For Love or Money (1993) User Reviews

Nothing new but still surprising.

[Bing-18 · 7/10 · 19 February 1999]

This film may be a very run-of-the-mill, everyday Romantic Comedy but thanks to the performances of Michael J. Fox and Gabrielle Anwar, apart from the singing, it ends up as a deeply entertaining and enjoyable movie to sit back and relax with a loved one over at the end of a tiring week.

This movie never actually got a video release in the U.K. which has greatly disappointed me and means I have to wait for its repeat appearance on TV in order to add it to my collection.

Nevertheless, Fox excels yet again and shows why he is one of the few American sitcom stars to make a prolonged impact in the movies in roles unlike his character from Family Ties. Anwar also gives another performance which leaves me increasingly baffled as to why she has not been used more in Hollywood.

See this movie, it may not have been a hit but it will surprise you with its quality just the same.

A romantic comedy that I didn't hate. What the heck? Must be something wrong...

[Shecky J. O'Pootertoot · 7/10 · 1 August 2000]

No, this movie is actually pretty good. It's quick and efficient, it does its job well, but it's not something you're going to think much about ten minutes after you see it (now, now, don't get greedy).

Why do I like it? Fox. And I don't consider myself a big Michael J. Fox fan, I mean, he was good in Family Ties, but that was a long time ago and he's done some stinkers between then and now. Maybe because the smooth talker consierge he plays in this reminds me a little of Alex P. Keating back in the day. This guy is super-slick, his mind is always going at incredible speeds. One part that will always stand out is the 'ticket trade' scene (How'd this Donahue get in here?). Funny stuff. There are a few good laughs in here.

Oops, can't forget Gabrielle Anwar. She is just cute as a button in this movie, I want to see more of her (the only other movie of hers I can think of off hand is Body Snatchers). Heck, you can almost forgive her for basically playing a prostitute in this one. If you don't agree,ask yourself this: Would she have taken any of this guys crap if he was a married garbage man from New Jersey and not a married european millionaire fashion mogul? Of coarse not, she's in it for the money. Hell, i'd wear a skirt and put out for that kind of scratch.

The director Barry Sonnenfeld has an interesting resume of hits (Men in Black) and misses (Wild Wild West) and just entertaining films (Get Shorty). This one is entertaining fluff. It's an hour and a half of your time that you won't regret spending. 7/10 stars. G'night!

Those Were The Days

[statuskuo · 6/10 · 15 November 2013]

There are certain type of movies you look back on and think that those days are gone. This movie is one of them. An incredibly sweet story, with no logic and...quite frankly...a very dark message. I see what director Barry Sonnenfeld was doing. He's balancing the line between slapstick and fairy tale. Not much different than what Billy Wilder did, except...I know now why those films only exist within their time.

Fox plays a concierge who has bigger dreams beyond the "bellhop" mentality. He gets in business with a man, who (and I'm not ruining it, since it's in the trailer) whose affair with a younger woman is now Fox's duty. Unfortunately for him, he has a flirtatious history with her. You see where the script borrows from "The Apartment." He's crestfallen that his feelings towards her may or may not trump his dreams. I can see Fox channeling his inner Jack Lemmon, but something is greatly amiss. I think, it's because there's so much fat in the story that you are just always waiting for something interesting to happen. Take for example, the candy shop lady who is pestering him about his love life. The inexplicable banter between a Chinese food delivery boy and himself (perhaps to illustrate his loneliness).

Then you have the obligatory Barry Sonnenfeld wide angle, collective shot. It's very uneven where he places these moments. Works fantastic in "Men In Black" somehow falls short here. The very lovely Gabrielle Anwar seems SO uncomfortable playing the other woman. She has the look, just not the depth. Something missing, but I can't put my finger on it. Somehow, the Shirley MacClaines's Fran Kubliak sweetness was suppose to be injected here. But Anwar doesn't seem to commit. In fact, there is a vomiting scene in this movie, reminiscent of when she attempts her suicide.

