This is an interesting movie which resists the easy temptation to paint Garfield as an avaricious vulture and Jorgenson as the saintly victim. It is even-handed in portraying both the cruelty that adaptation and changing times impose on people, and yet the necessity to do so. (Garfield: "I'm sure that the last buggy whip company in America made the best damn buggy whips in the world.") Jorgenson makes a moving and impassioned speech to the stockholders on the themes of caring and compassion, which completely wins the viewer over; no way do we feel that Garfield can respond, but he does, and very convincingly. One doesn't find this kind of ambiguity and even treatment very often; people like things black & white (e.g. Oliver Stone's "Wall Street"), which is perhaps why this film didn't make it big. I liked it. Danny DeVito is always worth watching, and Peck does a good job too. Unfortunately Penelope Ann Miller is not convincing in sultry mode.
63 Reviews
To me, it seemed like this film wasn't sure what it should be.
planktonrules29 January 2023
In many ways, "Other People's Money" seems like a reworking of Oliver Stone's "Wall Street", with Danny DeVito playing a Gordon Gecko-like troll who delights in buying up cash-flush companies and liquidating them. But the script is confusing...and it seems as if the movie isn't sure if it's supposed to be a comedy, a romance or a drama.
The story finds Lawrence Garfield (DeVito) working to buy up the majority of shares of a wire company run by Andrew Jorgenson (Gregory Peck). It seems that there's more profit to be made buying up the company and liquidating its assets. The company's only weapon in this fight is Jorgenson's pretty step-daughter, Kate (Penelope Ann Miller). She is a knockout in the film and her beauty and aloofness manage to somehow charm Garfield.
The romantic aspects of the film simply don't work. It isn't just because Garfield is a short and unattractive man. His PERSONALITY is unlikable and gross as well...which makes Kate's reaction to him, well, very strange and confusing. The same can be said for the humor. At times, it seems like they are trying to make a comedy...but there really aren't any laughs. My feeling is that the film is quite watchable but also difficult to believe as well.
The story finds Lawrence Garfield (DeVito) working to buy up the majority of shares of a wire company run by Andrew Jorgenson (Gregory Peck). It seems that there's more profit to be made buying up the company and liquidating its assets. The company's only weapon in this fight is Jorgenson's pretty step-daughter, Kate (Penelope Ann Miller). She is a knockout in the film and her beauty and aloofness manage to somehow charm Garfield.
The romantic aspects of the film simply don't work. It isn't just because Garfield is a short and unattractive man. His PERSONALITY is unlikable and gross as well...which makes Kate's reaction to him, well, very strange and confusing. The same can be said for the humor. At times, it seems like they are trying to make a comedy...but there really aren't any laughs. My feeling is that the film is quite watchable but also difficult to believe as well.
Funny but falls flat
gcd7013 August 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Ruthless business man Lawrence 'Larry the Liquidater' Garfield determines to 'destroy' a small town Wire and Cable service in this Norman Jewison comedy. Danny De Vito is 'Larry' and Penelope Ann Miller is both his enemy and his heart's desire, a lawyer representing 'New England Wire and Cable'.
De Vito is entertaining and always more enjoyable when he is only in front of the camera, while Miller is a delight to watch. "Other People's Money" is funny throughout but falls short of Jewison's "Moonstruck". The unresolved ending is a disappointment.
Gregory Peck appears in a supporting role.
Friday, November 15, 1991 - Knox District Centre
De Vito is entertaining and always more enjoyable when he is only in front of the camera, while Miller is a delight to watch. "Other People's Money" is funny throughout but falls short of Jewison's "Moonstruck". The unresolved ending is a disappointment.
Gregory Peck appears in a supporting role.
Friday, November 15, 1991 - Knox District Centre
Engaging and intelligent
jessfink6 January 2001
In no way whatsoever does this film compare to the play upon which it was based. That having been said, however, it stands very nicely on its own if one does not have any expectations going in. Danny DeVito, one of my all-time favorite character actors, brilliantly and flawlessly portrays Larry Garfield, corporate raider, known to those in the trade as "Larry the Liquidator". If you are reading this, chances are you have read other reviews which recap the plot points, so in lieu of boring you I will just add my recommendation that you will not go unrewarded if you give this one a try.
Certain other elements, like the controversial casting of Penelope Ann Miller, the near-absence of Piper Laurie's character, and most seriously, the total absence of other key plot elements from the play which contributed to the overall emotional impact of the piece, leave something of a regret in one's mouth after watching the film is over...you see glimmers of what might have been, see the hint of the masterpiece that might have been created, and wonder what sacrifices had to be made by the filmmakers at the studio level in order to make this film at all.
Worth seeing for DeVito's masterful, lovingly crafted and enthusiastically delivered performance.
