Paternity

The poster for this Burt Reynolds feature from 1981 is truly off-putting, with Burt pointing at you, taking on the role of 'Uncle Sam' (or 'John Bull', if you're British), in the army recruiting poster pose, wuth the legend saying: "He wants YOU to have his baby". Now, maybe if you're one of those (slightly sad) people who finds the idea of being impregnated by Burt Reynolds at all appealing, will find this proposition um...quite appealing. To the rest of us, we're more likely to have an "Ooh yuck - keep yer filthy Reynoldsian Paws to yerself, there, boyo!" response. So what does this mean as to the quality of the movie? Very little, I'm afraid, and one which will remain a mystery (to me, at least), as I have about ZERO intention of watching a film starring Burt Reynolds. Sorry, but that's the plain truth of the matter. I'm sure Burt was more than likely a lovely bloke to have around (but then, he could have been a complete monster like Mel Gibson, but I wouldn't know, nor do I intend to find out), but I just have no interest in the man whatsoever. I'm sure Barbara Stanwyck & George Kennedy would disagree with me (I believe they both found Mr R a charming co-star & dinner-guest), but as I have ZERO interest in both these actors as well, well, you can see the impasse is fairly irrevocably insoluble. Oh well. Maybe my next review might be for a Clint Eastwood vehicle (one of his classics, not one of the more recent ones where he looks a bit on the doddery side no offense), or a classic Franco Nero actioner, and thereby will be WAY more interesting than all this garbage I've unceremoniously spewed with you all, but I wouldn't guarantee it. I'm beginning to find that it's MUCH much easier writing reviews for films I haven't seen (mostly because I don't have to dissect what I liked or didn't like about said movie, rather than blathering on about something relatively inconsequential, like the movie poster or trailer or somesuch stuff really only peripheral to the whole cinematic experience). Wish me luck! Cheers, Lozz xOx.

I was watching a marathon of National Lampoon vacation flix, and I instantly thought of this movie when I thought of Beverly D'Angelo. She's done many, many memorable movies over the years. Hair, the John Candy flick Summer Rental, and this one are standouts. Suburban Mom roles for Beverly. Odd, but she does it well. This movie is all about Beverly, and Burt allows it. Which I think is very cool. Because she excels in the role. About as serious as an 80's RomCom can stand to be.

Burt Reynolds loves kids. Well after the opening of the film, we get a cringe-like song to listen to while us watch how Reynolds' character connects with children and how much they like him. Even Peter Billingsley (of "A Christmas Story" fame) digs him. The tagline spells out the story "He wants you to have his baby!" New York's most eligible playboy bachelor has just turned 44 and wants to have a child to fill the void in his life, but doesn't want to marry. So he decides to go about trying to find a surrogate mother, where he comes across a waitress who needs the money and doesn't want to be emotionally involved. So the two strikes up a no strings attached agreement, but soon enough they begin to fall for each other. Quite a predictable, but charmingly fashionable and playful old-fashion romantic comedy with a breezy performance by Burt Reynolds and a heart filled turn from Beverly D'Angelo. Even the support cast featuring Norman Fell, Paul Dooley, Lauren Hutton, Elizabeth Ashley and Juanita Moore shape up rather well. Reynolds' clueless character has some rather amusing scenes and complications, especially those when he is searching for his surrogate mother and then of course when he bumps into the ex-girlfriends. Light-hearted entertainment with very good performances. "I'm a lawyer. Not a pimp."

It's a comedy based on the theme of "torture the star". Burt is the star, so he gets tortured. His character Buddy does strange things throughout the movie, making for an adventure into his life that is anything but predictable. Buddy has a big heart but many small character flaws. These flaws are what leads to the predicament he finds himself in and the progression of the film to it's conclusion is a true classic in romantic comedy. The film is a wonderfully done and although there are some adult scenes,nothing in it is graphic. It is just pure comedy. So open a bottle and enjoy this timeless classic with someone you love. Burt's impeccable timing and style make every scene is a work of art. Sadly Netflix seems to have forgotten to get a copy so you will have to look elsewhere to view it.

Buddy Evans (Burt Reynolds) is the most eligible bachelor in New York managing Madison Square Garden. He's 44 and something is missing from his life. With his friends Larry (Norman Fell) and Kurt (Paul Dooley)'s advise, he decides to find a surrogate mother with whom to have a son. The search runs into various roadblocks including a misunderstanding with interior designer Jenny (Lauren Hutton). Maggie (Beverly D'Angelo) is a waitress at his diner hangout who gets accepted to study music in Paris. While chasing after Jenny, Buddy gets into a cab with Maggie. Buddy loses Jenny but Maggie needs the money and accepts the unusual proposal. Burt Reynolds uses all of his roguish charms to make this one work. There are warning signs that my young mind probably didn't understand while watching this back in the day. Watching it today, Burt hanging out with a bunch of kids is awkward at best. Since it's Burt, it's still pretty funny. The most memorable sequence is chasing Lauren Hutton. It's so memorable that I conflated her character with Maggie. This has some awkward fun while able to maintaining a light-hearted feel.