I saw this movie when we first got cable in the early 80's. It really got my attention with the jarring beginning, and the subsequent treatment of the initial character and the bar acquaintances who soon become his support and "family". Great ensemble cast, great soundtrack( I have it on LP), great story. You'll recognize several faces of character actors and some who went on to the small screen for bigger parts. The story doesn't protect the viewer from the ugliness of the characters' lives, though it does let us see the joy and hope the have in the less-than-ideal lives they must live. Some might classify the ending as "hokey", but I prefer to see it as "satisfying".
49 Reviews
Survival of the troubled
jarfoto9 September 2002
At the time when this film was produced, a movie of this type was not well accepted. Who wants to watch sorry people? But,John takes this roll and you become the observer of a wonderful transition and the the people that make it happen. A film that you want good things to happen and they do. Well worth seeing. JAR
Moving, simple and funny drama
the_mysteriousx13 August 2006
Inside Moves is a nice film that sort of combines the best of 70s-styled minimal cinema with the heart you would expect from a Richard Donner film. The most interesting thing about the making of this film is that it's the movie Richard Donner did after he was fired from Superman II. Donner had been a highly successful television director for nearly 20 years when he got his big break on 'The Omen' in 1976. On that hit, he was offered 'Superman' and directed a large scale classic. We'll see most of his vision for 'Superman II' later this year when 'The Donner Cut' comes out on DVD. However, 'Inside Moves' is a small scale film that tells a simple human story and shows that Donner can win with both big and small films.
The opening prelude is quite stunning. John Savage plays Roary, a man who walks up to a building, goes in, and jumps out the window of the 10th floor to commit suicide. He fails and after recovery, he ends up disabled and with nothing. He walks into a bar and finds himself among other disabled people, including Jerry (David Morse in an early lead role) whose bad knee prevents him from following his dream of playing basketball. Roary finds that these people openly kid about their disabilities and at the same time care about each other. Roary begins to open up and find hope and cling to his new friend, Jerry. When Roary helps Jerry get money to have an operation that will fix his knee, Jerry forgets his roots and leaves the bar, disappointing his friends. It's up to Roary to deal with his own emotions and feelings for a fellow waitress (nicely played by Diana Scarwig in an Oscar-nominated performance), and calling Jerry out to return to his friends at the bar.
There are a few schmaltzy moments, but this film has focus and heart. Donner always succeeds in that. More than that, this film has some wonderful issues that are touching and make you think. Remembering your roots, friendship, love for someone with a disability, and how one person's success can mean so much to his friends are just many of the slices of life that this film depicts. It's all done with taste and intimate style that makes you feel like you know these people. I found myself laughing at jokes that i didn't even think were funny because I simply liked and cared for the people.
There are lots of veteran actors you'll recognize including Steve Kahan (Donner's cousin, who is in nearly every Donner film), Bill Henderson (a wonderful actor who is one of the most friendly people you wish you'd meet) and after a 34 year absence since his Oscar-winning performance in 'The Best Years of Our Lives' - Harold Russell - whose disability of having metal hands is not exploited. This film doesn't treat people with disabilities in such a way. You don't look at the blind man's lack of eyes, or the man with the metal hands, you look at people. The whole cast is wonderful. A lot of the actors get to etch characters that they don't get to do in every role they take. Richard Donner deserves a cheer for this small film with a big heart.
The opening prelude is quite stunning. John Savage plays Roary, a man who walks up to a building, goes in, and jumps out the window of the 10th floor to commit suicide. He fails and after recovery, he ends up disabled and with nothing. He walks into a bar and finds himself among other disabled people, including Jerry (David Morse in an early lead role) whose bad knee prevents him from following his dream of playing basketball. Roary finds that these people openly kid about their disabilities and at the same time care about each other. Roary begins to open up and find hope and cling to his new friend, Jerry. When Roary helps Jerry get money to have an operation that will fix his knee, Jerry forgets his roots and leaves the bar, disappointing his friends. It's up to Roary to deal with his own emotions and feelings for a fellow waitress (nicely played by Diana Scarwig in an Oscar-nominated performance), and calling Jerry out to return to his friends at the bar.
There are a few schmaltzy moments, but this film has focus and heart. Donner always succeeds in that. More than that, this film has some wonderful issues that are touching and make you think. Remembering your roots, friendship, love for someone with a disability, and how one person's success can mean so much to his friends are just many of the slices of life that this film depicts. It's all done with taste and intimate style that makes you feel like you know these people. I found myself laughing at jokes that i didn't even think were funny because I simply liked and cared for the people.