Certain other elements, like the controversial casting of Penelope Ann Miller, the near-absence of Piper Laurie's character, and most seriously, the total absence of other key plot elements from the play which contributed to the overall emotional impact of the piece, leave something of a regret in one's mouth after watching the film is over...you see glimmers of what might have been, see the hint of the masterpiece that might have been created, and wonder what sacrifices had to be made by the filmmakers at the studio level in order to make this film at all.
Worth seeing for DeVito's masterful, lovingly crafted and enthusiastically delivered performance.
Speaking of Adam Smith and the invisible hand...
jgcorrea25 November 2019
Fortunately (or maybe not, depending on your preferential taste) this story works better as an allegory-fable about capitalism than as a romantic comedy. It's an adaptation of a theatrical play that raises many questions about the purpose of capitalism in civilized society. It particularly offers the conflicting arguments during an extraordinary shareholders' meeting: do businesses exist merely to enrich investors or do shareholders sign an obliging pact with those who labor on their behalf? It's overall a straightforward, candid and convincing defense of capitalism - therefore a respectable variant to the infamous Gecko speech in Oliver Stone's 'Wall St.' Its comedic end is compromising, though: a predictable Hollywood cocktail of morality and romance. The main philosophical arguments in the play (in short, capitalism is a necessary part of progress, and the old must be destroyed in order to create the new) is eventually sacrificed to romantic comedy, and all the fundamental questions about capitalism remain unanswered. (Of course film & entertainment mean suspension of disbelief, and there is, anyway, no easy answer) Here, free-market liberalism wins the day and Hollywood bets on its side, coming out on top: happiness IS at the end of the capitalist progress - so argued Adam Smith, the author who was an important party to the Scottish Enlightenment, the spiritual thinker who believed that the invisible hand behind the market belongs to God.
Funny, poignant, who knew Danny de Vito could be a sex symbol?
Momcat_of_Lomita1 May 2011
This movie is great entertainment that delivers a message without being preachy. And a measure of how successful it is: it makes you believe that Danny de Vito and Penelope Ann Miller actually could be a great, sexy couple! It is very much a movie of its time: the late 80's, early 90's, when corporate "raiders" and hostile takeovers of firms were in the news. Stock traders made fortunes and corporations were laying off thousands of people at a time as CEO's sought to raise the price of their stock, and it didn't matter what a company was making-- or not making-- as long as the price of the stock stayed up.
So, in this environment of "greed is good" and Wall Street being the tail that wagged the dog of American productivity, we have this movie, which pits the good guy, Andrew "Jorgie" Jorgensen (played by the archetypal good guy actor, Gregory Peck), against the bad guy, corporate raider Lawrence Garfield (played by Danny de Vito).
Jorgie is the majority stockholder and CEO of New England Wire & Cable Company, a firm that is a creation of his family and whose interests and employees he regards as a responsibility of his family. As played by Peck, Jorgie is the acme of decency and old-fashioned conservative values: hard work and thrift, expecting loyalty from his employees and demonstrating loyalty in return. Stubborn and resistant to change where he sees change as conflicting with his values. An upright, honest, virtuous man who believes that moral rightness will always be recognized and will always triumph.
Danny de Vito is his nemesis: a corporate raider who rose from hardscrabble beginnings in the Bronx to a posh Manhattan office and mansion, whose expertise is in finding stocks that are undervalued and making a profit through manipulating the market. He is unabashed about what he does: he loves "the game," as he calls it, and plays it with the fighting spirit of a junk-yard pitbull. There's no malice in what he does, no hard feelings, but also no apology for the carnage he leaves in his wake. He's just doing what he's best at doing.
And so de Vito identifies New England Wire & Cable as a prime target for takeover: the company is worth far more than the value of its stock. That's all de Vito needs to know, and the fight is on.
The interest comes when Jorgie brings his step-daughter in to advise on how to fend off de Vito. Penelope Ann Miller plays Kate Sullivan, a young hot-shot lawyer in a Manhattan legal firm. She's a HOT hot-shot, no doubt about it, and much of the movie centers on her interactions with de Vito.
The thing de Vito brings to his role is great energy and joy. This is a character that could be played as dark, as evil, as someone to be reviled, but there is a genuine likability to de Vito even as you see that what he's doing causes a lot of people a lot of harm, and that he's not above doing unethical things if he thinks he can get away with them. But for all that he's definitely not a "good guy," he's someone you can't really dislike. He's a rogue, but he's a rogue completely without malice. Just like a tiger will tear the throat out of its prey and is a dangerous predator, but is still a beast with qualities that make you admire it-- from a distance, or with the bars of a cage to protect you.
