"Never Again" tells of a single middle aged man (Tambor) and woman (Clayburgh) who find each other, have good sex, and then begin to wrestle with issues as they search warily for deeper meaning. The film jerks from the outlandish to the sublime and back again making for an unpredictably bumpy ride while conjuring moments of hilarity and warmth. "Never Again" is another Schaeffer love it or hate it flick which is the work of a creative genius or sexually obsessed hack depending on who you talk to. Given its middle aged focus and explicit sexual content, "Never Again" will play best with more mature audiences who can handle vulgar language, absurd comic relief, and still appreciate the sentimental and poignant moments without rationalization. (B)
35 Reviews
"I wanna grow old with you." ... "I'm already old."
moonspinner558 October 2008
Playing another in her gallery of savvy, acerbic divorced women attempting to date again, Jill Clayburgh effortlessly proves she's still got it. After a blind date goes south, Jill unintentionally winds up in a gay bar with her girlfriends and decides to make a night of it; luckily, exterminator/part-time jazz musician Jeffrey Tambor has also wandered in and the two singles 'meet cute' (he thinks she's a transsexual and tells her he's open to "experimenting", she finds the situation amusing). Clayburgh absolutely nails the love/hate relationship 50-somethings have with getting back into the swing of things (sometimes it's much more enticing to sit home and do nothing). Writer-director Eric Schaeffer loves a good cliché, and he doesn't mind playing up the storybook aspects of this wacky romance, yet some of his writing here is deliciously silly before the film falls into a predictable pattern in its iffy third-act. Tambor, a handsome lug with wonderful comic timing, never allows the bitterness of his character to become off-putting. He's thoughtful and deep (and troubled) but also an old-fashioned romantic at heart, and Clayburgh's salty, sneaky wit brings out the best in him (he's dry, she's wry). A hip, sassy love affair for folks over 40. **1/2 from ****
An Important Theme not Explored by Hollywood
claudio_carvalho25 March 2005
In New York, Grace (Jill Clayburgh) and Christopher (Jeffrey Tambor) are two lonely souls of fifty and something years old. Jill has not had sex for seven years, and the straight Christopher is very insecure with his masculinity. Both of them have made a promise in the past that they would never fall in love again. When they meet each other, they have a very complicated affair and of course in the end they fall in love for each other. This irregular low budget movie explores an important theme completely disregarded by Hollywood: sex after fifty years old. The story looks like a "Sex and the City" of middle-aged women and has many good jokes and situations. The problem is the trailer released by the distributor. I saw it a couple of days ago, and it shows the best parts of the story, spoiling the funny situations. My vote is six.
Title (Brazil): "Coisas do Amor" ("Things About Love")
Title (Brazil): "Coisas do Amor" ("Things About Love")
Laugh-out-loud funny, outrageous, yet deeply moving and sweet
belovedfreak10 July 2002
Eric Schaeffer's latest film is remarkably funny. It puts two people in a slightly extraordinary predicament and handles them as real people. Christopher and Grace have both been hurt in relationdhips, are both 54, and neither wants to risk falling in love again. Hence the title. The odd parts come in when each tries to at least find something new, even if it is just sex. It should be noted, this film, while dealing heavily with sex, never becomes even arguably pronagraphic. The dialogue is so wonderfully intelligent and (need I say again) funny that I found myself quoting lines throughout the trip home! If you are lucky enough to have this play in your area, I completely advise you to see it. I found myself laughing and cheering for characters as well as sighing and sobbing for them. The film's outrageous comedy is great, but the touching moments are so realistic that they also deserve a mention.
Love begins at 54...
jotix10028 August 2002
Eric Schaeffer's film was a detour from all the thrillers that opened in the summertime. This "small" picture proves that with the right ingredients, an enjoyable movie could be made.
It was a pleasant surprise to see the great Jill Clayburgh return to film, after being away for a while, in a starring role. She makes this woman believable and it's a pleasure to watch her fall in love with a man who is real and not a stereotype. Jeffrey Tambor, is right up to the challenge to make this man the object of Ms Clayburgh's affections.
