Let's be realistic.

Clever and entertaining enough to recommend even to members of the 1%

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

Easily the biggest piece of Right wing non sense propaganda I ever saw.

I am a great fan of both Gene Hackman and Barbra Streisand. This movie, however, received such devastatingly antagonistic reviews that I did not bother to see it on first release.I have now caught up with the movie on an excellent Flashback DVD. I really enjoyed every single minute of the dialog, the acting and the plot. In fact, I am absolutely amazed that both critics and audiences were generally so impervious to all the film's rib-tickling delights. I think the problem was that the film was actually sold to the wrong audiences -- mostly an audience that would not appreciate the script's quirkish humor or its message that we live in a constrained world that tends to frown on cut-ups, laugh makers and anyone who does not toe the generally accepted line. The world has such a high regard for those who conform to society's so-called standards, whatever they might be, that those who thumb their noses at these so-called standards, no matter how ridiculous or inappropriate they may be, are both unwelcome and unappreciated. So, I say again, a most enjoyable movie! 10/10!

This plot leads no where. There is really little comedy here. Even Gene Hackman seemed bored with his role through the first half of the film.Both Gene Hackman and Barbara Streisand are terrific comedic actors, but here they offer no comedy. It starts off in the first scene with a chair going thru the window, but there is no attempt to follow that up with comedic dialog. There are some attempts at slapstick while Hackman works his night job, but those are pretty poor.The plot is pretty confusing and one is not sure who is with who. Streisand does look pretty sexy here, but she doesn't offer the one-liners she has in other comedic roles.

Where to start......???? Do you want it fast or do you want it good?? This is a masterpiece......it changed my outlook on growing older! If you are a fan of brilliant one-liners than this is the film for you! This could possibly be the defining role of Barbara Streisand's career. The sheer thought of her singing country and playing the piano brings joy to my meaningless life. For anyone who is a fan of Dennis Quaid prepare yourself for his breakout role.....one that surely paved the way for stardom. Where to even begin with Gene Hackman.....he looks as handsome in this movie as he does today....which for anyone with taste....you know he looks good! Overall the impeccable acting combined with a truly imaginative plot makes for the film that defined 1981!

This is not a typical Streisand film for Streisand fans!!/ This is a very good comedy drama about mid life crisis. Gene Hackman is the guy in this quandry...He wants to hold onto to his fast fading youth change his career, his marital situation etc... problems with his nagging wife, Diane Ladd, and his difficult son, Dennis Quaid, leads him to the arms of Cheryl , BLONDE SEXY CHERYL, PORTRAYED BEAUTIFULLY BY STREISAND !!. Not Fanny Brice, or Dolly Levi, or even Katie.. this is a different totally different Streisand in a beautiful subtle comic performance...She's like a subdued Marilyn Monroe, and plays the part so well you totally forget its Bab! Thats acting world, and she should have been praised ,not panned for this performance !! Hackman is excellent, & the entire cast plays their roles well. Not a great movie, but certainly not the disaster most critics declared it to be.. nice enjoyable adult comedy, with a an interesting slant on a mid life crisis.Deserves to be seen !! When I saw this film opening day in NJ,,there were about 15 people in theatre... critics had already killed it, unfairly... go see for yourself!!