The movie's final battle, the scene where Peck and de Vito make speeches to the company stockholders in support of what they represent, is an amazingly articulate piece of writing that is as superbly acted as anything you're going to see in the movies. IMO that one scene alone makes the movie worthwhile. That there's so much more to like about this movie really makes it a winner.
Dean Jones has a role in the movie that I think is one of the best of his career. I don't think he got the respect in his career that he deserved; he did a lot of work in Disney films, and I think this caused people to take his talents as an actor lighter than they should. He's excellent in his role here.
And Penelope Ann Miller-- she is absolute dynamite in this role, she's really the backbone of the action. Her interactions with de Vito are warm and believable and the chemistry between the two of them WORKS.
There are some flaws to the movie: the biggest is that there is apparently some back-story, some conflict between the Jorgie character and Miller's character, that isn't made clear. She's Jorgie's step-daughter and it's apparent that at some time in their lives, there was a conflict, and that there is a reserve between them. But it's never made clear what the issue was, and to this extent the movie isn't satisfying.
Piper Laurie's character, Jorgie's wife, is also perhaps not fully realized. She's good, but there's something missing, something I can't really describe.
But those are small quibbles. Over all, this is a superb movie that I think is one of de Vito's best roles, and is a funny, thoughtful, well-written story that characterizes a particular time and issue that were defining to America.
So, in this environment of "greed is good" and Wall Street being the tail that wagged the dog of American productivity, we have this movie, which pits the good guy, Andrew "Jorgie" Jorgensen (played by the archetypal good guy actor, Gregory Peck), against the bad guy, corporate raider Lawrence Garfield (played by Danny de Vito).
Jorgie is the majority stockholder and CEO of New England Wire & Cable Company, a firm that is a creation of his family and whose interests and employees he regards as a responsibility of his family. As played by Peck, Jorgie is the acme of decency and old-fashioned conservative values: hard work and thrift, expecting loyalty from his employees and demonstrating loyalty in return. Stubborn and resistant to change where he sees change as conflicting with his values. An upright, honest, virtuous man who believes that moral rightness will always be recognized and will always triumph.
Danny de Vito is his nemesis: a corporate raider who rose from hardscrabble beginnings in the Bronx to a posh Manhattan office and mansion, whose expertise is in finding stocks that are undervalued and making a profit through manipulating the market. He is unabashed about what he does: he loves "the game," as he calls it, and plays it with the fighting spirit of a junk-yard pitbull. There's no malice in what he does, no hard feelings, but also no apology for the carnage he leaves in his wake. He's just doing what he's best at doing.
And so de Vito identifies New England Wire & Cable as a prime target for takeover: the company is worth far more than the value of its stock. That's all de Vito needs to know, and the fight is on.
The interest comes when Jorgie brings his step-daughter in to advise on how to fend off de Vito. Penelope Ann Miller plays Kate Sullivan, a young hot-shot lawyer in a Manhattan legal firm. She's a HOT hot-shot, no doubt about it, and much of the movie centers on her interactions with de Vito.
The thing de Vito brings to his role is great energy and joy. This is a character that could be played as dark, as evil, as someone to be reviled, but there is a genuine likability to de Vito even as you see that what he's doing causes a lot of people a lot of harm, and that he's not above doing unethical things if he thinks he can get away with them. But for all that he's definitely not a "good guy," he's someone you can't really dislike. He's a rogue, but he's a rogue completely without malice. Just like a tiger will tear the throat out of its prey and is a dangerous predator, but is still a beast with qualities that make you admire it-- from a distance, or with the bars of a cage to protect you.
The movie's final battle, the scene where Peck and de Vito make speeches to the company stockholders in support of what they represent, is an amazingly articulate piece of writing that is as superbly acted as anything you're going to see in the movies. IMO that one scene alone makes the movie worthwhile. That there's so much more to like about this movie really makes it a winner.
Dean Jones has a role in the movie that I think is one of the best of his career. I don't think he got the respect in his career that he deserved; he did a lot of work in Disney films, and I think this caused people to take his talents as an actor lighter than they should. He's excellent in his role here.
And Penelope Ann Miller-- she is absolute dynamite in this role, she's really the backbone of the action. Her interactions with de Vito are warm and believable and the chemistry between the two of them WORKS.
There are some flaws to the movie: the biggest is that there is apparently some back-story, some conflict between the Jorgie character and Miller's character, that isn't made clear. She's Jorgie's step-daughter and it's apparent that at some time in their lives, there was a conflict, and that there is a reserve between them. But it's never made clear what the issue was, and to this extent the movie isn't satisfying.
Piper Laurie's character, Jorgie's wife, is also perhaps not fully realized. She's good, but there's something missing, something I can't really describe.
But those are small quibbles. Over all, this is a superb movie that I think is one of de Vito's best roles, and is a funny, thoughtful, well-written story that characterizes a particular time and issue that were defining to America.