I like the fairy tale quality of this movie. And the music, as usual, leaves a swell in your heart. It's not terrible. It's perfectly fine for its time.

Pretty Good

[YFL · 7/10 · 27 April 1999]

I quite liked this movie ... it wasn't particularly special, basically a rather traditional love story... but it hit in the right places. And Michael J. Fox's character Doug, a concierge being the center of a romance is fresh and appealing. One of the scenes I liked was when he showed Gabrielle Anwar's character, Andy, his dreams ... literally. Everything seemed to come in together ... you really understood then how much it meant to him, and his sharing it with Andy was a wonderful gesture of his love for her. The moment was magical, the best in the whole movie for me. Watch this if you like a conventionally exceptional love story.

Feel-good film

[Chris-369 · 7/10 · 15 February 2000]

For Love or Money can best be described as a happy-go-lucky movie that is sure to make you smile.

Fox plays Doug, a concierge who has a dream of owning his own hotel - all he needs is the start up capital. He meets a guy who is keen to help but things get complicated when Doug discovers that his new found friend and financial helper is going out with the girl who he has been after for months (Anwar).

The outcome of this movie is no surprise and the love/hate relationship and chemistry between Fox and Anwar is very entertaining.

Overall an enjoyable film for all ages.

Typical yet different

[JBoze313 · 20 September 2000]

I must say, this is one of my all time favorite movies. I don't know why, but I sincerely love this film. Michael J. Fox's character is really likeable, and I find myself praying that he'll make the right moves all thru the movie. I must add to this comment my love for the score of For Love Or Money. The music, written by Bruce Broughton is just awesome, and it completely sets the perfect tone for the many different scenes. I especially love the music when Fox's character is walking down the subway steps after leaving work. This is a great movie to watch with someone you love. I would definitely recommend it.

barely functional romance

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 9 August 2015]

In NYC, Doug Ireland (Michael J. Fox) is a master of deals as concierge in the classy Bradbury hotel. He has a heart of gold protecting some of the older workers from manager Mr. Himmelman. He even takes care of a cheapskate guest like Harry Wegman. Ed Drinkwater from the IRS is on his case. He dreams of owning his own hotel and he hopes billionaire investor Christian Hanover is his ticket. He is infatuated with store perfume girl Andy Hart (Gabrielle Anwar) who claims to have a boyfriend. It turns out she's Hanover's mistress and he's forced to cover for Hanover as he needs the deal more.

This is a barely functional romance. It's mostly riding on the shoulders of Michael J. Fox and he's plenty charming by himself. The romance is questionable. It's not well set up and a bit more back story could have helped. The villain is underwhelming. Overall this is a watchable and unimpressive rom-com.

A good romantic comedy.

[shanfloyd · 6/10 · 25 June 2005]

This is one of the few additions in the vast boring arena of calm romantic comedies that's worth a watch in a relaxing mind. I really like Michael J. Fox as an actor and I think he's done a good job here. It's a pity a versatile actor such as him has decided not to make any movies further. Gabrielle Anwar ("Body Snatchers") also looks and acts quite nicely.

The story, however, has no surprise elements, it's told for like thousand times. But still, due to smart screenplay and decent acting by the two lead actors, the film never gets tiresome to watch. And the funny parts, if not hilarious, not irritating either and fit nicely with the film's quiet mood.

Forgettable Aside From Michael J. Fox

[iquine · 4/10 · 28 July 2020]

(Flash Review)

This was a below average fluff RomCom with absurd and irritating story situations. Michael J Fox plays a concierge at a 5-star hotel who has a knack for being suave and collecting hefty tips. Tips to help fund his dreams of starting his own luxurious hotel. Throw in a wealthy investor and a romantic interest and as anticipated will need to make a choice 'for love or money' and there's the story line. While it is nice to reflect on a Michael J Fox in good health, I must say this movie was overly thin and shallow. Fox is the lone bright spot as the writing produced inauthentic relationships and situations which are all a bit muddled.