There are lots of veteran actors you'll recognize including Steve Kahan (Donner's cousin, who is in nearly every Donner film), Bill Henderson (a wonderful actor who is one of the most friendly people you wish you'd meet) and after a 34 year absence since his Oscar-winning performance in 'The Best Years of Our Lives' - Harold Russell - whose disability of having metal hands is not exploited. This film doesn't treat people with disabilities in such a way. You don't look at the blind man's lack of eyes, or the man with the metal hands, you look at people. The whole cast is wonderful. A lot of the actors get to etch characters that they don't get to do in every role they take. Richard Donner deserves a cheer for this small film with a big heart.
Surprisingly Uplifting Movie
tammas200019 June 2003
Detailing the plot of this film would lead the unsuspecting to assume they were in for an hour and a half of depression - but quite the opposite. The acting was spot on, the script razor sharp, and the storyline genuinely different and inspiring. I've not seen a copy on video or dvd for years, and for some reason it's never been on terrestrial tv in the UK, and I have to admit I'm baffled as to why. In the genre, it's quite simply one of the best films ever made.
good solid performances
SnoopyStyle21 February 2016
Roary (John Savage) jumps out of a highrise in a suicide attempt. He barely survives and ends up as a cripple in a poor Oakland neighborhood. He starts going to a local bar where Jerry Maxwell (David Morse) is the friendly bartender. It's a place where regulars gather and play cards. Jerry is a Warriors fan bringing Roary to a game. Jerry challenges player Alvin Martin in an one-on-one game and almost wins. The bar is in danger of closing and Roary buy it. Jerry is frustrated with flighty girlfriend Anne and his inability to get an operation to fix his leg. Lucius beats up Jerry and Anne goes off with him. Alvin Martin gets a $3 million contract and offers to lend money for Jerry's operation. Roary falls for waitress Louise (Diana Scarwid).
Richard Donner directs this movie of a man regaining his life. John Savage is a solid base. David Morse shines in a something more than a supporting role. The story can ramble on a little because there is no set direction for the plot. It has that 70s feel of an undefined life course. There are some solid performances not just from the two men and Scarwid.
Richard Donner directs this movie of a man regaining his life. John Savage is a solid base. David Morse shines in a something more than a supporting role. The story can ramble on a little because there is no set direction for the plot. It has that 70s feel of an undefined life course. There are some solid performances not just from the two men and Scarwid.
Character-oriented drama with wry, ornery vignettes...
moonspinner5516 November 2015
A botched suicide attempt leaves a young man with a terrible limp and emotional scars, yet he is able to turn his life around with the help of a friendly bartender at the neighborhood hangout; after helping the bartender recover from a vicious attack by a black pimp, the two men find they are both attracted to the same woman, a friendly waitress. Dialogue-driven character piece was directed by Richard Donner, who seems to revel in these extraordinary 'ordinary' lives. Oscar nominee Diana Scarwid gives a fine performance as the working girl, though the film's weak link may be the shaggy-haired central character (John Savage), who simply isn't a very intriguing or charismatic presence. Well-enough done for those seeking small movie pleasures. **1/2 from ****
Am I worth being loved? The Cheers style local Max's Bar believe you are Roary
Ed-Shullivan30 March 2020
Some may call this film an inspirational film with that message of die hard encouragement which states "if you believe in yourself you can achieve anything". I did not see this film in the same light. In my humble view it is more of a sports themed fairy tale that combines a near tragedy, Roary's (John Savage) failed suicide attempt, a lanky handicapped bartender named Jerry Maxwell (David Morse) with great basketball savvy and athletic prowess and the eclectic patrons of Max's neighborhood bar with the patrons that remind us of those who sat on the bar stools of the 1982-1993 TV comedy series Cheers.
I enjoyed the ups and downs of this make believe magical basketball stars rise to fame, and all the hard knocks in between that get the two (2) lead film stars John Savage and David Morse to the pinnacle of their own failures and successes.
It is not in the same great vein as film sports heroes Rocky Balboa (1976) . or Rudy (1993) , but it is definitely worth a watch for any sports enthusiasts. As for the films romantic sub-plot Mrs. Shullivan was far less impressed than I was with the overwhelming inspirational sports theme that the film carried throughout.