Day trader delight
DennisLittrell27 September 1999
Corporate take overs for the mass mind. Danny Devito is incredibly perfect for the part of the corporate raider, and how he relishes playing the part! Sad to see Gregory Peck reduced for the most part to a stubborn old man, although there are flashes of the great actor he once was. Ah, but doesn't Penelope Ann Miller do a neat Marilyn Monroe imitation talking on the phone to our predatory take over artist?
The fine script, based on a play by Jerry Sterner, and directed by the consummate professional, Norman Jewison, is studded with cynical Wall Street wisdom, not the least of which is, it is always nice to play with other people's money. Naturally this Hollywood presentation is a little shallow, but what a pleasant fantasy for short, old, balding day traders on a holiday.
Of course there is the delicate question of how to play "Danny Devito gets Penelope Ann Miller." Are we going to see him pull her into his arms and tongue kiss her, thereby sweeping her off her feet? I don't think so. However, confidence (and mass bucks) are very sexy, and so there is a certain plausibility to this amusing romantic comedy.
While watching I was reminded that Miller is one of the great beauties of the contemporary screen, but I was saddened to realize how short her span.... Alas. One of the wonderful things about cinema, though, is that she may be young forever, or at least until the deterioration of celluloid.
(Note: Over 500 of my movie reviews are now available in my book "Cut to the Chaise Lounge or I Can't Believe I Swallowed the Remote!" Get it at Amazon!)
The fine script, based on a play by Jerry Sterner, and directed by the consummate professional, Norman Jewison, is studded with cynical Wall Street wisdom, not the least of which is, it is always nice to play with other people's money. Naturally this Hollywood presentation is a little shallow, but what a pleasant fantasy for short, old, balding day traders on a holiday.
Of course there is the delicate question of how to play "Danny Devito gets Penelope Ann Miller." Are we going to see him pull her into his arms and tongue kiss her, thereby sweeping her off her feet? I don't think so. However, confidence (and mass bucks) are very sexy, and so there is a certain plausibility to this amusing romantic comedy.
While watching I was reminded that Miller is one of the great beauties of the contemporary screen, but I was saddened to realize how short her span.... Alas. One of the wonderful things about cinema, though, is that she may be young forever, or at least until the deterioration of celluloid.
(Note: Over 500 of my movie reviews are now available in my book "Cut to the Chaise Lounge or I Can't Believe I Swallowed the Remote!" Get it at Amazon!)
I fell asleep in the theater
jsf197423 October 2005
I saw this recently as a friend's house. All I could think about was the time I saw it at the theater and struggled to stay awake. I was expecting a little more "aggressive" comedy knowing Danny DeVito was starring, but I guess the writers didn't want the audience to laugh very much.
This is by far one of the most boring films I have ever seen, and unfortunately I found it no better seeing it this time around even as a 30 year old (compared to the 17 year old I was back then).
The one and only part I found funny....When the woman swallowed what was in her mouth at their "romantic" dinner.
This is by far one of the most boring films I have ever seen, and unfortunately I found it no better seeing it this time around even as a 30 year old (compared to the 17 year old I was back then).
The one and only part I found funny....When the woman swallowed what was in her mouth at their "romantic" dinner.
Very enjoyable movie
c1603123 October 2003
When I'm in the mood for a movie, I usually go to IMDB to check out it's rating. I try to avoid seing movies below a rating of 7. Who's got time to lose listening to a bad movie, right?
Then, as I surf IMDB, I sometimes wander around checking other user's impressions of movies I've seen, I'm curious that way. And as I do that, I can also get a feel of the credibility I can give the rating system.
Well, the rating I saw for "Other People's Money" blew my mind! I can't believe it has such a low rating. It's one of my favorite movies. I love the script, the clashing of ideas and values. I love the characters, the're very representative, opinionated, true and strong, and they're very well played. The movie's full of strong scenes: Garfield's first visit to the New England Wire's Co ("I like round numbers"), Garfield's chewing of his lawyer's ("You know what happens when the commies take over, the first thing they do is shoot all the lawyers!"), and of course the stockholder's meeting scene which alone is worth the whole movie. It is one of my most memorable movie scenes ever. I seriously have a hard time finding flaws in this movie.
I've read reviews about how it wasn't true to the play - I didn't even know it started out, or was based on a play. I guess a lot of IMDB voters were disappointed in the treatment this movie made of the play and accordingly gave a bad score. My point is: so what? A movie should be judged upon what it is, not what it could or should have been. It deserves to be evaluated fairly as a "whole", not in relation to doubtful and personal expectations. I hate biased ratings.
After seing the score this movie got on IMDB, I've lost a lot of faith in the value of using the rating system as a bearing for movies I'll want to see. My advice: don't be fooled. See this movie and judge for yourself.
