Hit and Runway (1999) User Reviews

A relationship comedy for the new millennium?

[Havan_IronOak · 8/10 · 14 July 2002]

This movie is a wonderful variant on a traditional movie theme, the romantic comedy. Only in this variation it would be best to call it a relationship comedy. The two protagonists meet and although they are initially uncomfortable around each other, they are forced to work toward a common goal. In doing so they form a relationship. When that relationship ends, we see a parting scene that recalls many great parting scenes of the past.

Now for the twist, it is not a romantic relationship that ends but a friendship between a straight man and a gay man. This movie has been compared to `Kiss Me Guido' but folks that feel that way are missing the point. This story is about the development of an accepting friendship between a gay man and a straight man without the issue of sexuality. Yes, the straight man starts with the stereotypical panic that the gay man will somehow take advantage of him carnally. But he needs the gay man to help him write a screenplay and as they work together they form a bond as friends. As they collaborate on the screenplay they talk and learn important life lessons from each other. The gay man helps the straight man becomes a more insightful person and with the straight man's encouragement the gay man begins to develop some self-assurance.

At one point they are so comfortable with each other that they both get drunk and end up clinging to each other for stability as they walk through the writer's apartment. They end up passed out in the same bed and in the morning the straight man has an anxiety attack that shows he's not completely over his stereotypes.

Overall I found this to be a well-crafted and engaging film. I only wish that the relationship could have turned out differently in the end. And who knows, it might.

These seemed like real people

[dreba · 8/10 · 24 August 2002]

I liked the fact that most of the people in this movie were pretty much unknowns to me. This eliminated the "superstar" factor; where I get so distracted by the person playing the character that the character doesn't develop. I loved the idea for their screenplay; the premise was so funny, the scenes they showed were hilarious. The scenes with the family at the restaurant were very realistic. Even the gay Christmas party was good. Elliott reminded me of a gay Woody Allen (which, if you think about it, would have saved Mia a lot of trouble). Alex, I couldn't quite pigeonhole that easily. Didn't seem very ethnic, ethereal; he seemed more like a jock than a writer. All in all, I think this was a really good movie. I came across it by accident and I hope you do too.

Pleasantly Surprised!

[V-for-Vendetta · 8/10 · 12 March 2001]

I have never commented on the IMDB before but felt compelled to do so when getting home from the theater. I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed this film very much. The writing was clever, the directing excellent and the cast fantastic. I felt the editing may have needed a bit more attention...at a few moments. I don't know the actor Michael Parducci nor have I seen any of his work, but I think he did an amazing job. You really grow to like this "cool Italian guy". I hope to see more of Christopher Livingston's work in the future. Nice job!

This smart, warm & funny independent offers much needed relief from big studio stupidity

[darrenuhl · 10/10 · 15 May 2001]

I went to see "Hit and Runway" on the same day I went to see "The Mummy Returns." After enjoying the former, I couldn't even sit through twenty five minutes of the over-produced and under-written "Mummy" sequel. "Hit and Runway" is a true gem--not perfect by any means--but so much more bright and engaging than most of what Hollywood has to offer. It is a "story within a story/odd couple" film. Though not entirely original, it does everything it sets out to do well and with great humor. Anyone who wears glasses, is Jewish, Italian, gay, writing a screenplay, looking for love, interested in how Hollywood works, and/or simply appreciates intelligent, off-beat comedy should enjoy this film. It has the sensibility of "Ben Stiller meets Woody Allen." If any of this sounds good to you, see it.

For the Top Ten junk, movies like this are worth your time

[Rob/SMCA · 9/10 · 5 March 2001]

Hit and Runway has the same spirit of Good Will Hunting, and is done equally as well. Geez, movies where you come to know the characters, like them and care what happens to them -- individually and their relationship. What a concept! Sure, the urban setting of NYC is an easy mark for a story like this, but at least the main characters aren't yuppies and this movie shows real people living like real people. I thought this was going to be an indie film shot on a miniscule budget, but I never saw a shot that looked it. Everything seemed as well done as with a big budget throwaway (of which there are so many these days). I thought I might like this movie but didn't expect to love it. I loved it. Everyone involved should feel proud.

Likeable, funny film with great characters

[dsimonson · 8 April 2001]

I liked Hit and Runway. I went into it with just a vague idea of what it was about, and wound up being thoroughly charmed by it. It made me laugh and it kept me interested all the way. Sure, it looks a bit low-budget at times, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Sometimes, and particularly with this film, it can make the characters more accessible. My idea of a successful movie is one that makes me feel sad when it ends, because I'd like to spend a little more time with the people it's introduced me to. That's how I felt at the end of this film. (By the way, I also liked the music.)

