Burt Reynolds and Goldie Hawn play screenwriting partners, and longtime romantic partners, who decide to get married and then find that marriage is not the same as being "best friends." Written by Barry Levinson ("Diner" "The Natural" "Avalon") and Valerie Curtin (who co-wrote "...and justice for all" "Inside Moves" and "Unfaithfully Yours" with Levinson), based the story on their own lives as writing partners. The film was directed by Norman Jewison ("In the Heat of the Night" "Moonstruck" "Rollerball") and was shot by Jordan Cronenweth ("Blade Runner" "Stop Making Sense" "Peggy Sue Got Married"), along with music by Michel Legrand ("Summer of '42" "The Thomas Crown Affair"), so considering all of the talent behind the camera and in front of the camera, which also included Jessica Tandy, Keenan Wynn, Ron Silver, and Richard LIbertini, the film is somewhat of a disappointment. However, although the film is not as good as I would have hoped, the stars have a likable chemistry and have a fun Tracy/Hepburn type of relationship, where the male and female leads are presented as equals, which is rarely the case with romantic comedies. Watchable if you're fans of the two leads.
29 Reviews
Can a matrimony free working relationship work as a marital relationship with the introduction of in-laws?
mark.waltz1 February 2019
Warning: Spoilers
What is essentially a character study of two likeable people working behind the scenes in the movies holds up nearly 40 years later as a gentle reminder of how relationships used to be portrayed in the media. Burt Reynolds and Goldie Hawn are a successful screenwriting team who are personally involved but have avoided getting married, up until now. Their working relationship is so comfortable that when they are writing, they can basically finish each other's sentences. So when out of the blue they decide to take the plunge, it becomes time for each of them to meet the parents.
Two of the great superstars of the 1970's and early 1980's make their only film appearance together, and while they wouldn't be my first romantic movie pair, they work together quite nicely. it is ironic that both Hawn and Reynolds are known for their off-screen relationships as much as their film careers, and I've always considered Hawn sort of a blonde sister to Reynolds' recent acts of the time, Sally Field. In fact, the role seems to have been written with Field in mind and retailored for Hawn's personality.
Other than one scene where Reynolds gets rather brutal with Hawn after an argument, Reynolds plays a very gentle character although it is obvious that he is living in a man's mentality and in spite of how much Hawn tries to make him, he'll never be able to read her mind. So with the couple going on the road, first to meet Hawn's parents in wintery Buffalo (Jessica Tandy and Barnard Hughes) and later going to the South to meet Reynolds' parents (Audra Lindley and Keenan Wynn), their views of two different marital lives clouds their judgment and when they return to work, it seems the magic is gone.
The four veteran actors practically steal the film from under their popular box-office stars with typical eccentricity that Hollywood writes for people over a certain age. Tandy complains openly that Hughes has lost an interest in sex while Hawn later find out just the opposite. Gregarious Lindley never stops taking pictures of everybody and everything, chattering up a storm, but never to the annoyance of her gruff but longtime faithful husband, the understated Wynn. Both Reynolds and Hawn are somewhat put off by their new in-laws who complain about not having had the opportunity to go to their wedding and by the time they are done with the older generation, the record of the music that had been playing for them for years seems to be skipping.
This film is one that simply just ranks as nice, not memorable or very good, but one that will leave you hankering for more popcorn, give you a few laughs and possibly singing the theme song that opens and closes the film like many others of the time. This could have dealt with people in relationships working together in any profession and could even have been about Broadway writers. But being set at the actual Warner Brothers Studio for the opening and closing segment, you get to see some vintage posters and enlarged stills of popular contract players from their past. That adds to the nostalgia and pretty much up the rating for me because how can you rank a film so treasured in the beauty of Hollywood's past? How do I keep the music playing? Tuning in to sweet, romantic comedies like this that somehow make me feel better about the human condition on those rare moments when I pick the right one to watch.
Two of the great superstars of the 1970's and early 1980's make their only film appearance together, and while they wouldn't be my first romantic movie pair, they work together quite nicely. it is ironic that both Hawn and Reynolds are known for their off-screen relationships as much as their film careers, and I've always considered Hawn sort of a blonde sister to Reynolds' recent acts of the time, Sally Field. In fact, the role seems to have been written with Field in mind and retailored for Hawn's personality.
Other than one scene where Reynolds gets rather brutal with Hawn after an argument, Reynolds plays a very gentle character although it is obvious that he is living in a man's mentality and in spite of how much Hawn tries to make him, he'll never be able to read her mind. So with the couple going on the road, first to meet Hawn's parents in wintery Buffalo (Jessica Tandy and Barnard Hughes) and later going to the South to meet Reynolds' parents (Audra Lindley and Keenan Wynn), their views of two different marital lives clouds their judgment and when they return to work, it seems the magic is gone.