Then, as I surf IMDB, I sometimes wander around checking other user's impressions of movies I've seen, I'm curious that way. And as I do that, I can also get a feel of the credibility I can give the rating system.
Well, the rating I saw for "Other People's Money" blew my mind! I can't believe it has such a low rating. It's one of my favorite movies. I love the script, the clashing of ideas and values. I love the characters, the're very representative, opinionated, true and strong, and they're very well played. The movie's full of strong scenes: Garfield's first visit to the New England Wire's Co ("I like round numbers"), Garfield's chewing of his lawyer's ("You know what happens when the commies take over, the first thing they do is shoot all the lawyers!"), and of course the stockholder's meeting scene which alone is worth the whole movie. It is one of my most memorable movie scenes ever. I seriously have a hard time finding flaws in this movie.
I've read reviews about how it wasn't true to the play - I didn't even know it started out, or was based on a play. I guess a lot of IMDB voters were disappointed in the treatment this movie made of the play and accordingly gave a bad score. My point is: so what? A movie should be judged upon what it is, not what it could or should have been. It deserves to be evaluated fairly as a "whole", not in relation to doubtful and personal expectations. I hate biased ratings.
After seing the score this movie got on IMDB, I've lost a lot of faith in the value of using the rating system as a bearing for movies I'll want to see. My advice: don't be fooled. See this movie and judge for yourself.
DeVito brilliant
SnoopyStyle8 September 2016
Larry 'the Liquidator' Garfield (Danny DeVito) is an unsentimental corporate raider. His next takeover target is New England Wire & Cable. The family firm is run by kindly Andrew Jorgenson (Gregory Peck) and started by his father. He runs it with his wife Bea Sullivan (Piper Laurie) and right-hand man Bill Coles (Dean Jones). They call Bea's corporate finance lawyer daughter Kate Sullivan (Penelope Ann Miller) for help. Larry is completely taken with the spunky confident Kate. He tries to woo her while taking over her stepfather's company.
This is Wall Street done by Frank Capra. The best is Danny DeVito. He is brilliant in these types of roles. He is able to be ruthless jerks but in a lovable way. Gregory Peck, Penelope Ann Miller, and everybody else are terrific. It's fun and charming. It may not be hard enough but it works in that Capra-esque way.
This is Wall Street done by Frank Capra. The best is Danny DeVito. He is brilliant in these types of roles. He is able to be ruthless jerks but in a lovable way. Gregory Peck, Penelope Ann Miller, and everybody else are terrific. It's fun and charming. It may not be hard enough but it works in that Capra-esque way.
Major Devito fans might love this, but I found it a bit dull and in your face.
triple831 August 2003
Warning: Spoilers
I have to say I didn't enjoy this at all. It's not that I don't like the premise because I do, but it just didn't appeal to my personal tastes.
The movie is right up there for me, in terms of dragginess. I don't like movies that drag and I didn't find the humor to be great either. The character Devito played was very obnoxious through much of the movie and the humor itself was a bit in your face. To much so for me and I really felt it was a bit dull and never hooked me in even though I was hoping it would.
Different movies appeal to different people and I think major Devito fans are the ones who will most enjoy this. It does have a good plot and Devito mostly carries the film. But even though I could appreciate the plot, I wasn't into the way it was carried out. To me it was neither strongly interesting or hilarious. Parts of it were obnoxious. And it moved at a snail's pace.
On a scale of 1-10 I would probably give this around a 3 or 4.
The movie is right up there for me, in terms of dragginess. I don't like movies that drag and I didn't find the humor to be great either. The character Devito played was very obnoxious through much of the movie and the humor itself was a bit in your face. To much so for me and I really felt it was a bit dull and never hooked me in even though I was hoping it would.
Different movies appeal to different people and I think major Devito fans are the ones who will most enjoy this. It does have a good plot and Devito mostly carries the film. But even though I could appreciate the plot, I wasn't into the way it was carried out. To me it was neither strongly interesting or hilarious. Parts of it were obnoxious. And it moved at a snail's pace.
On a scale of 1-10 I would probably give this around a 3 or 4.
Macro Economics with flair
alrodbel5 October 1999
I bought this used Video and waited months before bothering to see what I had expected to be a hackneyed stereotypical flick. What a delightful surprise. It is easy to produce a film that is pedantic, or to the other extreme, ridiculous- but to combine engaging characters, biting humor and realistic representation of economic forces is a rare feat.
You could study Shumpeter's "Economic theory of Creative Destruction of Obsolete Forms of Production," but you will not get a better illustration of the process than what is presented in this movie. DiVito portrayed the perfect balance of greed, and humanity as the Wall Street mogul. Penelope Ann Miller played the sharp, voluptious antaganist to perfection.