This is a very "NewYorkish" type of film. We have known people like the girlfriends that push Ms. Clayburgh to take a chance in dating. Also, Jeffrey Tambor's world is easy to believe. He's the ugly duckling who has a lot to offer underneath his plain facade.
Life in this film seems to begin late in the life of the main characters. It was a joy to have seen this movie.
It was a pleasant surprise to see the great Jill Clayburgh return to film, after being away for a while, in a starring role. She makes this woman believable and it's a pleasure to watch her fall in love with a man who is real and not a stereotype. Jeffrey Tambor, is right up to the challenge to make this man the object of Ms Clayburgh's affections.
This is a very "NewYorkish" type of film. We have known people like the girlfriends that push Ms. Clayburgh to take a chance in dating. Also, Jeffrey Tambor's world is easy to believe. He's the ugly duckling who has a lot to offer underneath his plain facade.
Life in this film seems to begin late in the life of the main characters. It was a joy to have seen this movie.
Off on the Wrong Foot, Never Gets Quite Right
gelman@attglobal.net24 December 2005
Warning: Spoilers
The idea of a love affair between two 54 year olds who are determined never to fall in love again certainly makes for an interesting and usable premise. Having them meet in a gay bar because the male half of the couple thinks he might be gay and the woman happens to be there also (who knows why), and he mistakes her for a transvestite, etc., is as phony and unpersuasive a plot device as I ever remember encountering in a film that wasn't made for 10-year-olds or for fans of horror films. If they'd met in some "normal" fashion and if the director/scriptwriter hadn't also pressed the wrong buttons by having her 18-year-old daughter walk in on them while he's under the covers examining her nether parts close up and by having her modeling porn shop sex tools when he brings her mother visiting and if, if, if.....this could have been a reasonably good movie. Jill Clayburgh is a handsome woman of a certain age, and while Jeffrey Tambor will never be mistaken for Brad Pitt, it's possible for women to fall in love with fat little bald guys too. As it is, "Never Again" is mildly -- very mildly -- entertaining, assuming you aren't offended by the most sexually explicit language I've ever encountered in a movie. But it's certainly no "Harry Meets Sally" for an older generation as it's been advertised. Most of the intended humor is far too strenuous and improbable to be seriously funny. So there's much more wrong than right about this movie. But Bill Duke is splendid as Tambor's lifelong friend and bass-playing jazz partner and Clayburgh and Tambor do reasonably good jobs when they aren't asked to do something utterly ridiculous. Someone ought to confiscate Eric Schaeffer's pen and director's chair, however.He's entirely responsible for butchering the premise.
For liberated 50-something women
rosepoli21 September 2002
A romantic farce with complications. The movie loves its over-50 characters yet presents them behaving ridiculously in outrageous situations.
Core to "Never Again" is the perspective and experience of liberated, divorced, over-50 women with sexual relationships. These are presumed and exemplified without being examined. Under 25 women, even the heroine's daughter, show themselves to be inert, callow dolts. Their parents live vivid lives with humor and pain, joy and despair, wit and incredulity, dignity and abnegation. So the generational roles are reversed from the usual teenage romantic comedy; that will keep a lot of viewers away. Additionally, the movie frankly talks and pictures frank abundant and diverse sex, which will keep a lot of over-25 women away.
The movie's topic, two individuals in a romantic relationship, interests woman most, but structurally the movie is presented as symmetrical among the genders, with an early alternation between the lives and concerns of its male and female leads. Further, both have friends who are core to the movie: the other half of a jazz duet in the case of Christopher and two close gabbies for Grace. In the end, though, "women do more of everything," as Christopher's buddy says, and our hero confesses to Grace that "you were right about everything," so we are back to women-centric starting place.
Curiously, the words do not match the deeds portrayed. While Grace complains (and we are supposed to agree) that Christopher has a standard Madonna/whore complex about women, nothing of the sort is pictured. Rather, the relationship starts in sex, and he comes to love and appreciate her fully through what is revealed in sex and develops as part of sex. Again, while Christopher supposedly fears intimacy, no fear is actually shown -- he relishes intimacy and honesty (and has a male friendship exemplifying these) and the under 25 women bore him because they offer neither. Instead, threats to the relationship come from the constraints of social context -- the daughter, the friends, and the social demands to be insincere and superficial. When these press in, Christopher starts having second thoughts.