The four veteran actors practically steal the film from under their popular box-office stars with typical eccentricity that Hollywood writes for people over a certain age. Tandy complains openly that Hughes has lost an interest in sex while Hawn later find out just the opposite. Gregarious Lindley never stops taking pictures of everybody and everything, chattering up a storm, but never to the annoyance of her gruff but longtime faithful husband, the understated Wynn. Both Reynolds and Hawn are somewhat put off by their new in-laws who complain about not having had the opportunity to go to their wedding and by the time they are done with the older generation, the record of the music that had been playing for them for years seems to be skipping.
This film is one that simply just ranks as nice, not memorable or very good, but one that will leave you hankering for more popcorn, give you a few laughs and possibly singing the theme song that opens and closes the film like many others of the time. This could have dealt with people in relationships working together in any profession and could even have been about Broadway writers. But being set at the actual Warner Brothers Studio for the opening and closing segment, you get to see some vintage posters and enlarged stills of popular contract players from their past. That adds to the nostalgia and pretty much up the rating for me because how can you rank a film so treasured in the beauty of Hollywood's past? How do I keep the music playing? Tuning in to sweet, romantic comedies like this that somehow make me feel better about the human condition on those rare moments when I pick the right one to watch.
An obvious often painful watch
pmtelefon4 March 2020
I saw "Best Friends" in the theater (Bellerose, NY) and I've seen it several times since. I don't like it that much. "Best Friends" does the impossible. It makes two of the most likable stars ever, Burt Reynolds and Goldie Hawn, and makes them almost unlikable. Burt and Goldie have there moments, the movie does as well, but the weak script is just another '70s anti-marriage movie. Will marriage ruin their relationship? Blah, blah blah. By the time this movie came out, there had already been a bunch of movies like this. There are a handful of laughs in this movie but after an hour of so I just wanted "Best Friends" to end.
Watchable and pretty amusing
Surfer-2313 June 2009
"Best Friends" is a nice film for a weekend afternoon. It is entertaining, has an easy-to-follow storyline, and shows some respect for the viewer. Burt Reynolds and Goldie Hawn are quite appealing in the leads, but so is the supporting cast, which includes Barnard Hughes, Jessica Tandy, Keenan Wynn, and Audra Lindley (best known as Mrs. Roper on "Three's Company").
Though a comedy, "Best Friends" has, alas, very few laugh-out-loud moments, and is almost too casual in pace for its own good. The near-classic wedding scene (with Richard Libertini) offers perhaps the most genuine laughs, although Reynolds, a very underrated comedic actor, adds some subtle bits of his own throughout the movie.
"Best Friends" is a competently-made and sometimes touching film that also lacks drive and usually fails to produce much more than an occasional smile. But it's worth a look, to be sure.
Though a comedy, "Best Friends" has, alas, very few laugh-out-loud moments, and is almost too casual in pace for its own good. The near-classic wedding scene (with Richard Libertini) offers perhaps the most genuine laughs, although Reynolds, a very underrated comedic actor, adds some subtle bits of his own throughout the movie.
"Best Friends" is a competently-made and sometimes touching film that also lacks drive and usually fails to produce much more than an occasional smile. But it's worth a look, to be sure.
A FRIEND WOULDN'T LET YOU SEE THIS...!
masonfisk1 January 2019
A reunion of sorts for director Norman Jewison & writers Barry Levinson & Valerie Curtin (who worked together on 1979's And Justice for All) on this comedy from 1982. Burt Reynolds & Goldie Hawn play screenwriters who are partners at work & partners at home who feel the stirrings of marriage but when they decide to tie the knot & visit each other's in-laws, the sinking feeling of regret soon settles in even as a film they have in production needs their services. Screaming 'inspired by real life', this tale clearly mirrored Levinson/Curtin's real relationship which gives us some interesting comic vignettes but not much else since as a couple on screen, Reynolds & Hawn look uncomfortable even when they're embraced in affection. Jewison hadn't directed such froth as this since his early days in the 60's when he made a couple of Doris Day pics so seeing him return to his roots, as it were, feels like many steps back rather than an evolution for this auteur.
3 out of 4 ain't bad
vincentlynch-moonoi31 December 2018
Warning: Spoilers
In reading the reviews here...what the heck are some of you thinking? A few of you are giving 9 and 10 ratings. And others 2's. In reality, this is a good movie. Not a great movie. But good.
There are four parts to the movie. The first has Burt Reynolds and Goldie Hawn -- two screen writers -- living together, but not married. Burt wants marriage, however, and finally persuades Goldie to go through a humorous civil ceremony, and in return, she wants them to go back east to see their parents. Pleasant, funny.
The next segment is visiting her parents in Buffalo...in the middle of the winter. Reminded me of why I am glad not to still be living along Lake Ontario in the winter! Jessie Tandy and Barnard Hughes...two classic character actors...are wonderful in this part of the story as parents who just a bit over the hill mentally.