Made me long for the Halcyon days of "Partners".

[Kiki-7 · 1/10 · 27 October 1999]

Just what we needed. As if "Kiss Me Guido" wasn't the definitive coffin closer on gay/straight relationship comedies, along comes "Hit and Runway". I have two positive comments. (1)The guy who played Alex was very good and (2) At least there weren't any drag queens (at least I don't think there were, I finally had to wake my companion up and insist we leave about an hour and 20 minutes into it).

The gay character was such a witless moron and so annoyingly written, I wanted to scream. I felt like through all of it, he was auditioning for a gig in the Catskills. Everything kept grinding to a halt for him to perform some standup comedy joke. I thought I was watching an episode of "The Nanny". The whole business with him and the little twink was such nonsense, offensive to gays and jews. But, apparently all that is okay because the co-writer is gay and jewish. ".

I hope this never finds a distributor, but some company will probably pick it up, release it and bomb terribly with it.

Movie about Friendship and Perseverance above all

[HALIFA_le_X · 9/10 · 25 December 2002]

Hit and Runway may at first glance appear to be another one of those movies about struggling screenwriters trying to write a movie. But unlike most of their blockbuster counterparts, this movie is not about the movie that Alex and Elliot are writing, but it is about the friendship that they forge throughout the experiment. Although the screenplay they are writing is not particulary good, the broader movie is able to focus on human nature, and the inexperienced actors are good in delivering timely humor. On the whole, a strong movie and a good career start for up-and-coming director Christopher Livingston. Well Done.

Just Run Away

[qfb1 · 3/10 · 26 October 2002]

The gay Jewish nerd was a clichéd gay Woody Allen at his worst. The dumb Italian jock has the screen presence of wilted lettuce. Kerr Smith, as cute as ever, is obsessed with Jewish men because of how they pronounce the `ch' sound.

The Out Magazine quote on the back of the DVD box cover was `Kiss Me Guido meets Annie Hall'. I would suggest `Kiss Me Guido without Guido'.

A "MUST SEE!" for the intelligent film lover.

[jdeck02 · 9/10 · 23 June 2003]

I stumbled upon Hit and Runway while surfing cable. Caught it on Sundance and was immediately arrested by the intensity and energy of Michael Parducci's acting and the wit of Peter Jacobson's character. I was very pleased to have come upon this movie by chance having never heard of it or for that matter most of the actors. J.K. Simmons (HBO's OZ) as the Hollywood Producer Ray Tilman was perfect!!!! The story has several interweaving themes ( child abuse, homophobia,etc..) but bottom line was Parducci's character (a struggling, and might I add naive screenwriter) discovering himself through writing was superb and well written. The dynamic tension between Parducci and Jacobson was at times hysterical (it takes alot to make me laugh and I did out loud several times throughout this movie)and emotionally moving at other times. This indeed is a MUST SEE for the intelligent film lover.

Wow. This is a brilliant movie

[bing-57 · 9/10 · 13 June 2006]

Wow. Probably the best part of this movie was the fact that I could easily see myself slipping into the shoes of almost every character in the movie.

I could be the tough Italian guy who grows and learns a few things. I could be the party boy who loves hard and then moves on. I could be the mousy girl that yearns to bloom into a beautiful flower. I could be the insensitive producer that wants to ruin and "improve" everything I see.

I could be the insecure Jewish man who is afraid to love. I could be the brutish brother who knows nothing farther than two blocks from his home.

Every character was instantly familiar to me and, like one of the leads says, was speaking to me in a way I've never heard before.

This was a movie about everybody.

What a Surprise

[Brandy-28 · 21 October 2002]

This movie really surprised me. I did not expect to enjoy this movie whatsoever. But it did. Wonderful story - I would of love to see this Straight guy fall for the little Jewish gay guy. It would of made one hell of an ending. Granted I felt the ending was sufficient. The jewish guy ended up happy and with someone, instead of alone in his apartment or dead on the street somewhere.

A very enjoyable movie for all.

Makes "Kiss Me Guido" look like a masterpiece

[preppy-3 · 1/10 · 18 June 2001]

An unbelievable dreadful film about a straight Italian guy teaming up with a gay Jewish guy to write a screenplay. There's more to it, but I won't waste your time. This film is just awful beyong belief. All the jokes are bad; the two main guys are the same tired Italian and gay stereotypes we've been seeing for years; all the acting sucks and the movie is annoyingly predictable. And Kerr Smith plays a gay guy (again). A total waste of celluloid. AVOID THIS FILM AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!

