Seems Like Old Times

In the category of oldies but goodies, and in light of the dearth of good comedy these days (Jason Reitman and the Farrelly Bros. notwithstanding)…

Ray Stark’s production of Jay Sandrich’s “Seems Like Old Times” is one of two terrific comedies pairing Goldie Hawn and Chevy Chase, both at the very height of their talents (and popularity), the other being “Foul Play.”

While Sandrich is and was mostly known as a television director of comedy, his direction is perfect for this script, written by the incredible Neil Simon. Yes, it has a certain sitcom-iness but it raises to another level, because of the scope of the screenplay and the performances by leads Hawn, Chase, Charles Grodin, Robert Guillaume, and T.K. Carter. And Sandrich keeps the hijinx moving perfectly along.

Its interesting, I was reading a review by Roger Ebert of a movie from 1998. He quoted as follows:

“Stanley Kauffmann, the great film critic of The New Republic, was on Charlie Rose's show the other night, sharing the discoveries of 40 years as a film critic. What he has noticed over the years, he said, is that we are getting more good dramatic films than in the old days--but fewer good entertainments. It is easier to excel at drama than at comedy.”

This is true. Comedy has become a rare success these days. Good thing for movies like Seems Like Old Times which retain their sense of humor, a few decades later.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005V5NS/imdb-button/