The third segment is visiting his parents in a huge condo development in Virginia. Here, Audry Lindley and Keenan Wynn are "okay" in their roles, slightly daffy in different ways. But it is here the tension really begins to build between the two newly marrieds, and the marriage begins to collapse. It's still a good segment.
The fourth segment is back in Hollywood where they end their marriage and are planning to get divorced, yet they have to work together to finish the screenplay. This is where the film sort of falls apart. It's as if the real writers and director couldn't quite figure out how to get through the segment where they fight and then reconcile. This part of the film was a disaster.
It's good to see Burt Reynolds and Goldie Hawn working together. I think they made the film work...except for that last segment. The rest of the cast varied from excellent (Tandy and Hughes), to good (Wynn and Lindley), to poor (Ron Silver as the studio executive).
It's worth watching as a "good" romantic comedy.
Ron Silver as Larry Weisman Jessica Tandy as Ellie McCullen Barnard Hughes as Tim McCullen Audra Lindley as Ann Babson Keenan Wynn as Tom Babson
There are four parts to the movie. The first has Burt Reynolds and Goldie Hawn -- two screen writers -- living together, but not married. Burt wants marriage, however, and finally persuades Goldie to go through a humorous civil ceremony, and in return, she wants them to go back east to see their parents. Pleasant, funny.
The next segment is visiting her parents in Buffalo...in the middle of the winter. Reminded me of why I am glad not to still be living along Lake Ontario in the winter! Jessie Tandy and Barnard Hughes...two classic character actors...are wonderful in this part of the story as parents who just a bit over the hill mentally.
The third segment is visiting his parents in a huge condo development in Virginia. Here, Audry Lindley and Keenan Wynn are "okay" in their roles, slightly daffy in different ways. But it is here the tension really begins to build between the two newly marrieds, and the marriage begins to collapse. It's still a good segment.
The fourth segment is back in Hollywood where they end their marriage and are planning to get divorced, yet they have to work together to finish the screenplay. This is where the film sort of falls apart. It's as if the real writers and director couldn't quite figure out how to get through the segment where they fight and then reconcile. This part of the film was a disaster.
It's good to see Burt Reynolds and Goldie Hawn working together. I think they made the film work...except for that last segment. The rest of the cast varied from excellent (Tandy and Hughes), to good (Wynn and Lindley), to poor (Ron Silver as the studio executive).
It's worth watching as a "good" romantic comedy.
Ron Silver as Larry Weisman Jessica Tandy as Ellie McCullen Barnard Hughes as Tim McCullen Audra Lindley as Ann Babson Keenan Wynn as Tom Babson
Not very friendly
moonspinner5527 March 2001
Burt Reynolds and Goldie Hawn as sweetheart screenwriters who live together unmarried; soon however, Burt starts feeling his mortality and wants something substantial, Goldie wants to be a team-player...and so they propose to each other in the shower. These rather uninteresting lovers spend the rest of the picture sniping at one another, and director Norman Jewison keeps the pacing at a sitcom-cute crawl. Reynolds and Hawn create a fatigued sort of rapport that certainly suggests they've known each other a while and have built a relationship which can withstand a little irritability, but what's funny about that? So many of the situations here bomb completely, particularly a really stinky one regarding Hawn's father who molests all his housekeepers. Keenan Wynn and Audra Lindley are wonderful as Burt's parents--but after the first hour, "Best Friends" becomes melodramatic and muddled. I didn't believe for one second these two characters would find their happy ending...they're much too self-involved. ** from ****
A Test Of Love
atlasmb29 July 2022
Writing partners Richard (Burt Reynolds) and Paula (Goldie Hawn) are working on a screenplay. They are also buying a house together. At this critical juncture, they discuss marriage, and they visit their families. With deadlines and familial pressures impacting their relationship, they struggle to maintain the joy.
Reynolds and Hawn are so likable. Both of them can light up the screen with their smiles. And their laughs are infectious. That makes their relationship believable and enjoyable. When they get to the tough times, we want them to get through it.
And that what this film is about. It is not pure comedy, like "Smokey and the Bandit" or "Foul Play". It is more like "The Goodbye Girl". Tracy and Hepburn had some films that fall into this genre slot.
Kudos to the four actors who played the parents: Jessica Tandy, Barnard Hughes, Audra Lindley, and Keenan Wynn.
Reynolds and Hawn are so good together, I am surprised they never co-starred again; perhaps they tried, but never found the vehicle or the time.
Reynolds and Hawn are so likable. Both of them can light up the screen with their smiles. And their laughs are infectious. That makes their relationship believable and enjoyable. When they get to the tough times, we want them to get through it.
And that what this film is about. It is not pure comedy, like "Smokey and the Bandit" or "Foul Play". It is more like "The Goodbye Girl". Tracy and Hepburn had some films that fall into this genre slot.
Kudos to the four actors who played the parents: Jessica Tandy, Barnard Hughes, Audra Lindley, and Keenan Wynn.