I give it a satisfactory 7 out of 10 rating
I enjoyed the ups and downs of this make believe magical basketball stars rise to fame, and all the hard knocks in between that get the two (2) lead film stars John Savage and David Morse to the pinnacle of their own failures and successes.
It is not in the same great vein as film sports heroes Rocky Balboa (1976) . or Rudy (1993) , but it is definitely worth a watch for any sports enthusiasts. As for the films romantic sub-plot Mrs. Shullivan was far less impressed than I was with the overwhelming inspirational sports theme that the film carried throughout.
I give it a satisfactory 7 out of 10 rating
A film for the ages.
WLFBoulder18 October 2004
This is a movie about the kind of people most of us spend our lives trying to avoid: drunks, whores and cripples of every description. The setting is seamy, mostly taking place in an old neighborhood bar; no ferns here, no clever reparte between beautiful people. The is a story of loneliness and not a little darkness, leavened with gentle, often self-effacing humor.
The miracle here is the degree to which you wind up truly caring about what happens to these folks. The action in the movie is simple. The people are not, and it is a remarkable feat of storytelling to bring this ensemble to such rich, moving life.
This is truly a sleeper, Steinbeckian in its evocation of the common humanity in us all.
The miracle here is the degree to which you wind up truly caring about what happens to these folks. The action in the movie is simple. The people are not, and it is a remarkable feat of storytelling to bring this ensemble to such rich, moving life.
This is truly a sleeper, Steinbeckian in its evocation of the common humanity in us all.
Great alcoholic movie with a brilliant background score
PimpinAinttEasy25 July 2022
Best film I watched in 2022. A man who is recovering from a suicide attempt hits it off with a bunch of people at a local bar. Everyone there (mostly Vietnam war veterans) is broken in some way or the other. They all kind of mend each other while one guy makes it big in basketball. The basketball aspect of the movie made the film a bit normie. Both John Savage and David Morse and their friendship carry the movie. John Barry's background score is pretty sensational. My favorite in recent times. This was a really touching movie. It had some killer one liners.
(7/10)
(7/10)
Very good movie with some excellent performances and good scriptwriting (great ending!)
llltdesq25 October 2001
Let me start out first with a bit of a disclaimer: I am disabled, so I was either going to love this movie or hate it, depending on how real things seemed to me. So my comments have to be seen in that light. Here goes:
This is a very good film, with a good cast, some excellent performances and I love the script. But the thing that impresses me the most about this film is its portrayal of the disabled. They come across as average, normal people-sometimes they're jerks, like most people and sometimes they're nice folks, like most people. There is nothing inherently heroic about being disabled. Conversely, the disabled should not be hermetically sealed off from society for their protection (or yours). All too often, peole make assumptions about people and far too many are made about the disabled. End of sermon.
The other thing I like about this film, although it is admittedly a bit too pat, is the ending of a couple of plot threads. Suffice it to say that Several of the characters get what they deserve, good and bad. I love the poetic justice (or karma, if you prefer) at the end, in the basketball arena. Most recommended.
This is a very good film, with a good cast, some excellent performances and I love the script. But the thing that impresses me the most about this film is its portrayal of the disabled. They come across as average, normal people-sometimes they're jerks, like most people and sometimes they're nice folks, like most people. There is nothing inherently heroic about being disabled. Conversely, the disabled should not be hermetically sealed off from society for their protection (or yours). All too often, peole make assumptions about people and far too many are made about the disabled. End of sermon.
The other thing I like about this film, although it is admittedly a bit too pat, is the ending of a couple of plot threads. Suffice it to say that Several of the characters get what they deserve, good and bad. I love the poetic justice (or karma, if you prefer) at the end, in the basketball arena. Most recommended.
Donner Outside His Comfort Zone
boblipton3 July 2023
John Savage tries to kill himself and fails. Released from the hospital, but still askew from his injuries, he begins to hang out at a downtown bar where the other barflies are badly handicapped: David Morse (in his movie debut), a basketball player with blown knees, Harold Russell, who has no hands, blind Bert Remsen, and others. They form a community.