This film is a rare nugget of intelligent entertainment that stands out in the sea of juvenilia.
You could study Shumpeter's "Economic theory of Creative Destruction of Obsolete Forms of Production," but you will not get a better illustration of the process than what is presented in this movie. DiVito portrayed the perfect balance of greed, and humanity as the Wall Street mogul. Penelope Ann Miller played the sharp, voluptious antaganist to perfection.
This film is a rare nugget of intelligent entertainment that stands out in the sea of juvenilia.
A nice little comedy
Old Crow-24 April 2000
Other People´s Money is a good comedy. Danny DeVito does good work and so does the other cast. This isn´t an enormously special movie, it´s just an entertaining piece of work and a movie I´d like to watch in a Saturday evening.
Skip it,see the Play.
peacham24 April 2000
Devito should have been perfect as Larry The Liquidator,but they softened the character and changed the focus of the show from the board room to the bed room. The play is biting,scathing and fun. the film tries to "Capra -ize" the story into a happy ending. this does not work at all. Penelope Ann Miller looks great as Kate Sullivan but shows none of the Guts and Fire that the character requires. Dean Jones as Bill Coles is wasted. A good actor,Jones winds up as the bad guy in the film. The play has Coles narrate the story.Coles is the everyman who gets stuck in the middle of the big wig takeovers. the film merly shows him as an opportunist and a sell out. Gregory Peck does exeptional work as Jorgy,but by cutting out the major battles between Him and Miller it leaves the audience wanting more. Another victem of the Hollywood version is Bea Sullivan(played By Piper Laurie). The role had so much more significance on stage,here she is just an extra role.
Other Peoples Money could have been,like the play,a telling and witty portrait of the 80s me-generation hog feed,but Jewison and the studio turned it into a forgettable piece of fluff.
Other Peoples Money could have been,like the play,a telling and witty portrait of the 80s me-generation hog feed,but Jewison and the studio turned it into a forgettable piece of fluff.
Excellent!
de_niro_20013 August 2000
Everybody does well in this film. Danny De Vito plays the kind of character he normally plays. In fact, Larry the Liquidator is just a super rich Louie De Palma. Gregory Peck is his usual good upright self. The only other film I've seen Piper Laurie in is Carrie so it's something different to see her as a benign grandmotherly type. However, Penelope Ann Miller was the main reason I watched. She's a gorgeous lass and the film would not have been what it was without her. I just love the scene where she goes into Danny De Vito's office and the camera starts at her shoes and goes all the way up to her beautiful face and Danny goes "wow". I agree with Danny that she has a nice laugh.
Dunkin' Devito......
FlashCallahan22 February 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Larry the liquidator buys up businesses and sells their assets. He has his eyes on a wire and cable company.
He meets with Jorgensen, the company President and tells him his plan to challenge him for control at the next stockholder's meeting.
So Jorgensen asks his step daughter, Kate, a lawyer to help. She meets with Larry, and he is smitten with her, but he still sets out on his plan and a battle to see who can get the most shares, ensues.....
Its a film about Yuppies, for Yuppies, with a little bit of romance thrown in.
What should have been a biting satire about old school not wanting to part with something, even though its potentially failing, ends up wanting to be a screwball-esque forties comedy, with a little bit of Wall Street thrown in.
And while it's an entertaining enough movie, it's not topical enough, and its politics are severely dated. And thanks to the failure of Bonfire Of The Vanities, it's not surprising the film vanished without a trace.
Plus, the way the female characters, apart from Miller, are depicted and spoken to, is a little too misogynistic.
But Devito is at the top of his game here, showing a more human side in his character like he never has before. Peck predictability steals the film, and before you can say 'Greed is Good', it's all over and we get a sort of happy ending.
Now time for a Donut.
He meets with Jorgensen, the company President and tells him his plan to challenge him for control at the next stockholder's meeting.
So Jorgensen asks his step daughter, Kate, a lawyer to help. She meets with Larry, and he is smitten with her, but he still sets out on his plan and a battle to see who can get the most shares, ensues.....
Its a film about Yuppies, for Yuppies, with a little bit of romance thrown in.
What should have been a biting satire about old school not wanting to part with something, even though its potentially failing, ends up wanting to be a screwball-esque forties comedy, with a little bit of Wall Street thrown in.
And while it's an entertaining enough movie, it's not topical enough, and its politics are severely dated. And thanks to the failure of Bonfire Of The Vanities, it's not surprising the film vanished without a trace.
Plus, the way the female characters, apart from Miller, are depicted and spoken to, is a little too misogynistic.
But Devito is at the top of his game here, showing a more human side in his character like he never has before. Peck predictability steals the film, and before you can say 'Greed is Good', it's all over and we get a sort of happy ending.
Now time for a Donut.
