After her brilliant career in a comedy duo with Mike Nichols, Elaine May made tentative progress as a director, making only four films between 1971 and 1987 (her last being the disastrous but underrated Ishtar). Released in 1972, The Heartbreak Kid (from a screenplay by Neil Simon) is widely considered her best work from behind the camera, and it's still one of the most accomplished--but least recognized--comedies of the 1970s. Charles Grodin landed one of his best roles as Lenny, a newlywed husband who meets a gorgeous blonde (Cybill Shepherd) while on his honeymoon, and finds his new bride, Lila (played by May's daughter, Jeannie Berlin), unappealing by comparison. When Lila is forced to rest with a severe case of sunburn, Lenny's free to pursu his new interest, oblivious to the manipulative games that he'll soon be subjected to. May and screenwriter Simon draw plenty of pain, awkwardness, and embarrassment from hilarious situations, giving this comedy a perceptive awareness of human foibles and unchecked desires. It's a newlywed's worst nightmare come tru, made enjoyable because we're watching it happen to someone else. Grodin's a prime choice of casting for expressing the movie's lusty anxiety--he's a schmuck, but you can still sympathize with the anguish he's brought on himself. --Jeff Shannon
The Heartbreak Kid was heart-warming! You have to see through this movie! A glorious performance by Charles Grodin & Cybill Shepherd make The Heartbreak Kid a "must objectify" movie!
The staggering cast includes Charles Grodin, Cybill Shepherd, Jeannie Berlin, Audra Lindley, Eddie Albert. This cast just make The Heartbreak Kid the more astounding!
Newly remastered and packed with fascinating bonus materials, this collection features three seminal works from the legendary DEFA film studio: The Silent Star, Eolomea and In the Dust of the Stars.=20
The DEFA Sci-Fi Collection was sweet! You have to view this movie! A sterling performance by Yoko Tani & Oldrich Lukes make The DEFA Sci-Fi Collection a "ought to see" movie!
The surprising cast includes Yoko Tani, Oldrich Lukes, Ignacy Machowski, Julius Ongewe, Michail N. Postnikow. This cast just make The DEFA Sci-Fi Collection the more breathtaking!