet to laugh at their own pretensions. Paradoxically Yours,
A Therapist

Albert Brooks is the thinking man's comedian. And he proves it with "Lost In America". This movie is written, acted and directed with impeccable precision. The casting is perfect. Somehow this dated 80's yuppie film is just smart enough and just down to earth enough to entertain almost everyone. Albert Brooks has a whimsical intelligent paranoia about life, Julie Haggerty is his invincibly sweet wife, and every other character in this film is tangibly interesting. This movie is full of sarcasm, human honesty, and laughter for the mind. "Lost in America" is full of subtle humor and interesting ideas. If you have a brain and if you like to laugh, this is the movie for you. Albert Brooks deserves some kind of an Oscar for this one. Please get lost in America!

Without question, Albert Brooks is the absolute master of subtle humor. In "Lost In America," the writer-director-star weaves an hilarious tapestry that is no less than a paean to an entire generation of Yuppies. When David Howard (Brooks), the creative director for one of the largest advertising agencies in the world, fails to get the promotion he's "waited his whole life for," he quits his job ("Well, I got fired, but it's the same thing-"), then convinces his wife, Linda (Julie Hagerty), to do the same. They then proceed to sell their house, liquidate all their assets ("We got a ride on the inflation train you would not believe,"), buy a thirty-foot motor home and drop out of society in order to "find" themselves. Patterning himself after the guys in "Easy Rider," David's plan is for them to set off across America, to "Touch Indians, see the mountains and the prairies and all the rest of that song," and they leave Los Angeles with a new motor home, a substantial nest egg and an anxious sense of adventure. It all soon goes awry, of course, and what follows are some of the funniest scenes you'll ever see in an intelligent comedy. Among the most memorable are the ones with Michael Greene (As David's boss), when he informs David that instead of a promotion he's being transferred to New York to work on their latest acquisition, Ford ("We got trucks, too."); one with Garry Marshall (As a casino manager in Las Vegas); and finally, the scene in which David explains the concept of the "nest egg" to Linda, which has to be, historically, one of the classic comedy scenes of all time. The solid supporting cast includes Tom Tarpey (Brad Tooey, the "bald-headed man from New York"), Ernie Brown, Art Frankel, Charles Boswell and Joey Coleman. Written by Brooks and Monica Johnson, "Lost In America" is a timeless comedy classic that can be enjoyed over and over again.

Probably the only great comedy ABOUT the Eighties. The criticisms that *Lost in America* doesn't have a strong plot and not much of a "third act" are substantially on the mark; but with Albert Brooks at his most acidic, should one really care? And yes, the main crisis -- Julie Hagerty gambling away their savings at the roulette wheel in a Vegas casino -- feels hastily conceived, even slap-dash; but again, should one really care? The movie barrels ahead on the strength of its set-pieces, its dialogue, and the continuous presence of the ceaselessly funny Brooks. In other words, *Lost in America* has more than enough going for it. Some of the great scenes in this gem of a movie include: Brooks' aria of outrage in his boss' office when he learns that he's not getting the promotion to VP at the high-powered advertising agency for whom he's toiled for years; Brooks' sales-pitch to casino-manager Garry Marshall that the casino should "give us our money back!"; Brooks' interview with a man at an employment agency in the small Arizona town in which they've found themselves stuck (employment agency man guffawing: "Well, I don't think we got anything 'round here that pays $100,000 a YEAR!") . . . and, of course, the great Nest Egg diatribe, which has become a comedy classic. As the movie progresses, the tone gets a little darker, a little sadder, as Brooks and his wife come to realize that it's too late to start over. Behind the hilarity, *Lost in America* imparts the painful lesson that the dreams of youth must be deferred during one's prime. Those dreams must wait for old age . . . if one is still around to act on them, of course. And the movie also has something to say about the Baby Boomer generation being forced to grow up. (*Easy Rider* has been relegated to nostalgic kitsch, here: it's a HIGHWAY PATROLMAN'S favorite movie!) In the height of the Reagan era, the Sixties -- along with all the baggage that term suggests -- were finished for good. Over and out.