Moustroll Good movie but grossly overrated

Ariella Broughton It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.

Anoushka Slater While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

Logan By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

beauzee Jack Lemmon rescues this good comedy which shoulda been great > there are as many believable and funny scenes as there are unbelievable and just plain dumb scenes which should have hit the cutting room floor.as a NJ-NYer from 1951 to 2009, I loved the location shots of New York in 1970 and the Director and EDitor know just how much time to spend on these classic backdrops.of course, movie comedy is about exaggeration and we can go down of a list of "in reality, they could have easily....". but it's Neil Simon, probably the first American playwright who writes mostly based upon his own New York experiences and knows how to tickle the funnybone especially, of middle class easterners, earnest but constantly being kicked around; not as street savvy as they think they are.I wrote above that Lemmon saves the project, as professional as it is, because, frankly, Sandy Dennis is uncharacteristically awful. And it's not her fault, I surmise > seems the Director does not know if she should just use her beautiful "English accent", throughout, or mix in some real Brooklynese. On the other hand, perhaps his concept of Mrs. Kellerman, is a kind of naïve, flaky kid, like Edith Bunker > always adoring - restrained but still capable of breaking out in a lecture, if needed.another reason I chose a "6" rating is in the terrible denouement and finale scene. to use a contemporary expression to describe an old movie directorial/literary choice, "what were they thinking?".good to see Meara and Billy Dee Williams, in early roles. (and all those 8 cylinder sedans!).

jacabiya Saw it a couple of days ago following "The Odd Couple" at TCM, and contrary to the opinion of a fellow commentator who also saw them that day, enjoyed both films similarly. These have always been some of my favorite film comedies (I can't help though watching "The Odd Couple" and thinking what Billy Wilder would have made of that film). These are the Neil Simon films I enjoy most (I may add Seems Like Old Times), and I simply have to watch "The Out of Towners" every time they show it on TV. I lived in NYC so it is always a treat to revisit the city. Watch this film to see what real cinema was in the 70's, with real people, real crowds, on location filming and no special effects – except the amazing scene with the manhole cover, which I can't believe was the real deal even though it looked that way. I was also impressed with how much running Lemmon and Dennis do. Lemmon even carries Dennis in his arms up a small hill in Central Park. Like I said, the real deal. Lemmon of course is a physical comedy genius, and I also find Dennis very funny. After repeated watching some scenes – the kid in the park, e.g. – seem now forced and unfunny. I'd also have to agree about Lemmon's poor decision-making, but this is a comedy so that doesn't bother me too much. The Martin-Hawn remake, on the other hand, was simply horrendous.

GeoPierpont I have been visiting NYC since the early 70's, so I was most interested to see if any fond memories highlighted this collaboration. As a huge fan of Lemon, I knew this film would be first rate. Oy Vey! What a challenge to watch even 5 minutes between commercials for another film.First, you have a high level executive interview which translates, at least to most I assume, this guy has it going on. They used Travel Agencies back then, hence this big time NYC company would use only the best. Of course they would be aware of the perils of taking a late flight the night BEFORE an early appointment which might POSSIBLY lead to difficulties. Hence, right off the bat I am being conned into the ramifications of implausible events.Comedy typically comes from unexpected actions and consequences and when you see them coming at every turn it gets EXTREMELY boring! Whoever read this script and kept laughing every five minutes to give the green light owed Mr. Simon a HUGE debt or knew where the bodies were buried.I believe Lemon accepted the role without reading the script and this explains his involvement in such a deleterious role. Dennis was bad enough in WAOVW, so was prepared for yet another annoying performance.Perhaps if you had him coming to town to visit a dying relative and develop the comic action in the ICU this would have more credibility. I advise anyone considering this worse than drivel of a film to complete avoidance.I can only recommend for those who want to see reminders of the old NYC and how it was regarded as a languid, sorrowful, corrupt city and how mightily it reincarnated and rose from the ashes to become the shining star of destination locations in the world.Simon, this was your town and no one wanted to live there anyways then, so why the F U??? Please explain if we ever meet.

Baccchewa I love this film. Jack Lemmon is outstanding and Sandy Dennis is great as the supporting wife (she's very sweet and I love the way she says "I'm getting a bit irritable" about half way into the chaos). The script is superb with funny, witty dialog. The direction and camera-work is great - sometimes almost documentary in style, sometimes very original and groundbreaking. I also love the 70s style with the cars, signs, colors, interiors and clothes. And the music! See it, buy it (if you can get hold of it). It's a film worth seeing many times. I've already said my piece, but, you know, there's this 10 line requirement, so I do a bit of rambling here. There, now it's gotten through....