My Favorite Year (1982)

"He's an actor, Ma, not a river."

This has always been one of my favorite little movies from the '80s. Charming, funny, romantic, wonderfully written, acted and directed -- a pure joy from beginning to end. And I was surprised: for a DVD released in 2002, it looked great on my 42" 1080p HDTV (I'm sure if it ever makes it to Blu-Ray it'll look even better). Now if only they would release a widescreen version of "Arthur"... May 6, 2008

An enjoyable gem of a movie

The story takes place in the early days of television, clearly patterned on the Sid Ceasar show and involves a delightful Peter O'Toole, as an over the hill Erol Flynn type guest star, with a drinking problem. A young comic writer on the show is made responsible for seeing that the O'Toole character behaves himself and appears for performances. In the process, a number of comic situation occur, including a memorable trip to Brooklyn Well worth seeing. April 22, 2008

Slapstick as high art? Well...

That said, this film is one of two must own films from O'Toole's later years, the other being the Stunt Man, which I have also reviewed.

What can I say about a perfect film? There are so few made these days. If you like Peter O'Toole's easy style and delivery, you'll love him here.

Mark Linn Baker's debut is a fine example to his comic timing, and virtually everyone was cast perfectly.

Makes you wish for the good old days of live television, when reality was the furthest thing from our minds and television was escapist fare, not an excuse to gross us out or make us watch normal, boring, average people put through stuff we really don't want to watch.

I don't care about reality television. The reality I deal with out in the world is sufficient, thank you very much. Can we please have more fantasy and escapist fare? Pleeeeease?

Yeah, it's that good.


December 30, 2007

Great performances and hugely entertaining

Peter O'Toole pulls it out in this very funny, rather touching homage to live sketch comedy TV in the 1950s. His performance (he sort of plays himself, which makes the film all the more engaging) is among his best work. Lainie Kazan is at her loudest, and funniest. Selma Diamond is her usual hysterical self. The rest of the cast does fine work in this well-written look back at days gone by. Feeling nostalgic? This one's for you. December 21, 2007

I love this movie!

Peter O'Toole is my favorite actor of all time. His performance in this
film is, by far, the saving grace of the movie. I cannot think of another actor who could have played the part with such tenacity and vigor.

The central story revolves around a young, green, comedy writer who is given charge of his alcoholic, trouble-prone movie star idol -- while said movie star is making an appearance on the comedy writer's live television show. The movie star's series of escapades that occur during this time make for hilarious comedy.

Set in the 1950's, My Favorite Year is a true "period piece". It's a joy to see the costumes, set designs, and mannerisms of 1950s America. The supporting cast has a great 50s look and feel about them as well.

While this movie has some serious flaws, the opening scene with O'Toole for one example, Jessica Harper's performance for another, it is a good
film and one that leaves you feeling uplifted in the end.

If you love comedy, and you love O'Toole, then My Favorite Year is right
down your alley. December 6, 2007

More reviews at Amazon.com ...