Reynolds and Hawn are so good together, I am surprised they never co-starred again; perhaps they tried, but never found the vehicle or the time.
Abysmal excuse for a comedy
m_finebesser17 August 2001
If this is based on the true-life relationship, as purported, between Ms. Curtin and Mr. Levinson, I'm thrilled I do not know them personally. This is painfully slow, and both characters take stupid pills liberally throughout the movie while the theme song gets played into the ground. Many stupid scenes with people acting stupid does not make for a comedy.
a movie that's not afraid to tackle the best AND worst of relationships.
triple817 January 2004
I was a kid when I saw this but remember it for it's realism. I love sappy, hollywood unrealistic love stories dearly and I'm not embarrassed to admit that this picture(which does NOT fall into the above mentioned genre) did indeed bore me at certain moments. But it has a realistic quality that many romantic comedies lack and though the relationship between the two main characters isn't always sappy and perfect it does have more of an element of realism then other romantic comedies-it's a realtiohip that is sometimes great, othertimes not so, it's flawed but still real--in other words it's human!
Although this isn't one of my favorite flicks in the whole world I would recomend it for the reasons listed above. A movie doesn't always have to be sappy all the time, to be welldone.
Although this isn't one of my favorite flicks in the whole world I would recomend it for the reasons listed above. A movie doesn't always have to be sappy all the time, to be welldone.
When a film simply can't pick a genre and stick with it
StevePulaski31 March 2016
Norman Jewison's Best Friends is a hopelessly lost film, and I think I'm going to leave it at that when it comes to trying to classify this. From the looks of the theatrical poster and DVD cover, showing a happy and carefree Burt Reynolds and Goldie Hawn obviously engaged in romantic playfulness, one would assume it's a romantic comedy when it's anything but romantic. One could call it a drama, but there are too many incredulous sequences and silly inclusions of comedy to adequately and properly bill it as such, and finally, simply stamping the "comedy" label on it would be pretty disingenuous as well, since the film is rarely funny. It's a film with a cynical, if considerable, idea that does nothing but spit in the face of anyone expecting any one of those three things executed on a competent level.
The film follows Richard Babson and Paula McCullen (Reynolds and Hawn), a reliable screen writing duo who have worked together for years and have churned out successful, quality screenplays for many different genres. They've also been living together, with Richard suggesting the two get married and make their relationship official, with Paula being hesitant to do so, believing marriage is the root of all failed relationships. Despite her believes, knowing how important marriage is to Richard, Paula accepts Richard's advances and the two get married without telling anyone.
Their honeymoon, however, is spent traveling to one another's parents' houses in order to inform them of the news. Paula's parents in New York get to hear first before the two fly down to Virginia to see Richard's family. The result is a groggy film with a premise that slithers by at a snail's pace so we can see the reactions of each person's family to a union we're surprised they didn't see coming in the first place. Did the parents not know that the two were living together to begin with? Did the parents not expect at least some certification of commitment between the two after years of collaborating and cohabitation?
We don't know and that's one of the many problems with Best Friends. For as much as we're allowed to see, we're not allowed to know very much about the characters and their dynamics, which makes this film a very lackluster attempt at looking at marriage and the potential flaw with having so-called "best friends" marry one another. As the two wind up becoming more and more disgruntled with one another, Paula begins to resort back to her original claims that marriage is the root of the evil, which is flawed because of the fact that she agreed to the union and didn't have to if she didn't want to. With that, the fault is not marriage in itself, it's both Richard's for pressuring Paula into marriage and Paula for not taking a stand and affirming that this isn't what she wanted.
But nonetheless, we have to hear from Paula about how their disagreements and quibbles is the fault of marriage, and over the course of one-hundred and ten minutes, watch this couple fall apart and resort to domestic harassment and violence. Where's the joy in that? For a film titled "Best Friends" with two strong actors at the helm, not to mention a poster and premise that boasts a completely different story, why is the end result so melancholic and miserable? Perhaps if the film had a direction or a more credible thesis as to why it felt that marriage was such a disparaging and flawed way to bring two people together, then maybe there would've been some value. Unfortunately, this is a mean-spirited and downtrodden work for the sake of being both miserable and down-trodden, and the end result is nearly two hours of arguments and repetitive echoes of previously disclosed sentiment, all of which you can probably find at your own family's house without the need to go to the theater or rent a film.
Starring: Burt Reynolds and Goldie Hawn. Directed by: Norman Jewison.
The film follows Richard Babson and Paula McCullen (Reynolds and Hawn), a reliable screen writing duo who have worked together for years and have churned out successful, quality screenplays for many different genres. They've also been living together, with Richard suggesting the two get married and make their relationship official, with Paula being hesitant to do so, believing marriage is the root of all failed relationships. Despite her believes, knowing how important marriage is to Richard, Paula accepts Richard's advances and the two get married without telling anyone.