Claybaugh is outstanding -- I haven't laughed so hard in years as I did at her strap-on scene. What would the part look like performed with less skill and charm? Unpleasant, perhaps. Grace carelessly injures her daughter, her friends, and her boyfriend whenever things don't go exactly her way. The farce, the happy ending, the acting, and the perspective all move attention away from the heroine's actual problems. She is brave, inventive and winsome, and we over-50 males are happy to fall in love with her.
Core to "Never Again" is the perspective and experience of liberated, divorced, over-50 women with sexual relationships. These are presumed and exemplified without being examined. Under 25 women, even the heroine's daughter, show themselves to be inert, callow dolts. Their parents live vivid lives with humor and pain, joy and despair, wit and incredulity, dignity and abnegation. So the generational roles are reversed from the usual teenage romantic comedy; that will keep a lot of viewers away. Additionally, the movie frankly talks and pictures frank abundant and diverse sex, which will keep a lot of over-25 women away.
The movie's topic, two individuals in a romantic relationship, interests woman most, but structurally the movie is presented as symmetrical among the genders, with an early alternation between the lives and concerns of its male and female leads. Further, both have friends who are core to the movie: the other half of a jazz duet in the case of Christopher and two close gabbies for Grace. In the end, though, "women do more of everything," as Christopher's buddy says, and our hero confesses to Grace that "you were right about everything," so we are back to women-centric starting place.
Curiously, the words do not match the deeds portrayed. While Grace complains (and we are supposed to agree) that Christopher has a standard Madonna/whore complex about women, nothing of the sort is pictured. Rather, the relationship starts in sex, and he comes to love and appreciate her fully through what is revealed in sex and develops as part of sex. Again, while Christopher supposedly fears intimacy, no fear is actually shown -- he relishes intimacy and honesty (and has a male friendship exemplifying these) and the under 25 women bore him because they offer neither. Instead, threats to the relationship come from the constraints of social context -- the daughter, the friends, and the social demands to be insincere and superficial. When these press in, Christopher starts having second thoughts.
Claybaugh is outstanding -- I haven't laughed so hard in years as I did at her strap-on scene. What would the part look like performed with less skill and charm? Unpleasant, perhaps. Grace carelessly injures her daughter, her friends, and her boyfriend whenever things don't go exactly her way. The farce, the happy ending, the acting, and the perspective all move attention away from the heroine's actual problems. She is brave, inventive and winsome, and we over-50 males are happy to fall in love with her.
No No never again.
soopermike6923 September 2002
While on some levels it was very nice to see this genre take an older audience and characters as opposed to twenty-somethings, I think it was a little too much gush and not enough substantial script. It was amusing to hear a 54 year-old woman talk graphically about sex and get in amusing situations that are normally reserved for "American Pie" types, but it was too sappy and WAY too over-the top. In one scene, they are discovered by her college age daughter as they are in the middle of coupling. In another, she is trying on a "device" when Christopher and his mother come over to visit. I do not fit into what I imagine is the target audience in age. I did, however, go with some people who were: They liked it even less than me. While sweet and comedic. I would not recommend this movie to anyone. Sorry, try again. Wait. Never try... Never try again...
A Great Film Worth Watching
moovieee7 March 2008
I have loved this film for years. There are some unforgettably hysterical moments in this movie that will have your friends in stitches when you recount them. This move also shows us the vulnerability of people negotiating a relationship which is rarely seen on screen. It portrays people and a romance that is real. The actors and characters are not the fit-firm-20- somethings with perfect hair, clothes, and make-up. They are people who are average and flawed. The story line reflects the difficulty of finding a mate who is genuinely a good match. It also addresses the reality of life after divorce in our culture. The relationship between the main characters (and others) is honest and I really appreciate that. The movie accurately portrays some of the milestones of building a truly loving relationship. Trust, love, and commitment are developed when we are tested and choose one another again and again, through good times and bad. I continue to love this movie, I think I'll watch it tonight.