Funny and educational!
HotToastyRag8 August 2017
Just as Network can be watched to gain an education about television politics, and Wall Street can be watched to learn about, well, greed, Other People's Money is just as educational as it is entertaining. And since it's highly entertaining, that's saying a lot!
Danny DeVito plays a slimy scumbag who makes business deals and often destroys companies. His next target: Gregory Peck's and Piper Laurie's struggling company. If you don't know what a corporate takeover is, the movie will teach you. As the old-world and new-world views clash, the old-timers pull out a secret weapon: their daughter. Penelope Ann Miller, while clad in some beautiful outfits, sasses and teases Danny DeVito as he tries to ruin her parents, hoping that the sexual tension will cause him to weaken or falter. I don't happen to find her very attractive, but Alvin Sargent's screenplay, based on Jerry Sterner's play, has given her some very good lines! Yes, no one likes to see a corporate goon pick on poor ol' Gregory Peck, but it's actually a really enjoyable movie. And, amazingly enough, besides the heavy subject matter, the movie is a comedy! For some great one-liners, some steamy romantic banter, and an economics lesson, you can't go wrong by watching Other People's Money.
Danny DeVito plays a slimy scumbag who makes business deals and often destroys companies. His next target: Gregory Peck's and Piper Laurie's struggling company. If you don't know what a corporate takeover is, the movie will teach you. As the old-world and new-world views clash, the old-timers pull out a secret weapon: their daughter. Penelope Ann Miller, while clad in some beautiful outfits, sasses and teases Danny DeVito as he tries to ruin her parents, hoping that the sexual tension will cause him to weaken or falter. I don't happen to find her very attractive, but Alvin Sargent's screenplay, based on Jerry Sterner's play, has given her some very good lines! Yes, no one likes to see a corporate goon pick on poor ol' Gregory Peck, but it's actually a really enjoyable movie. And, amazingly enough, besides the heavy subject matter, the movie is a comedy! For some great one-liners, some steamy romantic banter, and an economics lesson, you can't go wrong by watching Other People's Money.
Entertaining, spoiled by acting
bonzi19 February 2011
This rather entertaining feel-good movie about a "corporate takeover shark" attacking a mom-and-pop business is ruined by some of its star lineup delivering mediocre at best performance. DeVito, of course, is brilliant as ever, and some minor roles are delivered quite well. But Peck's performance feels half hearted and mechanical, and Penelope Ann Miller acts on par with an average high school production.
Multi-layered interplay between DeVito's takeover artist and Miller's yuppie star lawyer is supposed to be the backbone of the movie. However, Miller wooden acting fails to bring any subtlety to it, and as the result I had difficulty believing DeVito's side, as well.
Gregory Peck was relying on clichés of his decades of acting, but failed to deliver convincing angst of a man losing the centerpiece of his life.
So, watch, but don'r expect brilliant performances.
Multi-layered interplay between DeVito's takeover artist and Miller's yuppie star lawyer is supposed to be the backbone of the movie. However, Miller wooden acting fails to bring any subtlety to it, and as the result I had difficulty believing DeVito's side, as well.
Gregory Peck was relying on clichés of his decades of acting, but failed to deliver convincing angst of a man losing the centerpiece of his life.
So, watch, but don'r expect brilliant performances.
Leaves a Bad Taste
superfroggish130 December 2009
This movie has to have been one of the most painful experiences of my life, and I dearly wish I could have not finished watching it in economics class. I don't know anything about the play, so I won't compare them, but there was pretty much nothing of redeeming value in the movie save the resolution to the company's plight and the speeches (which don't have a whole lot of redeeming value). First of all, Mr. DeVito's character was such a creep that the whole romance thing is way too ridiculous and disgusting to swallow and tolerate, much less believe. Second of all, the lead actress' acting was incredibly one dimensional. Third of all, every time Larry smokes and eats a doughnut at the same time, they managed to make it so disgusting that I felt as if I were having a heart attack, and I love doughnuts. You can't even look at him without gagging and hoping that he does have a heart attack. Everything in this movie makes your skin crawl, and I don't think it was entirely done on purpose. Perhaps they wanted to make Larry look like a creep, but that effect managed to seep into every single frame. It's not even that it's a poorly done film, it's just completely repellent. After I watched this, I felt disgusting for two days, as if I ate ash trays for lunch and dinner. This film leaves such a bad taste you can't enjoy what little good stuff there is.
Brilliant film
javaguru20 January 2002
Danny DeVito is sensational as Lawrence Garfield, aka. Larry the Liquidator.
The movie was chugging along nicely, but nothing special until the proxy fight where Andrew Jorgenson, the we've-always-done-it-this-way founder of the company, and "Larry the Liquidator" give speeches to the assembled shareholders. After Jorgenson's speech I was about to write the movie off as another flawed Hollywood portrayal of business and economics, but then comes Larry's speech which is the high point of the movie. Larry's speech is absolutely fantastic and surprising.
