Search - Starting Over on DVD

K. K. (GAMER)
Reviewed on 8/13/2018...

Strange story but interesting with young Burt Reynolds and Candice Bergen actors.

2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.

Burt Reynolds' personal favorite film role

Joe O'Brien | Virginia Beach, Virginia USA | 08/13/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I first saw "Starting Over" in the theatre when it first came out in the fall of 1979 and then many years later on home video and I still find it enjoyable. It was directed by the late, great Alan J. Pakula("All The President's Men" from 1976,"Sophie's Choice" from 1982)and the screenplay was written by James L.Brooks(one of the writers on The Mary Tyler Moore Show in the '70's,"Terms of Endearment" from 1983,"Broadcast News" from 1987, "As Good As It Gets" from 1997), and starred Jill Clayburgh and Candice Bergen and the underrated Burt Reynolds.Ms. Clayburgh was nominated for Best Actress for her role as the school teacher looking for love,(Sally Field won for "Norma Rae").Ms. Bergen was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in her role as the aspiring songwriter(Meryl Streep won for "Kramer vs. Kramer").Burt Reynolds wasn't even nominated for his role as Phil Potter.He was a superstar at the time and the No.1 box office attraction in America and it seems he was snubbed by the Academy.It was too bad because after all he was the lead role in the picture as the just divorced man who was starting over in a new life.The Academy did finally give him a nomination nearly 20 years later in 1997 for his fine performance in "Boogie Nights",(Robin Williams won for "Good Will Hunting").At least the Academy finally recognized his work. "Starting Over" features funny supporting roles for Charles Durning as Phil Potter's older psychiatrist brother and Frances Sternhagen as his sister Marva Potter.The movie has many funny moments,like when Candice Bergen,as Phil's ex-wife breaks out in song and Phil's reaction to this musical moment.Burt Reynolds has said in interviews that Phil Potter in "Starting Over" was his personal favorite film role.I can see why."

A cult classic

Jamaica Jake | Bethesda, MD | 08/12/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of the great cult classic romantic comedies, right up there with "The Heartbreak Kid." The writing by James Brooks is, as always, smart, dry, and very funny; and Alan J. Pakula gets great performances from everyone in the amazing cast. (I've always thought Charles Durning is one America's best character actors.) I have to disagree with one of the other reviewers who thought Jill Clayburgh was miscast. Her performance is charming and droll, a perfect match for Burt Reynolds, who gives a great performance that works particularly well because he's playing against type -- a macho star who gets big laughs when, during a love scene with Clayburgh where she's groning happily, says "I'm not that good."



I have only one complaint about this film -- it's not available on DVD, and I can't figure out why. Wake up, Paramount!"

Insanely funny romantic comedy

J. B. Schliewenz | Parsippany, NJ | 02/27/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I didn't realize how young Burt Reynolds is in this movie....but I love all of his romantic comedies, and was happy that amazon.com had this one. Jill Clayburgh is well cast as the love interest and Candace Bergen is hysterical as Reynolds' soon-to-be ex-wife. No wonder she was so great (later on) as "Murphy Brown." The story is hilarious and yet has its warm fuzzy moments. Great songs, too (when Bergen isn't trying to sing them herself)! Thoroughly enjoyable."