One of the worst movies I've ever seen

Am I Missing Something?

This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

This movie feels like it was made purely to piss off people who want good shows

SEXTETTE is a throwback to the early years of cinema, where stars were larger than life and films threw in song and dance routines at regular intervals in the name of popular entertainment. It's also a vehicle for elderly starlet Mae West, at the tail-end of her career, playing a man-eater celebrating her wedding to a young toyboy (a visibly embarrassed Timothy Dalton). As the credits rolled, I had no idea what I'd just seen.Clearly the director is in love with West and the film has been concocted as a tribute to her. But the format is very odd and old fashioned and West's appearance is rather shocking; her age is never mentioned so it's pretty weird to see her trying to play herself some fifty years previously. Often the narrative will break off to feature some filmed insert of West making one of her trademark wisecracks, which is bizarre in itself.The music is pretty poor although there are endless guest appearances from a wide variety of folk in an attempt to entertain: Tony Curtis, Ringo Starr, George Hamilton, and Alice Cooper all show up here. Overall though, SEXTETTE is a ludicrous film, and I can't help but think that it would have been better to remember West as she was rather than as she is here.

Having previously watched many of Mae West's Paramount movies as well as her one Universal with W.C. Fields, I decided to now watch her very last movie on YouTube called Sextette. She may be noticeably aged to her 84 or 85 years here but she still can make a risqué line seem charming enough to amuse. Dom DeLuise is just as much fun as her handler especially when doing the "Honey Pie" number while tap dancing. Of much of the supporting cast: Ringo Starr is okay as one of West's ex-hubbys as a film director, Tony Curtis has some good moments as another of hers, George Hamilton doesn't seem to fare as well but there was an amusing moment when he talks to a Brando-Godfather impersonator especially when one knows Hamilton's later playing a role in Godfather III. Keith Moon is hilarious as West's dress designer. Alice Cooper is almost unrecognizable as the entertainingly smooth piano singer. And leading man Timothy Dalton isn't bad as the leading man who has to prove his manliness to the media at every turn. He also isn't bad as a singer when he warbles "Love Will Keep Us Together" to West (certainly better than another Bond actor, Pierce Brosnan, singing in Momma Mia!). Loved DeLuise's ironic line about him near the end! And how fitting that George Raft, who cast Mae in her first film role in Night After Night, gets a cameo here alongside her in an elevator. How ironic they'd die within two days of each other a couple of years later (Ms. West on Nov. 22, 1980 and Raft on the 24th). Mae herself could still put over a song especially when she sings "Happy Birthday, Sweet 21" to a young athlete. Oh, and I also loved the impersonation of the president of the time, Jimmy Carter, here. So on that note, I mostly liked Sextette and would recommend it to any of Ms. West's fans.

Some people have gone to great lengths to belittle and to insult Sextette and its stars, and their performances. To be honest, I think the only reason that they have done this is because of the ageism inherent in mainstream culture; they find it impossible to accept that a person over a certain age can still be sexually active and lively.Such is the case with Mae West, who looks incredible for her age (mid-80s at the time of filming!), and who plays Marlo Manners, siren of the silver screen. Never once is it said that she is supposed to be some kind of twentysomething, nor would it be logical to assume. She wasn't that age at the height of her popularity! The script itself pokes fun at everything, and Marlo as a character is not exempt to this. Many people who have seen Sextette seem simply to have missed this fact, probably because they were determined from the outset to dislike the film.It's actually quite funny and very entertaining, and there are some poignant moments. I beg to differ with some of the reviews that insist that poignance is out of place -- in fact, there are a few instances in the film where it's clear that is what is supposed to happen. It's mostly laughs and silly, mildly naughty fun, and wickedly clever. But at the same time, there are points where the viewer is moved a little by the circumstances. Just a little. But it's there. And it is always impossible, regardless of that, to ignore or dismiss the fact that this was Mae's last film, her farewell to her fans, giving them a last hurrah to make them smile. That makes it even more special.One cannot help but wonder that some of the comments made by Marlo reflected that Mae intended for this to be her last film from the start and decided simply to go out with a bang -- double-entendre intended! Surrounded by handsome and capable male co-stars, all giving enjoyable performances, who wouldn't be pleased? It's a nice legacy, even if it wasn't She Done Him Wrong. It's certainly better than having her last appearance be the abysmal, homophobic Myra Breckinredge, which she was extremely unhappy at being a part of, even if she was the only good part.The costumes seem to support this, with their emphasis on fabulous finery of classic Hollywood. It's not like this was an accident. She would not have looked as stunning in the fashions of 1978 (which, to be honest, were rather atrocious), and there is nothing wrong with dressing in a style that suits rather than a style that happens to be popular at the time. She stands out, with her 'retro' elegance, which adds to the unique character.People do get older. It's ridiculous that some people compare her appearance in Sextette to appearances forty years previous. Her confidence and wit are still there, and she lights up the screen every time she is on it, despite the strength of the supporting cast. At her age in Sextette, she was more than amusing, more than convincing, and more than capable. So she was a little slower-moving, a little less youthful and energetic, than she was forty years ago. Most people would be severely challenged to be half that capable in the same situation, acting or no! Sextette is a film that amuses and entertains, and that is a rarity now. It was a rarity even in 1978, when it was released. So many films and filmmakers, actors as well, forget that they are supposed to entertain. But Sextette is amusing throughout, and it is a film that I cannot dislike. People need lighthearted laughs, and Sextette has plenty of those. The wit in the script is tops, and it never crosses the line into anything tacky. It may not be an award-winning film, but who cares? Awards are largely meaningless. The important thing is to entertain and to amuse, and that is what Sextette does in abundance. Some people just need to dismount their high horses and remember what cinema is supposed to be in the first place.Sextette is fun for most audiences. It occupies a proud position in my video library.

