Review of Off Beat

Off Beat (1986)
6/10
Don't tell anyone, but I didn't mind it.
20 June 2017
Judge Reinhold stars as librarian Joe Gower, who owes his cop pal Abe (Cleavant Derricks) a favour after unwittingly blowing an undercover drugs bust. So when Abe is chosen by his boss to take part in a police charity dance show, he gets Joe to take his place; at first Joe is reluctant to take part, but eventually he learns to loosen up and enjoy himself, especially after falling for pretty dance partner, hostage negotiator Rachel Wareham (Meg Tilly).

A gentle, PG-rated rom-com starring a prancing Judge Reinhold finds its way into my DVD 'to watch' pile, causing me to momentarily slip into Austin Powers mode (That's not mine! I'm telling you baby, that's not mine. This sort of thing ain't my bag, baby!). Then I remember: I was given the DVD as part of a freebie job lot by a work colleague, who was moving to the States, so I feel a little bit better about myself.

I watch the film so that I can add it to my pile of films destined for the local charity shop, and am surprised to find that it isn't all that bad. Not great, mind you, and not a 'keeper' (it's still going down the charro), but pleasant enough for a one-time viewing. Don't expect any outrageous, off the wall comedy (as the blurb on the cover promises)—there isn't any (unless the sight of Reinhold in Lycra counts). Do expect some mildly amusing silliness, a spot of heartwarming romance, and lots of familiar faces (the supporting cast including Joe Mantegna, Harvey Keitel, Fred Gwynne, John Turturro, and magician Penn Jillette).

5.5/10, rounded up to 6 for IMDb.
1 out of 2 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

Recently Viewed