Corporate take overs for the mass mind. Danny Devito is incredibly perfect for the part of the corporate raider, and how he relishes playing the part! Sad to see Gregory Peck reduced for the most part to a stubborn old man, although there are flashes of the great actor he once was. Ah, but doesn't Penelope Ann Miller do a neat Marilyn Monroe imitation talking on the phone to our predatory take over artist?
The fine script, based on a play by Jerry Sterner, and directed by the consummate professional, Norman Jewison, is studded with cynical Wall Street wisdom, not the least of which is, it is always nice to play with other people's money. Naturally this Hollywood presentation is a little shallow, but what a pleasant fantasy for short, old, balding day traders on a holiday.
Of course there is the delicate question of how to play "Danny Devito gets Penelope Ann Miller." Are we going to see him pull her into his arms and tongue kiss her, thereby sweeping her off her feet? I don't think so. However, confidence (and mass bucks) are very sexy, and so there is a certain plausibility to this amusing romantic comedy.
While watching I was reminded that Miller is one of the great beauties of the contemporary screen, but I was saddened to realize how short her span.... Alas. One of the wonderful things about cinema, though, is that she may be young forever, or at least until the deterioration of celluloid.
(Note: Over 500 of my movie reviews are now available in my book "Cut to the Chaise Lounge or I Can't Believe I Swallowed the Remote!" Get it at Amazon!)
The fine script, based on a play by Jerry Sterner, and directed by the consummate professional, Norman Jewison, is studded with cynical Wall Street wisdom, not the least of which is, it is always nice to play with other people's money. Naturally this Hollywood presentation is a little shallow, but what a pleasant fantasy for short, old, balding day traders on a holiday.
Of course there is the delicate question of how to play "Danny Devito gets Penelope Ann Miller." Are we going to see him pull her into his arms and tongue kiss her, thereby sweeping her off her feet? I don't think so. However, confidence (and mass bucks) are very sexy, and so there is a certain plausibility to this amusing romantic comedy.
While watching I was reminded that Miller is one of the great beauties of the contemporary screen, but I was saddened to realize how short her span.... Alas. One of the wonderful things about cinema, though, is that she may be young forever, or at least until the deterioration of celluloid.
(Note: Over 500 of my movie reviews are now available in my book "Cut to the Chaise Lounge or I Can't Believe I Swallowed the Remote!" Get it at Amazon!)