Their honeymoon, however, is spent traveling to one another's parents' houses in order to inform them of the news. Paula's parents in New York get to hear first before the two fly down to Virginia to see Richard's family. The result is a groggy film with a premise that slithers by at a snail's pace so we can see the reactions of each person's family to a union we're surprised they didn't see coming in the first place. Did the parents not know that the two were living together to begin with? Did the parents not expect at least some certification of commitment between the two after years of collaborating and cohabitation?
We don't know and that's one of the many problems with Best Friends. For as much as we're allowed to see, we're not allowed to know very much about the characters and their dynamics, which makes this film a very lackluster attempt at looking at marriage and the potential flaw with having so-called "best friends" marry one another. As the two wind up becoming more and more disgruntled with one another, Paula begins to resort back to her original claims that marriage is the root of the evil, which is flawed because of the fact that she agreed to the union and didn't have to if she didn't want to. With that, the fault is not marriage in itself, it's both Richard's for pressuring Paula into marriage and Paula for not taking a stand and affirming that this isn't what she wanted.
But nonetheless, we have to hear from Paula about how their disagreements and quibbles is the fault of marriage, and over the course of one-hundred and ten minutes, watch this couple fall apart and resort to domestic harassment and violence. Where's the joy in that? For a film titled "Best Friends" with two strong actors at the helm, not to mention a poster and premise that boasts a completely different story, why is the end result so melancholic and miserable? Perhaps if the film had a direction or a more credible thesis as to why it felt that marriage was such a disparaging and flawed way to bring two people together, then maybe there would've been some value. Unfortunately, this is a mean-spirited and downtrodden work for the sake of being both miserable and down-trodden, and the end result is nearly two hours of arguments and repetitive echoes of previously disclosed sentiment, all of which you can probably find at your own family's house without the need to go to the theater or rent a film.
Starring: Burt Reynolds and Goldie Hawn. Directed by: Norman Jewison.
A Look into Hollywood Relationships
lambiepie-21 October 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Best Friends is one of my very favorite films that deals with love and relationships.
Goldie Hawn and Burt Reynolds are the 'perfect' "Hollywood" couple in this serio-comic look at the never ending question: Do you marry your best friend, and if so, will they stay your best friend?"
Paula (played by Hawn) and Richard (played by Reynolds) are two of Hollywood's sought after screenwriters and they work very well together. After 3 years, Richard decides that he wants to marry his live-in Paula, but Paula has been hesitant because "marriage changes everything". To Paula, everything is fine as is. How interesting that it's the man that wants a long term commitment, and the woman doesn't!
After convincing, Paula marries Richard, but in the worst way possible - she chooses a "walk in chapel" out of the phone book and the ceremony is done barely in English. Next, the biggest problem facing the newlyweds is that neither has seen or spent any time with each others parents, and they decide to visit each of them and spring the news that they got married in person.
They trek on a "cross country journey" in true a Hollywood Screenwriters fantasy - via a cramped, small train to visit Paula's parent's first in Buffalo and then Richard's in Virginia. The parents are not what each envision, they are totally different and somewhat weird on occasion. Needless to say, each set of parents and their families have Paula and Richard questioning what kind of person they actually married.
Also thrown into the middle of this, is that Paula and Richard are working on a screenplay that needs revision after revision. The Producer they are working with (played by Ron Silver) is the epitome of Hollywood Producers - he will say and act however he can - from lying about his child that may or may not exist to finally making real adult decisions - to get his movie done. What makes matters worse is that Paula and Richard have a total breakdown during their trip so the script revisions aren't done by a very tight shooting deadline.
You don't have to know much about Hollywood screen writing to see that this is a story about two people who love each other, but worked so hard that they didn't have time to let anybody else in. They seemed to be compatible, they've known each other for 5 years total - 2 years and then lived together for 3 - who didn't really know each other at all. What they are learning is that their life does not fit into a neatly written screenplay format as they have obviously lived and controlled. And now that their life play has been re-written/revised, can their relationship endure?
I would not say this is a total chick flick, nor is it an adrenaline flowing male romp. It is about two 'best friends' and their paths into real world adulthood and long term commitment.
Goldie Hawn and Burt Reynolds are the 'perfect' "Hollywood" couple in this serio-comic look at the never ending question: Do you marry your best friend, and if so, will they stay your best friend?"
Paula (played by Hawn) and Richard (played by Reynolds) are two of Hollywood's sought after screenwriters and they work very well together. After 3 years, Richard decides that he wants to marry his live-in Paula, but Paula has been hesitant because "marriage changes everything". To Paula, everything is fine as is. How interesting that it's the man that wants a long term commitment, and the woman doesn't!
After convincing, Paula marries Richard, but in the worst way possible - she chooses a "walk in chapel" out of the phone book and the ceremony is done barely in English. Next, the biggest problem facing the newlyweds is that neither has seen or spent any time with each others parents, and they decide to visit each of them and spring the news that they got married in person.