Fox's Razor Sharp Performance makes this one a keeper...

[Isaac5855 · 7/10 · 26 April 2007]

Michael J. Fox offers one of his strongest performances in FOR LOVE OR MONEY, a predictable yet entertaining comedy that bears more than a passing resemblance to the 1960 classic THE APARTMENT. Fox plays Doug, the slick concierge at a fancy Manhatten hotel who becomes caught between an unscrupulous businessman (Anthony Higgins), who he's hoping will help to finance his dream of his own hotel and his mistress (Gabrielle Anwar), a department store clerk and aspiring singer who refuses to accept the fact that the man is married and will never leave his wife. Fox gives his best performance since BACK TO TO THE FUTURE as a fast talking yet utterly charming con artist with impeccable people skills which have become both a benefit and a detriment where his work is concerned. Anwar is an attractive leading lady and Higgins is appropriately smarmy as the villain of the piece. An intelligent screenplay and noteworthy supporting turns by Michael Tucker as a hotel guest and Fyvesh Finkle as a senile bell hop are icing on the cake for this smart little comedy that went virtually unnoticed at the time of its release but provides breezy entertainment.

highly inaccurate portrayal of a concierge

[jivan17 · 2/10 · 7 January 2006]

I work as a hotel concierge in Washington DC and take my word, there was nothing remotely accurate about the character played by Michael J. Fox- # 1 we simply do not walk around with our pockets bursting with theater tickets and $100 bills! #2 If I ever let anybody use a room for some 'afternoon delight' time I'd be fired on the spot! The organization to which I belong (Les Clefs d'Or) has very definite standards of ethics and conduct that we take seriously. #3 Similarly untrue was the concept, at the end of the movie, of Doug simply removing his gold key emblem and passing it on to some other employee- we earn those keys and it is a badge of honor and knowledge to be allowed to wear them. There is a whole application and vetting process to joining our organization.

This film does nothing to dispel the unfortunate perception of a concierge as nothing but a money grubbing mercenary. In short it does a disservice to our organization. I welcome any comments.

One Of Those 'Best Kept Secret Movies', An Apparent Hidden Gem To Many.

[asktms · 10/10 · 3 September 2015]

Someone could have knocked me over w a feather, after having read on IMDb that, this movie maxed out at an estimated budget of $30m yet only grossed worldwide a little over $10m. As a self-professing film connoisseur, this movie ranks in the top 25 personal favorite movies (produced during course of my generation).

Yes, this is a dated movie & yes there's likely not a more entertaining & practical way, for demonstrating to individuals (especially millennials), the true art for possessing altruistic & authentic concern for others, service-related employment {e.g. customer service}. And, yes as a fellow business owner, there's an instant affinity to this type genre..., but this flick is a serious amalgamation of great writing & exceptional acting that's, collided w talented direction, scoring & editing.

Popcorn please (extra butter)...

Michael J. Fox Makes A Pretty Weak Script Entertaining...

[cheersfan213 · 6/10 · 18 February 2010]

While this movie is certainly not one that stands out about all other Fox movies, it's entertaining nonetheless due to Michael J. Fox's innate charm and it's fun to see his attempts at juggling a demanding investor, eccentric clients and an eclectic group of co-workers all while trying to figure out if he should go for the girl... or the property he wants. The script is really quite weak but the way it's shot is brilliant and Sonnefeld's direction makes it flow quite effortlessly. It's an hour-and-a-half and change movie that only feels like it takes an hour to sit through. I agree with the others who said it's a good movie to watch on a rainy day, or just when you're in the mood for a feel-good (though granted not laugh-out-loud) comedy. The funniest scenes are with the elderly bellhop and the parrot. Incidentally, the parrot was almost as good as Michael J. Fox in this movie (that's not an insult to Fox, by the way; the bird is just that funny--- definitely something you have to see to believe). I recommend it, but will everyone like it? No, in fact, some won't be able to sit through it because it can get slightly boring in parts. If you have patience though and a true love for Fox's work, you'll find it quite charming. 6/10 stars.