It's a very small picture by Richard Donner, a director best known for action movies, and concentrates on performances and the slow evolution of the characters' characters and relationships. You may argue that under the flash-bang and quips of movies like LETHAL WEAPON, the same thing occurs, and it's a reasonable position. However, does it work when the high point is Oscar-nominated Diana Scarwid (the only performer ever nominated for a role directed by Donner) confessing her love for Savage, or Savage's telling-off Morse, instead of some big, effects-laden scene? Again, this is a matter of taste, but Donner's handling seems competent to me, even if we have to give him good-will points for tackling a cast playing handicapped people.
I'd say the movie is worthwhile, but not actually great, carried by a good script by Barry Levinson and Valerie Curtin, and committed, skilled performers.
It's a very small picture by Richard Donner, a director best known for action movies, and concentrates on performances and the slow evolution of the characters' characters and relationships. You may argue that under the flash-bang and quips of movies like LETHAL WEAPON, the same thing occurs, and it's a reasonable position. However, does it work when the high point is Oscar-nominated Diana Scarwid (the only performer ever nominated for a role directed by Donner) confessing her love for Savage, or Savage's telling-off Morse, instead of some big, effects-laden scene? Again, this is a matter of taste, but Donner's handling seems competent to me, even if we have to give him good-will points for tackling a cast playing handicapped people.
I'd say the movie is worthwhile, but not actually great, carried by a good script by Barry Levinson and Valerie Curtin, and committed, skilled performers.
How the "Inside Moves" are more important than the outside moves...
rondine30 May 2005
Warning: Spoilers
This has always remained one of my favorite movies. It's hard to believe it's 25 years old. Nevertheless, the story and what it offers is timeless.
The story starts, depressingly, around a young man, Roary (John Savage) who jumps from a 10 story building in a failed suicide attempt. After months in the hospital, he is left disabled.
In his new place he discovers Max's bar where the regular "cast" of characters includes Jerry (David Morse) a young man who aspires to be a basketball player, but has something wrong with his leg/knee. Anne (Amy Wright) his prostitute girlfriend with a habit. Also there are Blue Lewis (Bill Henderson) who is in a wheelchair, Stinky (Bert Remsen) who is blind and Wings (Oscar winner for "The Best Years of Our Lives" Harrold Russell) who lost both hands in the war. And Louise (Oscar Nominee Diana Scarwid) a waitress at the bar who falls in love with Roary.
The movie is about Jerry's dream to play basketball, but it's about so much more than that. It's about the emotional, aka: Inside Moves that people make. In this story, Roary makes the move from suicidal to survivor and more. Jerry makes the move from parasite to friend. And the supporting cast enables them to have a place to come where they feel like it's okay to be "disabled." But as the movie title implies, the focus of this movie isn't the external or physical disabilities, it's the inside disabilities that are the focus of this movie. Which is another reason for its universal appeal, because we are all of us broken internally in one way or another.
This movie has gotten so many great comments because the dialog, the performances and the script and music are all so wonderfully done. A must see for anyone that likes a movie with a story, with a heart. John Savage is totally believable in every way. An example is the scene with him and Diana Scarwid where her character admits that she loves him, that she wants to be his lover, but is afraid. Afraid of what it would be like with a cripple. Afraid that if it did't work, that she couldn't forgive herself, because she did not want to hurt him that way. The movie is full of sincere & honest moments such as that one. It truly is a gem.
Hopefully, it will come out someday on DVD!!!!!
The story starts, depressingly, around a young man, Roary (John Savage) who jumps from a 10 story building in a failed suicide attempt. After months in the hospital, he is left disabled.
In his new place he discovers Max's bar where the regular "cast" of characters includes Jerry (David Morse) a young man who aspires to be a basketball player, but has something wrong with his leg/knee. Anne (Amy Wright) his prostitute girlfriend with a habit. Also there are Blue Lewis (Bill Henderson) who is in a wheelchair, Stinky (Bert Remsen) who is blind and Wings (Oscar winner for "The Best Years of Our Lives" Harrold Russell) who lost both hands in the war. And Louise (Oscar Nominee Diana Scarwid) a waitress at the bar who falls in love with Roary.
The movie is about Jerry's dream to play basketball, but it's about so much more than that. It's about the emotional, aka: Inside Moves that people make. In this story, Roary makes the move from suicidal to survivor and more. Jerry makes the move from parasite to friend. And the supporting cast enables them to have a place to come where they feel like it's okay to be "disabled." But as the movie title implies, the focus of this movie isn't the external or physical disabilities, it's the inside disabilities that are the focus of this movie. Which is another reason for its universal appeal, because we are all of us broken internally in one way or another.