They trek on a "cross country journey" in true a Hollywood Screenwriters fantasy - via a cramped, small train to visit Paula's parent's first in Buffalo and then Richard's in Virginia. The parents are not what each envision, they are totally different and somewhat weird on occasion. Needless to say, each set of parents and their families have Paula and Richard questioning what kind of person they actually married.
Also thrown into the middle of this, is that Paula and Richard are working on a screenplay that needs revision after revision. The Producer they are working with (played by Ron Silver) is the epitome of Hollywood Producers - he will say and act however he can - from lying about his child that may or may not exist to finally making real adult decisions - to get his movie done. What makes matters worse is that Paula and Richard have a total breakdown during their trip so the script revisions aren't done by a very tight shooting deadline.
You don't have to know much about Hollywood screen writing to see that this is a story about two people who love each other, but worked so hard that they didn't have time to let anybody else in. They seemed to be compatible, they've known each other for 5 years total - 2 years and then lived together for 3 - who didn't really know each other at all. What they are learning is that their life does not fit into a neatly written screenplay format as they have obviously lived and controlled. And now that their life play has been re-written/revised, can their relationship endure?
I would not say this is a total chick flick, nor is it an adrenaline flowing male romp. It is about two 'best friends' and their paths into real world adulthood and long term commitment.
A Tired Comedy Driven by Star Power
ijonesiii14 December 2005
The undeniable charm of its stars, at the peak of their popularity, is the only thing that makes BEST FRIENDS slightly watchable. This paper-thin story centers on a pair of Hollywood screen writers named Richard Babson (Burt Reynolds) and Paula McCullen (Goldie Haw), who after years of living together, decide to marry, though they both have always felt marriage would destroy their relationship. There's nothing new or interesting here and the thrust of the film is when the pair make a trip to visit each other's parents. Jessica Tandy and Barnard Hughes are wonderful as Goldie's parents, Audra Lindley and Keenan Wynn also have their moments as Burt's parents, but the whole thing just plays like a hastily written sitcom. The film is driven purely on star power and has this whole "been there done that" air about it. I think Burt and Goldie must have needed the money.
What a Disaster!
cruzn-9990315 June 2021
I normally enjoy Norman Jewison films, such as In Country, which was a phenomenal sleeper masterpiece. But this is pure, unadulterated misery.
If you're depressed when you start the movie, you'll likely be ready for a mercy killing before it's over, it's that bad! It never gets better. In fact, I think this film actually manages to get even worse, which is an amazing feat.
Burt Reynolds and Goldie Hawn do the best they can to stay awake reading the trite, painful dialogue. The late, great Audra Lindley looks a bit like Sally Field in her scenes, but even her comic genius can't save this dog.
With Best Friends like these, who needs friends?
If you're depressed when you start the movie, you'll likely be ready for a mercy killing before it's over, it's that bad! It never gets better. In fact, I think this film actually manages to get even worse, which is an amazing feat.
Burt Reynolds and Goldie Hawn do the best they can to stay awake reading the trite, painful dialogue. The late, great Audra Lindley looks a bit like Sally Field in her scenes, but even her comic genius can't save this dog.
With Best Friends like these, who needs friends?
One of Burt Reynolds' greatest films
ary22 December 1999
Based on the real relationship between film director Barry Levinson and his wife, Best Friends is one of the greatest last films that marked Burt Reynolds's popularity.In the brutal crime-drama Sharky's Machine, Reynolds achieved perfection, as a director and a movie star, but here he is sweet, vulnerable and, yes, believable. An absolute box office champion during the seventies and early eighties, Reynolds lends all his charm, claw and talent to his character. Goldie Hawn, charming and provocative, composes with perfection a woman who,in spite of loving Reynolds' character, is afraid of getting married, what may mean a precipitate step in the relationship. Jewinson, one of the last real filmmakers from Hollywood, accomplished a sweet and hopeful comedy/drama about the ups and downs of every couple of lovers. The big surprises are the beautiful (and nominated for an Oscar) song called "How do we keep the music playing?" and the talented supporting cast, that includes Jessica Tandy and Ron Silver.
Could have been a good movie
fredrikgunerius7 August 2023
Norman Jewison (In the Heat of the Night, Rollerball) directed this supposedly romantic comedy about a middle-aged writing couple acting like teenagers at the behest of their respective parents. Barry Levinson and Valerie Curtin wrote the script, based on their own relationship, and it's not too difficult to spot the authenticity and potential, but the script limits itself and gets too hung up on its own conundrums. After a fun start, in which the chemistry between stars Burt Reynolds and Goldie Hawn is palpable and very much enjoyable, the film starts to drag when our couple go on their road-trip to their in-laws. It's all obviously meant to feel claustrophobic, but the film isn't just suffocating its protagonists, it's also suffocating itself. There's a lack of perspective in here, which the filmmakers try to make up for with babbling Allenesque dialogue, making the film's various stages seem perpetual and unforgiving. Reynolds and Hawn not only wear each other out, they also wear this entire film out. And Jewison never is able to find the tools to lift Best Friends out from its own misery. It could have been a good movie.