It looks so ugly

[kyay22 · 2/10 · 20 April 2020]

Why is a movie set in nyc filmed in a studio? the movie has multiple outside city scenes and they all look so bad. It would have been so much better if they filmed in the city. Or outside at least.

Nice

[Petey-10 · 18 December 2002]

Michael J. Fox is the concierge Doug Ireland and Gabrielle Anwar plays the woman he loves in Barry Sonnenfeld film For Love or Money (1993).The acting work is superb.The chemistry really works between the main stars.Fyvush Finkel is also great playing Milton Glickman.This is a nice comedy.It's not perfect but it's nice.Michael J. Fox is great in the lead.This isn't his best movie but he does a great job.This brilliant actor just received a star on Hollywood Walk of Fame.It was just about time.Fox retired from acting in 2000 because of Parkinson's disease but I surely hope he will recover someday and return to acting. But before that enjoy his working in movies like For Love or Money.

Boring RomCom

[welhof1 · 6/10 · 6 May 2020]

Nothing new here, just your average slow boring romantic comedy. The whole movie got going on the last 10-15 minutes. The rest was just pretty slow and didn't hold my interest. This is definitely one forgettable movie.

That same Michael J. Fox character again...and it works.

[NoKbot · 7/10 · 26 August 2000]

Just watched this on USA Network in the 2 hours of the weekend when they aren't showing "Overboard." Consistent laughs, likable characters, and an all-around 80's vibe that has Michael J. Fox playing that lovable capitalist once again. Very formulaic, but still entertaining and worth catching on TV or renting. 7/10.

A Film With A Life Lesson

[PredragReviews · 7/10 · 13 April 2016]

"For Love Or Money" has a good story line and intrigue throughout the movie. It is packed with lighthearted drama and comedy that is sure to satisfy most anyone just looking for a good entertaining film. This movie is also something of a visual feast! One of the most beautiful movies I've ever seen... especially the scenery is spectacular! It's like watching a painting or a series of fashion magazine photo shoots in glamorous locations. The cinematography is beautiful, simply breathtaking!

While there are times in this movie that you are completely suspended in disbelief, I liked this movie. The chemistry between Fox and Anwar seems genuine and real. Fox's charisma shines really bright when he shares the dreams of his hotel with Anwar. So, at the end of the movie, question still stands: "Do you go for love or for the money?"

Overall rating: 7 out of 10.

It's MJF...

[MCMCMLXX · 6/10 · 21 May 2021]

It had a good feel starting off, and for most of it I really liked the flow of this film. The way it was directed - going in and out of those areas in a hotel you as a guest don't see - was actually well choreographed. I think the attention to detail and work life was well executed and Fox was a brilliant lead.

But the ending was a rushed affair. Formulaic because it was a RomCom, but it needed an extra intelligence that I believe the film was delivering for the most part. Fox actually looked mature and not so funny and cute, which is what I liked to see in my favourite actors - I encourage their stretch. I liked his approach in the character in this. "Keatonesque" but not overtly funny.

I missed this when it came out (bad reviews at the time) even though I was an MJF fan from Family Ties days.

Glad to have finally caught up with these lesser known film cannon of Fox which to me this is one of them. I knew Bright Lights and Light of Day, but this was a bit later for me to take an interest.