This movie has gotten so many great comments because the dialog, the performances and the script and music are all so wonderfully done. A must see for anyone that likes a movie with a story, with a heart. John Savage is totally believable in every way. An example is the scene with him and Diana Scarwid where her character admits that she loves him, that she wants to be his lover, but is afraid. Afraid of what it would be like with a cripple. Afraid that if it did't work, that she couldn't forgive herself, because she did not want to hurt him that way. The movie is full of sincere & honest moments such as that one. It truly is a gem.
Hopefully, it will come out someday on DVD!!!!!
John Savage
Bgappl0729 March 2021
I caught it! When they're calling a doctor and they called Dr. John Young That's you kiddo also you is the work that you did with the underprivileged and disabled young people in New York City when we were quite young Never saw this movie glad I caught it.
Terminally boring and totally unrealistic .........
merklekranz19 December 2010
"Inside Moves" does an excellent job of audience manipulation, with a group of misfit losers from Max's Bar, who eventually pull together for a real stretch of a cause. There is never a doubt that you are being led down a path of depressing characters on parade, in search of a happy ending. Unfortunately there is very little entertainment value offered. If you want to see an excellent movie that revolves around a bar, seek out "Last Night at the Alamo". It has characters that are believable, at least a bunch of humor, and won't drag you down to the mat like "Inside Moves". I wanted to like this, but found it terminally boring and totally unrealistic. I realize others on this board loved it, and that is fine by me, I just wanted to present my case for avoiding "Inside Moves". - MERK
Soulful masterpiece.
Blueghost4 July 2004
It's been many years since I've seen this film, but I've never forgotten it. There's little I can offer in terms of praise that hasn't already been posted here by other commentators.
It's a film about adversity, finding friendship, and finding the inner strength to rebuild and embrace life for what it is. It's a film that shows people with physical disabilities in a very normal light, showing them to be neither noble-handicaps nor pitiful cripples, but as normal everyday folks with all the faults and good points of humanity. It's a film about coping with one's own decisions, and overcoming life's challenges.
There's some mild profanity, and references to adult situations, as well as some violence, so be warned ahead of time. It's a film the likes of which I have not seen since, and am hopeful that it'll see a DVD release someday. Until then we'll just have to wait :-(
In the meantime if you get a chance to view it, then do so :-)
It's a film about adversity, finding friendship, and finding the inner strength to rebuild and embrace life for what it is. It's a film that shows people with physical disabilities in a very normal light, showing them to be neither noble-handicaps nor pitiful cripples, but as normal everyday folks with all the faults and good points of humanity. It's a film about coping with one's own decisions, and overcoming life's challenges.
There's some mild profanity, and references to adult situations, as well as some violence, so be warned ahead of time. It's a film the likes of which I have not seen since, and am hopeful that it'll see a DVD release someday. Until then we'll just have to wait :-(
In the meantime if you get a chance to view it, then do so :-)
Low Key Indie Film
evanston_dad13 March 2024
"Inside Moves" is the kind of low key, slice of life indie that the movie world is full of these days, but that was a rarity back in 1980.
John Savage and David Morse give two terrific performances in this film about a bunch of people, many with disabilities, who form a kind of family from their shared feeling of being outcasts. It's a meandering film without any one central conflict. It's more like there are a bunch of small conflicts and the film bounces back and forth between characters as it resolves them. It's a bit raggedy, with abrupt editing that makes for a disorienting sense of time passing, but the raggedness somehow feels right for the film's setting (mostly a bar) and mood.
Diana Scarwid received an Oscar nomination as a waitress and love interest for Savage. She's watchable enough but I'm not sure I see anything very award-worthy in her performance, mostly because her character doesn't have a whole lot to do.
Grade: B+
John Savage and David Morse give two terrific performances in this film about a bunch of people, many with disabilities, who form a kind of family from their shared feeling of being outcasts. It's a meandering film without any one central conflict. It's more like there are a bunch of small conflicts and the film bounces back and forth between characters as it resolves them. It's a bit raggedy, with abrupt editing that makes for a disorienting sense of time passing, but the raggedness somehow feels right for the film's setting (mostly a bar) and mood.
Diana Scarwid received an Oscar nomination as a waitress and love interest for Savage. She's watchable enough but I'm not sure I see anything very award-worthy in her performance, mostly because her character doesn't have a whole lot to do.