Few laughs
rolandddd25 July 2013
Richard and Paula write movies together. In fact they also live together, are best friends and have a sexual relationship. Richard is clearly in love with Paula and makes his feeling known, to which she replies that she doesn't love him. Bizarrely enough, they get married and spend the majority of the movie on a road trip visiting both set of parents which takes its toll on the fledgling marriage.
Though Burt Reynolds and Goldie Hawn have chemistry and make a pretty cute couple, I can't get over the fact that I don't buy the premise, Paula makes it clear she doesn't love Richard and even though she agrees to the marriage, their whole relationship feels shaky throughout. Another problem is that for a comedy, laughs are extremely rare, and only the wedding scene made me smile.
A couple of years later, When Harry met Sally was made, and Best Friends is inferior to it on every level. The acting, the chemistry and dialogue are far better, so making that comparison, Best Friends falls rather flat on its nose. That's not to say it is a bad movie, just an average movie in a commonly made genre, and I guess that's why it is almost forgotten today.
Though Burt Reynolds and Goldie Hawn have chemistry and make a pretty cute couple, I can't get over the fact that I don't buy the premise, Paula makes it clear she doesn't love Richard and even though she agrees to the marriage, their whole relationship feels shaky throughout. Another problem is that for a comedy, laughs are extremely rare, and only the wedding scene made me smile.
A couple of years later, When Harry met Sally was made, and Best Friends is inferior to it on every level. The acting, the chemistry and dialogue are far better, so making that comparison, Best Friends falls rather flat on its nose. That's not to say it is a bad movie, just an average movie in a commonly made genre, and I guess that's why it is almost forgotten today.
Burt and Goldie not right for this couple
SnoopyStyle14 February 2016
Richard Babson (Burt Reynolds) and Paula McCullen (Goldie Hawn) are a Hollywood writing team for the eccentric studio boss Larry Weisman (Ron Silver). She resists commitment despite buying a house together. With trepidations, she relents and they get married. They travel to Buffalo to visit her parents (Jessica Tandy, Barnard Hughes). He can't stand her repressed family and the frozen winter. Her parents are having some difficulties. They visit his parents (Audra Lindley, Keenan Wynn) but he hasn't told them about the marriage. His family is not happy about missing the wedding. She's desperate for air.
This is written by Valerie Curtin and Barry Levinson based on their relationship and directed by Norman Jewison. I don't buy these two as this couple. These are brash brilliant Hollywood stars and they don't seem right for the cerebral writer characters. Her reluctance makes the relationship less compelling at the start. Without the right comedic pairing, the material never takes off and falls flat. The parents are all great and the sitcom writing is pretty good for what it's aiming for. Burt and Goldie never really hit the mark.
This is written by Valerie Curtin and Barry Levinson based on their relationship and directed by Norman Jewison. I don't buy these two as this couple. These are brash brilliant Hollywood stars and they don't seem right for the cerebral writer characters. Her reluctance makes the relationship less compelling at the start. Without the right comedic pairing, the material never takes off and falls flat. The parents are all great and the sitcom writing is pretty good for what it's aiming for. Burt and Goldie never really hit the mark.
Entertaining
jeremy326 April 2007
Warning: Spoilers
This movie only gets a 6, but I actually for it's rating its a movie that I enjoy. Reynolds and Hawn play "best friends" who take the next step - marriage. The results is nothing but tension until they finally work things out at the end. I liked the family of Hawn's character in Buffalo. The Father is completely kooky. The Mother (Jessica Tandy) is also very funny. The family of Reynold's character is also very funny. He comes from a very proper Southern family. The stresses and tensions of their relationships is basically what the film is all about. In the end, they are resolved. I don't think that the plot is as cohesive as it could have been. Nonetheless, it is a good movie to watch on a rainy day.
The first part...great. The final portion....problematic.
planktonrules21 July 2022
Richard and Paula (Burt Reynolds and Goldie Hawn) have been living together for years...and they are quite content in this arrangement...particularly Paula. But when Richard decides that they should get married, all sorts of problems result during their honeymoon. Much of it is because they don't really go on a honeymoon but go to visit each other's parents...and it does not go well. In fact, it goes so poorly that they then decide they might be better off divorced!
The first part of this film is funny...in a cringe-inducing sort of way...which I enjoyed. Seeing their awful families was cute and fun. But when the pair decided to break up, the film became very dark and unpleasant. Seeing two people who supposedly love each other then hurting each other make this a difficult film to watch...at least for me. Had they kept the momentum and spirit of the first part, I would have loved the film...but the grim (and unrealistic) final portion just seemed to make the story grind to a halt. Still, overall, it's worth seeing, just terribly uneven.