Fox still doesn't disappoint in my view. I would've given this 7/10, if it wasn't for the stilted last 15 minutes of the film.

michael fox film

[ksf-2 · 7/10 · 23 July 2020]

Michael Fox is Doug, hotel concierge. he's saving up his money to open his own hotel, while putting out fires all over the hotel. he's not having a good week. his girlfriend is dating a married man, he's being investigated by the IRS ( Bob Balaban, from Close Encounters, Mighty Wind). and he wants to put up a hotel in a great spot, but no-one takes him seriously. a funny scene, as the gangsters are in the elevator, and all we hear is the Singing Nun sing Dominique. co-stars Gabrielle Anwar as the girlfriend. Fox had already done Back the Future, and his tv series. some funny moments. it's pretty light heart-ed. Saverio Guerra ( was Bob on Becker) is the bellboy. i guess this would be a dramody... not sure if it wants to be a drama or a comedy. good story. some fun songs by Bobby Short. kind of a guest appearance by Isaac Mizrahi. doesn't really have any lines, but he keeps popping up. Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld. had done Men in Black, Wild Wild West.

My hero!

[dwasserm · 8/10 · 19 May 2003]

Some people have suggested that Fox's character in this movie is

just Alex P. Keaton all over again. I think they missed the point.

Alex was in love with money. Doug is not as materialistic; he

doesn't desire money for its own sake, but views it as a tool that

will help him realize his dream. Alex was self-centered. Doug

cares about other people. He is successful because he can

empathize with people and give them what they need. He is very

inspiring. This movie is described as a comedy, but I didn't find it very

funny; I cared about the characters too much to laugh at them.

It delivers

[Floki_Thorfinn · 7/10 · 9 September 2018]

Very watchable romantic comedy, it may be predictible but still it's a charm

Unromantic And Unfunny

[Karl Self · 12 June 2002]

This is the clearly failed attempt to recreate two of Michael J. Fox's earlier successes, "Bright Lights, Big City" and "The Secret Of My Succe$s". I don't know whose bright idea it was to cast the main character as a hotel concierge but I hope he or she'll never get to work in this town (Hollywood, I mean) again. No one knows what a concierge is, no one cares even if they do, and it is just plain impossible to create an interesting story around one (I actually watched this movie solely to find out how they would do it, but as it turns out -- they didn't). The next problem is that the female lead is a gold digging bimbo, so it is kinda difficult to imagine how anyone would develop romantic feelings for her, let alone fancy her as the girl he wants to spend the rest of his life with. And again, the movie expects the audience to swallow it wholesale: great love affair between sycophantic hotel employee and microskirted bozo, I command you to get your handkerchiefs out NOW!

Do you want me to go on? OK, there is an evil English business man who makes Gordon Gekko out of Wall Street look like a swell kinda fella by comparison, and the big revelation at the end of the movie is that he is an evil businessman. Argh! I'll stop here, the movie is a mess and not even worth watching drunk and late at night on television as I did. The only interest it held for me was that it was directed by Barry Sonnenfeld who went on to direct two of my favourite movies, Addams Family Values and Men In Black. I bet you my last shirt that he wants to forget this lemon as much as I do.

For Love or Money ***

[edwagreen · 7/10 · 9 March 2013]

How wonderful remembering Michael J. Fox, young, vibrant, in good health and very much entertaining in this romantic 1993 comedy.

When you see the first scene of the film, you think that Fox is a tyrant in the way that he can't stand to be in traffic. Nothing could be farther from the truth from that statement. He is the concierge at a Manhattan hotel who is totally sympathetic to the people working there.

The story basically revolves around the fact that Fox likes the perfume girl behind the counter, only to find out that she is the mistress of a wealthy, nasty frequent visitor to the hotel. Shall we say that Fox and the guy continually do each other favors.

The Bob Balaban role as an IRS agent quickly falls apart and Fyvush Finkel as an elderly employee make the film shine.

The film does go down in the sense that there are too many intricate situations occurring. This is not the 1967 "Hotel" film.

Cute...

[RosanaBotafogo · 7/10 · 13 June 2022]

Michael J. Fox did a lot of work in his short career, it's a pity that illness took an even brighter career from him, a talented and charismatic boy, here we have a sugar water novel, but very effective and funny... The perfect concierge (that one extremely friendly and helpful person who usually stays at the entrance of hotels)... Cute...