Poor taste
SillyPuddy9 May 2014
Warning: Spoilers
This didn't know what it wanted to be so constantly went for shock value. In the process of figuring out where it wanted to go, a stellar cast was wasted. The opening scene tried hard for a cheap laugh which pretty much set the tone for the rest of the movie. I kept waiting for the meet cute scene when the two leads would connect. The wait was excruciating as was the dialog. I stuck with it though since it doesn't matter what Bill Duke says, he has my undivided attention. Unfortunately, the more lines Tambor had, the less interesting and likable he became to me. The whole dream sequence was funny but I thought his reaction to it and the subsequent scenes were absolutely absurd. It would of been more tolerable for me and easier to suspend my disbelief if his interactions with strangers were not so negative and devoid of humor; this ugliness pervaded the entire movie. I had high hopes after Tambor's first date with Clayburgh because there was some kind of magic in that encounter. Then the movie seemed to stall again and led to more negative encounters. I stopped caring at that point and shut it off.
Fiftyish Fun
sumytra-215 June 2003
I think you have to be over 50 to enjoy this film. The humor is mostly sublime not the stupid, over-the-top site gags that drive most of todays immature comedies. I watched this film alone and laughed out loud till my sides ached. That could be because I have arthritis and fibromyalgia and I'm one of those "Never Again" used and abused people.
Implausible situations and terrible Dialogue
jujurafe112 August 2002
The dialogue is lost, random and illogical. The situations are humiliating, gratuitous and implausible. The movie is entertaining only because it is ridiculous. The acting presented is very good, but nothing the actors could do could ever save this movie.
There is a sex (and love) life after 50!!
angrywomanent12 August 2005
I am totally enthralled with this film. Not only is the script, acting (for the most part), and the directing superb-- it has a plot that is not seen in ever other love film known to man! I would have given the movie a 10 out of 10, but I have an issue with a handful of aspects about it. I didn't like a lot of the soundtrack; the songs just did not seem to fit the mood of the film in the beginning. Also, there is a cheese factor towards the end. However, if that is all that can be wrong with a film, then it is near perfection in my book. This film deals with real life issues, underneath the humor, and is so well written from both the male and female aspects of things that I kept wondering if two people had written it. (Imagine my surprise when a man had done it. He's got us down pat, ladies!) Plus, it isn't afraid to show a sexual side to humanity beyond 35-- a triumph for this day and age. Currently, this movie is my favorite of all time, and in my opinion, is a masterpiece that everyone should take the time to watch.
It wasn't wretched, but it just wasn't that funny
grodygeek30 January 2007
It wasn't wretched, but it just wasn't that funny and I'm a geezer with a gray beard. Sure there are amusing parts, but the two characters had the chemistry of a pebble and tepid tap water. I think Jeffrey Tambor is a fine actor, but Jill's character tries to make us believe he's rather desirable when he's rather overweight, with jowls like Droopy the dog (yes! I'm that old) and Eeyore's demeanor. Charming, I thought he might be. I also think Jill is a great actor, but was she's looking pretty anorexic these days. She was so thin in some scenes that it occurred to me that when do you see fashionable really thin women like her dating lumps of dung like him? Ah, not so much. I like seeing men of his age, dating women of her age, but these two went together like tobacco and peanut butter. Wha-wha-what? Yeah, his mother was a hoot and Earl was a nice foil, but I didn't buy Christopher being anything but a schlep. He fit the running a pest spray company well, but the jazz musician? Again, not so much.
I mean I'm near their age, and I found much of the dialog, plot and characters required me to suspend all belief in the law of physics. Say it ain't true Earl? Is it worth a buck a day rental for hearing Sandy Duncan curse? Talk of sex like a whore? See! Its a stretch.
I mean I'm near their age, and I found much of the dialog, plot and characters required me to suspend all belief in the law of physics. Say it ain't true Earl? Is it worth a buck a day rental for hearing Sandy Duncan curse? Talk of sex like a whore? See! Its a stretch.
