AniInterview Sorry, this movie sucks

Hayden Kane There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

Neive Bellamy Excellent and certainly provocative... If nothing else, the film is a real conversation starter.

Rosie Searle It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

vincentlynch-moonoi I'm surprised this film wasn't a bit more successful (it lost a ton of money) and better regarded than the rating it gets here. Overall, I enjoyed it.I thought Whoopi Goldberg was great as a struggling and then successful financial adviser. I wasn't clear -- was that her as Robert Cutty, or a stand-in? A real treasure here is the supporting part by Diane Weist as the secretary. Every time I see her I think what a treasure she is.The other supporting actors do their jobs, but hardly stand out. It is nice to see Eli Wallach as a rich businessman...he was 80 when he made this film, and although always a supporting actor, he always did a fine job. Tim Daly was appropriately sleazy in his role. And, it was nice to see Bebe Neuwirth (who most people recognize as Frazier Crane's wife) in a different part.Overall, the plot was handled nicely, with the overarching moral lesson being that in all walks of life there will be people who are inherently talented, but sometimes go unrecognized if they don't fit the usual racial (or other) pattern. The one part of the plot where things sort of fell apart was Robert Cutty's appearance at the hotel; this was sloppy and just didn't feel right. And blowing him up in a car -- the man who didn't even exist -- also seemed a bit slapstickish. But aside from those two areas, the script was pretty good.No, it's not the greatest comedy film ever made, but it's pretty decent and had a good moral point. Recommended, though it may not find its way to your DVD shelf.

jotix100 Never having seen this film, we decided to take a chance with it. We were quite surprised to learn this Hollywood film is based on a French one, "L'associe", written for the screen by Jean Claude Carriere and based on Jenaro Prieto's novel "El Socio". Daniel Petrie, its director is working with Nick Thiel's adaptation, which appears to have been a vehicle for its star, Whoopi Goldberg.Some comments have compared this movie with "Working Girl", a film that also dealt with a smart woman working in the financial world, one of the themes in "The Associate". We are introduced to an intelligent woman, Laurel Ayers, who happens to have three things going against her, she is black, a woman, and is intelligent enough to merit a promotion in the Wall Street firm she works for. Unfortunately, it comes as no surprise that Laurel is passed and her co-worker, Frank, gets the good job and becomes her boss.The film is mildly funny, as Laurel goes to make a name for herself by creating a "silent" partner, Mr. Cutty, who is never seen. The financial world is all in a frenzy to meet him, and the hilarious appearance at the Plaza Hotel, instead of making things clear, contributes to his myth.Ms. Goldberg is delightful to watch. Dianne Wiest makes an impressive appearance as the loyal Sally, who is an under appreciated woman. Timothy Daly is perfect as the egotistical Frank. The supporting cast is good. Bebe Neuwirth, Eli Wallach, Austin Pendelton, and a funny Lanie Kazan as a financial gossip writer.While the film is predictable, it offers some funny moments.

mimimeme I just saw The Associate yesterday for the first time. I'm not really sure I ever even heard of it before, but my reaction was WHAT A FILM, HOW DID I EVER MISS THIS ONE! Whoopi, as always, did a great job, this time portraying a smart, hard-working financial whiz who must resort to subterfuge in order to get the "props" that have otherwise eluded her. The clever script and wonderful array of characters made this an enjoyable viewing experience. I especially enjoyed Kenny Kerr's character. Simply Beautiful! Austin Pendleton, Bebe Neuwirth, Dianne Wiest, Tim Daly, and Eli Wallach each contributed to the fun. I hated to see it end. Let's hope Whoopi makes more films of this ilk.

chaplins_charlie I just saw this movie and it was pretty funny. It would've probably been better to me if I worked at Wall St. because through the whole beginning of the movie, it deals with Wall St. type of stuff. But as the movie went on it got to be funny and then I began to understand it more. Whoopi Goldberg wasn't as funny or as good as I thought she would be. I found her to be a bit boring at times and she looked as though she didn't want to do that movie. However, Dianne Wiest came in and saved the whole movie. I completely loved her as Sally, Whoopi's eager assistant. The credit goes to her and a little to Whoopi. I thought Whoppi was funny when she dressed up as Robert Cutter. This movie was pretty good overall with a sort of Mrs. Doubtfire look to it!!