Plenty to Like, Plenty to Dislike

Memorable, crazy movie

Lack of good storyline.

This movie tries so hard to be funny, yet it falls flat every time. Just another example of recycled ideas repackaged with women in an attempt to appeal to a certain audience.

Saw this movie back in the mid-80's on HBO just as I'd gone to work for a medium-sized advertising agency. The best parts of this film are the ones where Joe Brooks has to pitch his music to clients and deal with them in the recording studio along with their ignorance and complete lack of knowledge. As a jingle writer and producer, Joe knows this dynamic very well, and as portrayed here, it's dead-on - the most accurate and honest part of the film. It's extremely relatable if you're in the advertising business. Joe Brooks probably has a hundred stories that are just as funny and inane as the ones presented here, maybe enough for an entire film. That might wear thin pretty quickly, but it would more entertaining than the bulk of "If Ever I See You Again."

It's too bad, too, because the idea had a lot of potential. It just needed a better script, better songs, actors who could actually act and a director who knew what he was doing.Mostly though, this movie is an exercise of ego for one Joe Brooks. He directs, he acts, he sings, he produces. Presumably, he also cast Shelley Hack, whose last name pretty much sums up the state of her acting ability, in the lead female role.Where to start? The acting, if it can be called that, is an abomination. Shelley Hack is leaden and Joe would be lucky to be so good. He plays a jingle writer who aspires to greater things. Judging from the music, he's found his niche with jingles. It has a certain Barry Manilow light quality to it. Imagine hell being trapped in an elevator for all eternity with muzak playing Joe Brooks greatest hits, and you'll begin to get a taste for just how bad it gets.Especially when Joe starts to sing. When Joe made "You Light Up My Life," the first decision he made was to dub Didi Cohn's voice with Debbie Boone's. Would that he showed as much sense here. Somewhere out there, cats start to howl when Joe sings.The bottom line, watch if you must, but remember to bring a book to read. It's two hours of your life you'll never get back

I've seen this in 1978. I've really been there and done that, myself. How True! Lost a Soul Mate at age 17 (1967). Found her in 1976 (age 26), Lost again in 1986 (age 37), found again in 2001 (age 51). We both saw the movie in 1978, again 1980 (HBO). We'll see MY video from HBO, soon. We both know the real story, it's us. We agree, this is it. WE won't loose each other again (both age 55.5). Each time I see it, since 1986, I always get choked up. Even tonight at 9:30 PM (EST) (12/19/2004), It was harder to relive the truth, of the plot and lyrics. It wreaks, of ME. Facts are Facts. You don't realize, until you loose it. In the meantime, we share the same feelings and a 22 yr. old Daughter. That will help us all be together. we NEVER say, "Goodbye". WE SAY, "GOODNIGHT". Questions? Feel free. joecoscia2000@yahoo.com or joecoscia@cox.net. Or, 860-432-1821. Manchester, CT (USA)JOE

I love this movie! It's the one for Christmas Time and contemplative hours. Wonderful music, snow, a charming Joseph Brooks! The romantic song: "If ever I See You Again", which Bob Morrison once wrote for his first love Jennifer,leads you through the whole film.( I wonder whether this lovely song is available on CD?) Sometimes you think, that the uncharitable Jennifer is not good enough for Bob! But, in any case, keep your handkerchief ready!