Grade: B+
A Richard Donner film - unavailable on DVD or VHS?!?!
atrac28 November 2003
Warning: Spoilers
Richard Donner is an extremely talented filmmaker with a string of hits under his belt, so why as of 11-28-03 is this film not available for purchase or rental on DVD or VHS???
I saw this film when I was 11 years old and remember being very depressed (probably my first time from a film) by the beginning of the movie when John Savage's character tries to kill himself. I remember by the ending of the film I felt much better.
I don't remember much else about the film, although I do recall John Barry's score being very moving (along with another 1980 film, "Touched By Love.").
DVD is such an accessible medium these days (as was VHS), so it's pretty much a slam dunk that this film should be released for more people to see.
This film showed a different side of Richard Donner, and I think the general public deserves the chance to see it.
I saw this film when I was 11 years old and remember being very depressed (probably my first time from a film) by the beginning of the movie when John Savage's character tries to kill himself. I remember by the ending of the film I felt much better.
I don't remember much else about the film, although I do recall John Barry's score being very moving (along with another 1980 film, "Touched By Love.").
DVD is such an accessible medium these days (as was VHS), so it's pretty much a slam dunk that this film should be released for more people to see.
This film showed a different side of Richard Donner, and I think the general public deserves the chance to see it.
Excellent movie
sgbfoster28 March 2002
I have seen this movie more times than I can count. Full of human tragedy and comedy, Inside Moves is a reminder of our resilience, ability to love and be loved, and the inherent goodness that lives inside us all. I highly recommend this movie. A good "thinker's" movie.
this isnt 'coming home'...AT ALL.
suesan6293 July 2023
Time ill never get back was spent trying to watch this. We NEVER understand savages'
character or motivation for suicide. We go on never getting character development through out the cast. This just rambled until it stopped. I sure dont get it, and i see i am not alone. Maybe some folks think its healthy to see disabled people out of the house, but living at a bar is not gonna last long on disability insurance. I should know as i am disabled, with a mentally disabled sibling. Real life isnt even close to this story. I may need a drink after this one, just to chase the question marks out of my brain.
Movie About Acceptance
jess-125 April 2000
I happened upon this movie at the video store and had to rent it because it'd been years since I first saw this movie in the early 80's. This was the movie that introduced me to my now all time favorite actor, John Savage. I truly loved him in this movie as Roary, a man who attempts suicide and ends up a cripple. His handicap leads him to meet some amazing people he might never have had if he wasn't. Through them, he learns about true friendship, love and acceptance for who you are. The ending also tugs at you when Roary explains why he tried to kill himself. A person could really relate to his reasoning why and you can feel the emptiness he must have felt. If you are a John Savage fan and haven't seen this one yet, I highly suggest it, if you can still find it in the video stores.
Favorite movie/looking for it on DVD
inhoch20 January 2005
This movie is one of my most favorites. I first saw it when it was being shown to Academy members in 1980. The network showing it was a pay channel named ONTV. I have a laser disc of it which I bought from a store that had it available for rent, but he was able to sell it to me because no one was renting it. As I said, I love this movie but my laser disc player is damaged and I am afraid that the cost of repairing a machine that I need to play just this movie might be prohibitive. Of all of my laser discs, this one is the ONLY one not available on DVD. With such fine actors who are still very active, one would think that the release of this movie on DVD would be a done deal. Question: Can you copy a laser disc onto a DVD? thanks for being here to talk about a great movie.
One of the unsung miracles of 1980 (the last official year for the '70s 'golden age'; an indie sleeper gem
george.schmidt23 February 2009
Warning: Spoilers
I recall seeing this quirky sleeper gem in 1980 on HBO when I was about 13 and was enthralled with the unique story about a man named Roary (John Savage, best known for his superb similar work in THE DEER HUNTER, and a highly underrated actor)whose failure at suicide in a freefall off a 10 story building in LA leads to a painful recovery and his gradual acceptance of a second chance at life. He discovers it at Max's Bar, a dive that houses many handicapped denizens, misfits and colorful types including a trio of elderly men (veteran character actors Bill Henderson, Bert Remsen and Academy Award winner Harold Russell, who won a special Oscar for THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES, a WWII vet who lost both his hands with hooks for substitutes); an affable bartender named Jerry (David Morse in one of his earliest and memorable turns) who has a lame leg as well; and a beautiful waitress named Louise (Diana Scarwid, who would gain an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress). It is here that Roary eventually comes out of his shell, finds a best friend in Jerry and a possible soulmate in Louise, and more importantly a new outlook on life itself.