Phony premise, phony everything
1negevoli11 May 2007
Warning: Spoilers
After watching this film, and I did watch it to the end, I immediately figured out its origins. The writer/director glommed onto the title, Never Again, then decided what a great movie title that would be and wrote (I use the word loosely) a movie around the title, using obvious setups. The opening scenes strain credulity for their "meeting cute" -- what normal straight guy decides he may be gay because he can't commit. Remember, I said normal. The leads are the mandatory emotionally damaged 54-year-old male and female. They bare their souls, and vow "never again" will they put themselves through the horror of falling in love but, oh, by the way, sex is permitted. She immediately has a "delayed" orgasm (only that piece of fiction could be written by a clueless male fixated on a fantasy that doesn't exist in real life), after which they suddenly decide they are in love and oh, by the way, it is six months later all of a sudden because it has been established for the sake of the story that he is so neurotic that he can't remain in a relationship longer than, what is it? oh yeah, nine months. Not three months, not 14 months, but nine months. (But that was with women half his age or less, so what's up with that?) So naturally, he leaves because he looked at his watch and by golly, it's been nine months. Then he gets run over by a horse, almost dies. She puts on a costume that brings him out of a coma and all live happily ever after, or so you are supposed to think.
The script, direction, and production values are to laugh at. The acting is good, as has been mentioned in other comments, but it must have taken heroic efforts on the parts of the cast to deliver with this lame material.
The script, direction, and production values are to laugh at. The acting is good, as has been mentioned in other comments, but it must have taken heroic efforts on the parts of the cast to deliver with this lame material.
This movie is touching.
paraffintouch27 November 2005
First off. I would like to state I have never written a review in my life, let alone, one for IMDb. I watched this movie and felt so strongly that it needed a fair review on this site. There will be no major spoilers.
The movie centers on Christopher and Grace. Both of whom are in their early fifties and love lorn, even though they won't admit it. Through a series of strange events (Chris's botched attempt to have a new sexual experience, to Grace's attempt to blind date) bringing both together at a gay bar.
What's great about the film is the writing, first and foremost. Some may be put off by it's candidness. Some may also find it heartless at who it pokes fun at. I can assure you that the writer/director Eric Schaeffer gives everyone a chance to be the butt end of a joke. His characters tend to have imperfect qualities. Especially his lead male characters (i.e. Starved or Mind the Gap). He gives such respect to the sexuality of an older man and woman that has never been represented in Hollywood. They are portrayed as sexual, feeling creatures. He shows them as human beings looking for love and tenderness. Not just the typical older man/woman who can't let go of their ex or their kid who went off to college and that's what their life is about. The forever the parent without an identity of their own. These people go on with their life... like real people do. Outside of the writer/director are the performers. The characters are given direct, BS free dialogue. They are very open at any given moment to asking for what they want from each other. Which what I'd imagine ones demeanor to be when reaching their age. This especially comes out when dealing with their sexuality. Jeffrey Tambors portrayal as a disaffected bachelor is a quiet, sweet performance, but one that also has these moments of assertive strength that you are not used to seeing out of him as an actor. He's usually used as a goof or some weaselly character. As a lead, the man shines. Jill Clayburgh is wonderful as Grace, the spurned, icy divorcée that is ready to open up and love again. There is not much I know of her work, but her willingness to give herself to the role is something you don't expect on face value. Bill Duke is absolutely great in this film as Chris best friend and music partner. He there to give Chris' levity and does so in a very endearing way. While the rest of cast does a fine job, the last person that really stood out was Micheal McKean . I won't spoil where and how he shows up, but let's just say it's twelve hours since I watched it and my ribs still feel a little sore from laughing.
The movie is sad. The movie is funny. The movie is touching. Is the movie sappy? Yes. But not in the way you'd expect. The movie has this Hollywood like ending but is justified because it's completely with the realm of the characters, and not forced. The movie makes you believe that getting older doesn't preclude the loss of desire and sexuality. Everyone should watch this movie. Teenagers, adults, senior citizens, they should all watch to see that being older doesn't mean your dead from the waist down.