The rest of the movie is filled in nicely if not spectacularly. The romance between Larry and Jorgenson's smart and attractive lawyer Kate Sullivan is a nice touch and serves to add another dimension to DeVito's character. The resolution with Jorgenson's company at the end is contrived and the only real detraction from the movie, but that's Hollywood.
One of my all-time favorite movies. I give it a 9, and that puts it in my top 5%.
The movie was chugging along nicely, but nothing special until the proxy fight where Andrew Jorgenson, the we've-always-done-it-this-way founder of the company, and "Larry the Liquidator" give speeches to the assembled shareholders. After Jorgenson's speech I was about to write the movie off as another flawed Hollywood portrayal of business and economics, but then comes Larry's speech which is the high point of the movie. Larry's speech is absolutely fantastic and surprising.
The rest of the movie is filled in nicely if not spectacularly. The romance between Larry and Jorgenson's smart and attractive lawyer Kate Sullivan is a nice touch and serves to add another dimension to DeVito's character. The resolution with Jorgenson's company at the end is contrived and the only real detraction from the movie, but that's Hollywood.
One of my all-time favorite movies. I give it a 9, and that puts it in my top 5%.
big greedy businessman vs small town company
ksf-21 October 2023
The awesome danny devito, just post ruthless people, throw momma, and twins. Co-stars huge golden-age hollywood star gregory peck. When corporate money guy larry garfield tries to buy a new england small company, the workers are afraid he will just shut it down or sell the parts for the tax benefits. So they try to stop it. Shady backroom deals. Some interesting notes in wikipedia about the ending. It's pretty good. Some similarities to the film big business, which had come out in 1988. Corporate raiders. Minus the twins story.
Directed by norman jewison. He's probably better known for moonstruck, fiddler, and jc super star. Was nominated for seven films! But not this one.
Directed by norman jewison. He's probably better known for moonstruck, fiddler, and jc super star. Was nominated for seven films! But not this one.
But I don't like Danny DaVito....
graves-scott29 November 2021
All of the high ratings for this movie lauded Danny DaVito as the reason to watch. I don't like him as a lead. I can tolerate him in a supporting role but as a lead I just can't stand him. He's like paprika. As an addition to a dish it is delicious but if you had to eat a tablespoon of it you'd gag.
Without liking DaVito there is nothing else to the movie. It's like adding that paprika to gruel with nothing else in it. The dish doesn't come together.
Without liking DaVito there is nothing else to the movie. It's like adding that paprika to gruel with nothing else in it. The dish doesn't come together.
DeVito can't miss
Ron-18115 November 2000
Another Danny DeVito triumph. He always gives a strong performance. An excellent cast including Penelope Miller, Gregory Peck and Dean Jones. This film welcomes you to the real world of business take overs and DeVito pulls it off convincingly. Clever dialogue and good pace make for an entertaining film. I rated this an 8.
Passable Comedy Version of Wall Street - Other People's Money
arthur_tafero11 January 2023
Unless I am off base, this is a comedic version of Wall Street, the successful Michael Douglas film that portrayed how companies are destroyed by financiers who are only concerned about making profits, and do not give two cents for the livelihoods of other people. Danny DaVito plays the role formerly done by Michael Douglas, but he adds something to the role that Douglas did not have; a very sharp sense of humor. Penelope Ann Miller is his romantic interest, which I was not buying from the word go, and Gregory Peck was the Liberal conscience of America, giving his best Atticus Finch heartfelt plea for common decency. Of course, profits trump decency well over 99% of the time, as we all know. This is an enjoyable comedy, and, at times, a sad reminder of the inadequacies of America; poor business and political decisions, lack of direction, horrendous infrastructure, and a vast amount of ignorance. Other than that, we have a great country with people who know how to cannibalize the weak. After all, life is survival of the fittest, right? The only weakness of this film (in addition to the unlike romance between Miller and Davito) is the ending, which was even more unlikely than the proposed romance. Other than these two faults, the film is pretty good and funny at several junctures, not to mention it is informative as well.
One of The worst movies I've ever seen
alexthegrazz28 October 2023
I could not believe how bad this movie is on so many levels evidently it was a play at some point or something like that but the acting in this movie is so bad that it just makes me want to pull my hair out Danny DeVito in this crappy love story with Penelope Miller she is a terrible actress in this movie you can literally see where she's going to go way before she acts that way it is not in any form entertaining at all the best part of the movie is Gregory Peck God bless him everything else is just terrible don't waste your time on this awful awful drool of a freaking movie. A complete waste of time it is a complete waste of time total waste of time.
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