Directed with aplomb, reassurance and tender care by veteran helmsman Richard Donner (LETHAL WEAPON, THE OMEN, SUPERMAN, etc.) the film unspools very gradually and certain likelihoods are just accustomed for the way the story unfolds (i.e. characters pop up out of nowhere with no backgrounds on them but just like life, accepted as part of the fabric of society). Based on a novel by Tony Walton and adapted superbly with finesse, wit and humanity by scribe team Valerie Curtin and Barry Levinson (who would go on to his own acclaim as an Oscar winning filmmaker for RAIN MAN), the movie is a minor miracle in acting, directing and screen writing. Bare bones for all the world to see but a precious heart at its center with flawless performances by its three leads and some truly heart-wrenching yet not maudlin moments (Savage's climactic confrontation with both Morse and Scarwid are for the film vault and should be viewed by students of acting to see what true acting really is!)
It made my heart warm to hear this incredible film was finally coming out on DVD and I can truly say it was my pleasure to re-experience this true original film that has echoes of Hal Ashby and any other 1970's 'golden age' film of its waning era on the cusp of a new decade that would more or less push nuance aside. *** One last personal note: when I first saw this with my good friend and neighbor Joe Hetro, we would always greet each other with the "Hey Jer-REE!" fist pump ; a fine memory of my childhood.
Directed with aplomb, reassurance and tender care by veteran helmsman Richard Donner (LETHAL WEAPON, THE OMEN, SUPERMAN, etc.) the film unspools very gradually and certain likelihoods are just accustomed for the way the story unfolds (i.e. characters pop up out of nowhere with no backgrounds on them but just like life, accepted as part of the fabric of society). Based on a novel by Tony Walton and adapted superbly with finesse, wit and humanity by scribe team Valerie Curtin and Barry Levinson (who would go on to his own acclaim as an Oscar winning filmmaker for RAIN MAN), the movie is a minor miracle in acting, directing and screen writing. Bare bones for all the world to see but a precious heart at its center with flawless performances by its three leads and some truly heart-wrenching yet not maudlin moments (Savage's climactic confrontation with both Morse and Scarwid are for the film vault and should be viewed by students of acting to see what true acting really is!)
It made my heart warm to hear this incredible film was finally coming out on DVD and I can truly say it was my pleasure to re-experience this true original film that has echoes of Hal Ashby and any other 1970's 'golden age' film of its waning era on the cusp of a new decade that would more or less push nuance aside. *** One last personal note: when I first saw this with my good friend and neighbor Joe Hetro, we would always greet each other with the "Hey Jer-REE!" fist pump ; a fine memory of my childhood.
I have yet to meet anyone who even remotely disliked 'Inside Moves'
AndrewRobertsVoice19 February 2006
So friend of mine told me when she returned from her trip to DC, 'You gotta see 'Inside Moves'!' I remember asking her what it was about. She said to me, 'I don't know how to explain it, but I know you are going to love this one!' But it did not come to our hick town, forsaken by God, when it was released in 1980. Then, while practicing with a new surfboard of the day, in 1981 or 2, I crashed on HBO when I see a
something smash the top of a car! Director Richard Donner had my full attention. When it's revealed during the opening credits, this is a failed suicide attempt, I noticed a very promising actor, John Savage. However, I was wrestling with my then 'Catholic/Christian Compassion' I wasn't sure I wanted to see a flick about guy, Roary, who wants to send himself straight to the fiery pits of hell for eternal damnation! But, when we are immediately introduced to the other colorful characters that live in his building and pass the time of day in Max's Bar, "Inside Moves" had full-undivided attention of my body, mind and spirit! "Inside Moves" is a human drama about getting to know these real people whom we almost never talk to, while observing the humanity in the physically challenged and emptiness of emotional cripples. The entire cast of, then, unknown actors under the skillful fly on the wall direction of Richard Donner makes "Inside Moves" a film well worth watching...at Thanksgiving too..with the whole family!
worthwhile
MauryMickelwhite29 March 2022
For me, this is a movie I can appreciate but I didn't feel any emotional connection to the characters. That's not to say there aren't some good emotional moments but the overall story seems to require those moments so they seem perfunctory.
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