The movie centers on Christopher and Grace. Both of whom are in their early fifties and love lorn, even though they won't admit it. Through a series of strange events (Chris's botched attempt to have a new sexual experience, to Grace's attempt to blind date) bringing both together at a gay bar.
What's great about the film is the writing, first and foremost. Some may be put off by it's candidness. Some may also find it heartless at who it pokes fun at. I can assure you that the writer/director Eric Schaeffer gives everyone a chance to be the butt end of a joke. His characters tend to have imperfect qualities. Especially his lead male characters (i.e. Starved or Mind the Gap). He gives such respect to the sexuality of an older man and woman that has never been represented in Hollywood. They are portrayed as sexual, feeling creatures. He shows them as human beings looking for love and tenderness. Not just the typical older man/woman who can't let go of their ex or their kid who went off to college and that's what their life is about. The forever the parent without an identity of their own. These people go on with their life... like real people do. Outside of the writer/director are the performers. The characters are given direct, BS free dialogue. They are very open at any given moment to asking for what they want from each other. Which what I'd imagine ones demeanor to be when reaching their age. This especially comes out when dealing with their sexuality. Jeffrey Tambors portrayal as a disaffected bachelor is a quiet, sweet performance, but one that also has these moments of assertive strength that you are not used to seeing out of him as an actor. He's usually used as a goof or some weaselly character. As a lead, the man shines. Jill Clayburgh is wonderful as Grace, the spurned, icy divorcée that is ready to open up and love again. There is not much I know of her work, but her willingness to give herself to the role is something you don't expect on face value. Bill Duke is absolutely great in this film as Chris best friend and music partner. He there to give Chris' levity and does so in a very endearing way. While the rest of cast does a fine job, the last person that really stood out was Micheal McKean . I won't spoil where and how he shows up, but let's just say it's twelve hours since I watched it and my ribs still feel a little sore from laughing.
The movie is sad. The movie is funny. The movie is touching. Is the movie sappy? Yes. But not in the way you'd expect. The movie has this Hollywood like ending but is justified because it's completely with the realm of the characters, and not forced. The movie makes you believe that getting older doesn't preclude the loss of desire and sexuality. Everyone should watch this movie. Teenagers, adults, senior citizens, they should all watch to see that being older doesn't mean your dead from the waist down.
Laugh-out-loud funny, outrageous, yet deeply moving and sweet
belovedfreak10 July 2002
Eric Schaeffer's latest film is remarkably funny. It puts two people in a slightly extraordinary predicament and handles them as real people.
Christopher and Grace have both been hurt in relationdhips, are both 54, and neither wants to risk falling in love again. Hence the title. The odd parts come in when each tries to at least find something new, even if it is just sex. It should be noted, this film, while dealing heavily with sex, never becomes even arguably pornagraphic.
The dialogue is so wonderfully intelligent and (need I say again) funny that I found myself quoting lines throughout the trip home! If you are lucky enough to have this play in your area, I completely advise you to see it. I found myself laughing and cheering for characters as well as sighing and sobbing for them. The film's outrageous comedy is great, but the touching moments are so realistic that they also deserve
Christopher and Grace have both been hurt in relationdhips, are both 54, and neither wants to risk falling in love again. Hence the title. The odd parts come in when each tries to at least find something new, even if it is just sex. It should be noted, this film, while dealing heavily with sex, never becomes even arguably pornagraphic.
The dialogue is so wonderfully intelligent and (need I say again) funny that I found myself quoting lines throughout the trip home! If you are lucky enough to have this play in your area, I completely advise you to see it. I found myself laughing and cheering for characters as well as sighing and sobbing for them. The film's outrageous comedy is great, but the touching moments are so realistic that they also deserve
Fun-filled laughs!
MeTrisha1 June 2003
While most movies are geared toward the younger crowd, this one tickled the funny bones of the 40+ generation. What a nice change! The language was surprising, but the antics were refreshing. There were some memorable moments, and some visuals you wish you could get out of your mind (Michael McKean to be exact). All in all...it was a fun-filled comedy.
