The Best of Times

The film did not do well at the box office. I saw it in a sneak preview. I have always enjoyed the film. I live in 1 of the cities mentioned in the film where past players moved to. Not the best film ever put to screen, but enjoyable. Robin did well with his role. Best line of the film at the beginning, by Robin's character Jack: "I was that SOB!" Cleaned up here as not to offend anyone. Was glad when it came to DVD a few years back in the wide screen/letter box format. I am not a football fan or a real sports fan. But, you do not need to be one to like this film.

I'm not a fan of the always overpraised Robin Williams but he does a nice job in "The Best of Times". Williams does a nice job, no doubt, but the rest of the cast does a great job. "The Best of Times" is one of my favorites. It always hits the spot. It has one great line after another. It's very funny and it has a great villain. I've seen this movie a bunch of times. It moves me in ways few comedies have. In my house "The Best of Times" is a classic.

Spoiler This movie is about such a concept. Williams will go to any low in order to replay the football game that haunts his life. Russel plays the ex jock who peaked in high school. Finally the under dog get its shot, and Williams can save face, instead of being the clown. A great reverse tragedy. 7/10

This was a complete movie revealing each actor and character actors talent for display for all to remember. Had it been made after one hit by Russell/Williams it would have been acclaimed. All the talent from the lead actors to the smallest character were given sight and insights of life's perfect ability excellently written by The Great BullDurham writer Robert Shelton What a script, acting, with love joy and a happy deplay. If you love sports, played sports, loved Rudy, Hoosiers, Bad news bears, The Sandlot you will love this movie. Pay attention to the lines or you will miss out. Or see it the 100 times as I have and check out ones you missed.

Why did this movie fail commercially? It's got a sharp script (by Ron Shelton) and great performances by Kurt Russell and, especially, Robin Williams, in a brilliant manic nerd turn that's different from any of his other work. A great renter.

The Best of Times is one of the great sleepers of all time. The setup does not tax your patience, the development is steady, the many intertwined relationships are lovingly established, the gags and bits all work and all are funny. There is lots of sentimentality. Kurt Russell playing Reno Hightower puts in one of his best performances, and Robin Williams playing Jack Dundee is sure-footed as ever. The cast also includes many great supporters. Jack's wife is played by Jack Palance's daughter, who is lovely, as is Reno's wife, who is a great comedian. I can't tell you how many times I've watched this movie, how many times I have enjoyed it and how often I wish that more people could see it.

Robin Williams and Kurt Russell play guys in their 30's who put their marraiges in jeopardy by deciding (Russell somewhat reluctantly) to replay their heartbreaking tie with rival Bakersfield years after the fact. Williams is ok, but Russell is flat-out great as legendary Taft quarterback Remo Hightower. Holly Palance does a nice and attractive turn as Williams' wife, who could live without this rematch. Film is worth watching just to see the famed Remo in action. Highly recommended.