Charming, delightful, terrific!

[waynebeau23 · 9/10 · 3 March 2001]

What a nice surprise! This is a film that Woody Allen would make if he had preferred men rather than young women! I can't think of a thing that I didn't like about it. Lots of smiles and some big laughs are mixed in with some genuine and sweet emotion. Co-written and directed by Christopher Livingston, the excellent cast includes Alex Andero & Elliot Springer. A must see for anyone that has written/is writing/or plans to write a script. I look forward to seeing it again soon. This is exactly what wretched messes like PARTNERS tried to do and totally missed. While gay audiences are most likely to be delighted, many straight audiences are sure to be entertained. I hope the creative people behind WILL AND GRACE will gain some insight from checking this out.

Nice try, no cigar.

[=G= · 5/10 · 15 November 2003]

"Hit and Runway" is the title of a screenplay a macho New York Italian student of screenwriting has in mind but has to team up with a gay Jewish guy to bring it to fruition. Sound corny?? Well, it is. This film is one of those little "teeth cutting" indies which have an excess of good intentions but little talent, creativity, and budget. The film tries for some heart and poignancy but in the final analysis is uneven, lacking in all departments, and just plain amateurish. Best saved for broadcast. (C)

Note: No closed captions or subtitles on the DVD I watched.

Excellent Story, Excellent Comedy; One of the best gay films ever.

[bc-1 · 11 June 2001]

The main purpose of this comment is because I was so disappointed by the other review on this site. It completely misses the point of the movie and I would hate for someone to only read that one and then not see the movie. The story is very well put together. It begins with rough, thumbnail (almost stereotypical) characters and you are ready to be put off. Then the story gradually develops and we get to know the two main characters in a full, three dimensional way. Each comes forward through the story line as complete, reasonable, and likable. The message of the movie is presented in a systematic and approachable way, without being in any way obvious or predictable. I can highly recommend this movie to anyone who is halfway sensitive and open to seeing gay people beyond the usual four corners often found in gay pride parades. By the way, if you like this movie, you will really like The Big Eden, probably opening near you soon, if not already.

loved this film!

[barbragon · 10/10 · 10 December 1999]

This is a very well-written and entertaining movie. Elliot and Alex are great as two screenwriters with quite different personalities who collaborate on the script for a cheesy movie. Alex is a struggling Italian-American cafe worker who takes screenwriting classes at night; Elliot is a gay Jewish writer with a major crush on a very cute coworker of Alex's. Problem is, Alex doesn't seem to have any writing skills and Elliot doesn't have any confidence. A hilarious series of events conspire to bring the two together as co-writers aspiring to the shark-eat-shark world of Hollywood.

On Becoming A Writer

[Lechuguilla · 11 March 2009]

Set in New York City, this thoroughly modern story centers on two young men who collaborate on a screenplay, in an effort to become professional writers. Their arrangement is a kind of literary odd-couple. Alex (Michael Parducci) is an overly confident and slightly pugnacious chump who is straight. His writing partner is Elliot (Peter Jacobson), a timid gay man who lacks confidence in himself. The two are polar opposites. Yet each has personality traits important to their collective endeavor. Alex has the confidence and the dreams. Elliot has the talent.

The strength of the story is in the characters, and in the dialogue, which can be amusing at times, like when self-assured Alex says: "Hopeless is not a word in my vocabulary". To which the cerebral Elliot responds: "I suspect there are a lot of words that are not in your vocabulary".

Much of the plot is propelled by verbal conflict between the two. At one point, they are discussing a story character named "Inuska", a young woman. Alex says: "Now what was so terrible about what we were writing? It was funny, it was sexy". Elliot responds: "Inuska, the leading lady, she was two-dimensional". To which Alex fires back: "What are you talking about, two-dimensional? She was stacked!"

Some of the plot's romantic encounters are distracting. Yet they are probably necessary to engage much of the audience, as the process of writing is not visually exciting.

Alex and Elliot are two very different personalities. Yet each learns from the other. And the film's theme is about how people's lives affect their writing, and how their writing affects their lives.

"Hit And Runway" is a smart, sometimes funny, extended sitcom about two very imperfect people who must work together. The film is not some big budget, grand epic with a profound message. But it's well made. And for what it sets out to do, I think it succeeds reasonably well.