10 (1979)

10

Blake Edward's "10" is, by far, one of the funniest movies ever made. Like the best comedies, it takes common human emotions (undeniable longing and the fear of getting older in this case) and uses them as a springboard for a series of manically hilarious comedic setups.

At the core of the story is a brilliant performance by Dudley Moore whose George Webber epitomizes the deepest desires of the human condition. The audience is with him every step of the way even after he boards a flight to Mexico to follow his unbridled infatuation with a beautiful young woman he spied while waiting in afternoon traffic. This tremendous insight and attention to detail adds layers of subtlety to the entire production and in turn, the ensuing comedy is even funnier.

Also vital to the film's success is the casting of the two female leads. Bo Derek as Jenny Miles, a.k.a. the "perfect ten" of the picture and George's object of desire, is sex personified and luminous throughout and Julie Andrews, as George's acid-tongued, level-headed mistress, is captivating in the few scenes she is allotted.

Rounding out the supporting cast is a collection of fine character actors that include Robert Webber as George's cognitive and surprisingly not stereotyped homosexual best friend and Brian Dennehey as a warm-hearted bartender in Mexico. When

fantastic acting and superb screenwriting is combined, something truly magical happens on the screen and "10" is the perfect example. With all the elements set into place, Edwards has full control over the entire scope of the plot and the audience is nestled comfortably in the palm of his hand. This is the mark of great filmmaking and that is why "10" is one of the best. November 17, 2008

Dudley Moore is the real "10"!!!

This film is really enjoyable. Not only because of Bo Derek, but in spite of her, Dudley Moore is the real "10". His comedic talent and that of Julie Andrews sparkle like diamonds in the ruff!

But the real gem of this film is when as George Webber, Moore says into his recorder, "This is the new one, Hugh!" And then Moore sits down at the grand piano in the hotel lounge, near the bar and plays this fantastic musical inspiration of love and yearning--because of his desire for Ms. Derek. The look on Brian Denehy's face and especially
Dee Wallace's face are priceless. This musical "shot" sent shivers down my spine. It's an experience I will never forget, as sadly it was Moore's only "film shot" of his
musical talent in playing Mancini's score--that was the highlight of this
great film. A perfect end to the free-wheeling 70's!!!! September 21, 2008

Brought back memory

I first watched this movie when I was 13 back in the late 80s on TV. It was one weekend afternoon, and I started flipping the channels and saw the scene where Bo was running through the beach. It was kind of confusing watching from the middle, but I still found it very "exciting", although I didn't completely understand many of the humors it contained back then. And now watching it again in its entirety, I feel those heart pumping and pants tightening feelings rushing back again. A definite classic to be treasured. January 19, 2008

YES, WE HAVE NO BONANZA

Renowned composer George Webber (Moore) is in the midst of a mid-life crisis and long time girlfriend (Andrews) is bearing the full brunt of it.Intellectually, Moore has few problems with his mistress:he's simply in desperate need of adolescent sex.Enter a twenty minute bombardment of some of the funniest sight and sound gags ever filmed: none of which appeases our male hero.So, it's off to Mexico to track down the prettiest girl he's ever seen, despite her being on her honeymoon. His fantasy comes to fruition, after Moore saves Bo Derek's husband from drowning.Given his chance, Webber realizes quickly that Derek's having sex is little more than George scribbling a few notes on a music scale. So, the search was all for naught after all, and Webber returns home to a forgiving Andrews. It's a good movie, but it seems to lack balance. After a rollicking start, the film has few funny scenes thereafter. Some could even assert that much of the last half of the flick is little more than a morality play. In any event it is a film worth watching, even after nearly 30 years in hibernation. December 20, 2007

For our generation...

I just finished watching this film for the second time (since its original release) and I'm awed by its intelligence. Dudley Moore, in the throes of a midlife crisis, is drawn to a woman twenty years his junior even though he is romantically linked to a beautiful woman of substance played by Julie Andrews. Bo Derek's character may possess the glow of youth but she is clearly vacuous and morally bankrupt. All-in-all, _Ten_ is a cautionary tale disguised as romantic comedy. October 28, 2007

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