The first part of this film is funny...in a cringe-inducing sort of way...which I enjoyed. Seeing their awful families was cute and fun. But when the pair decided to break up, the film became very dark and unpleasant. Seeing two people who supposedly love each other then hurting each other make this a difficult film to watch...at least for me. Had they kept the momentum and spirit of the first part, I would have loved the film...but the grim (and unrealistic) final portion just seemed to make the story grind to a halt. Still, overall, it's worth seeing, just terribly uneven.
lovers become newlyweds... goldie hawn!
ksf-22 March 2020
I usually do like movies by norman jewison. And i LOVE Goldie Hawn! this was just afterall her goofy films from the 1970s. the two mothers in law were the best part.. audra lindley ( mrs. roper!) and Jessica tandy, running the show. and neither richard nor paula ( Burt Reynolds & Goldie Hawn) will stand up to their own parents, making the other miserable. And Paula would probably be on anti-anxiety meds now. like Richard's father says, do ya love her? that's pretty much what it all boils down to. entertaining. some similarities to The Out of Towners. some clever scenes and turns of phrase. this is listed as a comedy, but i would consider it more of a romantic drama. fun to see a Goldie Hawn film that I had never seen before!
Collaboration led to romance
bkoganbing9 August 2020
Burt Reynolds and Goldie Hawn are writers ad good friends working as writers om
Rom Silver's film in Hollywood. They knew each other as colleagues in the film
industry. But collaboration led to romance and on a break they decide to get married.
After a cross country honeymoon on AMTRAK the two drop in on her parents in Buffalo and his parents in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, DC. The parents are Barnard Hughws and Jessica Tandy for her and Keenan Wynn and Audra Lindley for him. The two couples in my humble opinion steal the film from the stars. I thought at times I was watching the old Mothers-In-Law series.
Best Friends is a moderately amusing film that won't disappoint the fans of the respective stars. How does it end? Exactly how it began.
After a cross country honeymoon on AMTRAK the two drop in on her parents in Buffalo and his parents in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, DC. The parents are Barnard Hughws and Jessica Tandy for her and Keenan Wynn and Audra Lindley for him. The two couples in my humble opinion steal the film from the stars. I thought at times I was watching the old Mothers-In-Law series.
Best Friends is a moderately amusing film that won't disappoint the fans of the respective stars. How does it end? Exactly how it began.
A hilarious movie trying to break out
budikavlan24 January 2005
The "based on real life" story of what happens when a carefree cohabiting pair of screenwriters decide to get married, Best Friends is a funny movie constrained by an annoying third act. After marrying, they go on a whirlwind tour for each to meet the other's families. And what families they have! The two families (hers in Buffalo, his in Virginia) are both very different and about equally as funny. If they'd left it at that and not tried to get serious with a breakup and lots of arguing, Best Friends would have been an unqualified success (at least so far as quality is concerned).
They didn't, though. The third act is tedious (as they confront their differences) and it weighs down the rest of the film. It doesn't ruin it, however--I still recommend it, especially for people who like Burt and Goldie, who have chemistry.
They didn't, though. The third act is tedious (as they confront their differences) and it weighs down the rest of the film. It doesn't ruin it, however--I still recommend it, especially for people who like Burt and Goldie, who have chemistry.
MY FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME! Why isn't it out on the market?
cyndisellscondos11 September 2005
I can't think of ANY movie made before or since, that I've seen that compares to this hysterically funny yet dramatic view of relationships.
If you've been married and divorced or lived with someone then married, you have to be able to relate to this movie! It's SOOOOOOOO true to call!
I'm ordering this DVD today- but I haven't seen it for 10 years. Yet~ it's one of those movies I always look for ~ and relate to. It's sticks with you!
DYNAMIC writing- EXCELLENT Performances. The in-law scenes... Blah... But the basic plot and performances- Sensational!
A friend of my daughter (LANA) is an actress and was working with Goldie's son. When Lana called my daughter- All I could yell in the background was for her to GET ME THIS MOVIE!! It's one of a kind!
If you've been married and divorced or lived with someone then married, you have to be able to relate to this movie! It's SOOOOOOOO true to call!
I'm ordering this DVD today- but I haven't seen it for 10 years. Yet~ it's one of those movies I always look for ~ and relate to. It's sticks with you!
DYNAMIC writing- EXCELLENT Performances. The in-law scenes... Blah... But the basic plot and performances- Sensational!
A friend of my daughter (LANA) is an actress and was working with Goldie's son. When Lana called my daughter- All I could yell in the background was for her to GET ME THIS MOVIE!! It's one of a kind!
surprisingly good
aurelijai31 July 2017
This is at least the fifth film with Goldie Hawn I am watching in a row, and I have to admit, didn't expect it to be so funny and interesting. The whole script was written so perfectly that it actually made me feel if words were put into the main actors mouths, in other words acting was too weak and shallow to embody the scenario.
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