Warm and winning love story between a mature contemporary executive woman and a 53-year-old schmuck with serious Peter Pan syndrome. Warning: Very Kinky!
aromatic-26 August 2003
Jeffrey Tambor plays a middle-aged man who plays jazz in the evenings. His relationships (so typical of guys like this!) are sex-only with 25-year-old bimbos and jazz groupies. Then, when he loses interest (Hello, you have nothing to talk to them about) and has a disturbing dream, he decides he might be gay, and goes to a gay bar by accident. I'd dismiss this as slapstick absurdity, but the truth is that I've met too many guys like this, and Tambor is 100% right on the mark. Bill Duke is excellent as his jazz-playing buddy. He also has a poignant scene with Michael McKean as a lonely transsexual. When he meets Jill Clayburgh (in the gay bar by mistake with girlfriends Sandy Duncan and Caroline Aaron), he thinks she is a transvestite or transsexual. She is so amazed at what an ass this guy is, she decides to give him enough rope to hang himself, and winds up, much to her surprise, enjoying his company, and thus, the romance begins.
To say much mire would spoil it, but their chemistry is magnificent, and despite a few unnecessary slapsticky moments with Tambor's mother in the film, most of it is refreshing and enchanting. If you're over 40, and especially if you've ever been a single woman dating in a big city, watch and enjoy!
To say much mire would spoil it, but their chemistry is magnificent, and despite a few unnecessary slapsticky moments with Tambor's mother in the film, most of it is refreshing and enchanting. If you're over 40, and especially if you've ever been a single woman dating in a big city, watch and enjoy!
Not suitable for persons under 25.
scobie1 September 2002
Judging by the user ratings, which generally seem to me to reflect a very young taste, this movie should have an age warning. However, as a person over 50, I found it delightful, charming, and touching. Jeffrey Tambor is a brave and always interesting actor, and Jill Clayburgh is one of the best American screen actresses - and still sexy at 54. Bill Duke is as cool as it gets, and Sandy Duncan leads a solid supporting cast. The film is better when it plays it straight than when it goes for laughs (the final scene is a bit strained), but there is one extended bit where Clayburgh attacks a dildo - which is hilarious.
If you're, say, 35 or over - see this! Otherwise, tell your parents to see it.
If you're, say, 35 or over - see this! Otherwise, tell your parents to see it.
Must-see romantic comedy
billyweeds9 July 2002
Hilarious and touching in equal measure, this romantic comedy stars Jill Clayburgh in a comeback that really deserves that overworked word and Jeffrey Tambor in a leading role that redefines the definition of a leading man. The direction and writing by Eric Schaeffer is wonderful, there is a supporting performance by Bill Duke that soars, and for dessert there is the single funniest slapstick comedy sequence since the days of silent films. Jill Clayburgh the second coming of Buster Keaton??? Sounds unlikely...sounds incredible...but it's true.
outrageously funny!
srhabu7114 December 2003
we just laughed soooo hard...nearly passed out from lack of air....sure feels good to laugh. I'm so glad i was born with "Happy Genes" . Exciting movie of mid-life divorcees . recommend to watch..will not be disappointed
I really liked it!
jess_welch16 August 2002
This movie was a light mix of drama and comedy... what more could you want. There were scenes in the movie that my side hurt from laughing so hard! It's a silly romantic comedy and if you like those I would recommend it.
A Film Worth Sharing!
alannahryane7 November 2010
I will only comment here on the fact that this is one of the few DVDs I had to own because it became a delicious habit of sharing and introducing it to every one of my girlfriends. No matter how good a film is, how many times do we do that? I didn't pass the DVD on ...I watched it again with them. As most Baby Boomers who have seen this film will agree, we can relate to these characters on so many levels. It always made me laugh and cry but it also reminded me that we are not alone in searching for that one person who "gets us" hangups, issues, warts and all! Jeffrey and Jill (RIP Ms. Clayburgh you were Excellent in your field!) were absolutely amazing in this film and in my opinion this film and their performances were highly underrated.
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