I rented this movie and I really enjoyed it a lot! Why? Well mostly because I love movies and I am familiar with Mae West I guess. I think I have seen all her movies starting from her classics in the 30's and 40's on up.This was her last movie and I think she did a fine job in this movie. I really enjoyed it and liked it a lot. I thought that Miss West did a fantastic job with this film. I was very astonished that she was so remarkably the same as she was during her heyday in the thirties. This was a star that is one of a kind and make no mistake—there will never be another like her again.As I watched this film, I was in a state of shock because it seemed as if time had stood still and there seemed to be no gap from the 30's and 40's and the time this film was made in the late 70's. When Mae does that Happy Birthday 21 number there is absolutely nostalgia and magic because it is poignant and amazing at the same time.Mae sure aged well, she still possessed all those Westian traits and characteristics and I have to say, I do not believe I have ever witnessed this before with any movie star. She was totally amazing to say the least.Oh yeah, I know all about the negative comments about this film, but all I have to say is this: How can anyone rate a movie fairly if they are hostile and determined to criticize? I have to say the negative comments concerning this movie do say practically the same tired old things, and no one can fairly evaluate a movie if they are hostile or have pre-conceived notions.I think this movie was meant for fans of Mae West, was meant for total camp, and I have to say that I was not disappointed! One cannot evaluate a movie is one is prejudiced regarding age, appearance or whatever. One cannot evaluate a movie honestly and objectively if one is prejudiced in any manner—especially if one is age-prejudiced or only concerned about appearances.Negative comments here reflect exactly what I am talking about. If one is prejudiced about age or appearance, then the comments one posts reflect this. As soon as I read comments about a movie that attack one's age or appearance, then I know that those comments have lost all credibility. I thought it was illegal to discriminate against one because of a person's age? Is that not true? Then why does IMDb allow these negative comments only based on age??? That is completely unfair to say the least! If one wants to criticize then fine—but do so without attacking a person personally because of age, appearance, etc.! It is unfair, unthinking, and unfeeling to attack only because of one's age! I think that reveals so very much about a commentator too! Take it from there!!! This movie is far better than some people give it credit for. One must put aside pre-conceived notions and look at a film with non-prejudiced eyes to fairly evaluate a film. I have to say I thought this film was really perky, really good, and possesses a truly campy element. It is funny! It is good-natured! And most importantly—it is harmless!!! Of course I am not prejudiced in any way and I am also very open-minded so this reflects my comments.What is the matter with some of these "critics" that overly criticize? As soon as you read the attacks on Miss West's abilities, appearance, and age, then you know right away that those comments are without merit.I just can't believe that some people are so absolutely heartless to say some of the very, very negative comments I have read here. I would say, why did those like that watch this movie to begin with? I think the answer is because those people want to criticize and have something very lacking in their own personalities and qualities. If a person wants to comment negatively, then that person should, but they should also not attack a person personally because then the comments they make lose all credibility.No worse than lots and lots of films! It is also not an Academy Award winner, but maybe it should have been for effort!!!!! I give it as big 10 for Mae still doing what she always did best, and that is just basically being her sexy, amazing self!!!! Still love you great Mae!