Up Close & Personal (1996) User Reviews

66%

[vincentlynch-moonoi · 6/10 · 5 May 2013]

This is an updated review, having just watched this film for the second time.

In reading up on the film, I learned it was supposed to be based on the life of Jessica Savitch, a newscaster I remember quite well, although I forgot how she died. I have a feeling the producers/director were in a damned if we do, and damned if we don't situation here. They were inspired by Savitch's life story, but wanted to make a love story, instead. If they just told the love story, and weren't open about the Savitch angle, they'd be criticized. If they made it clear the story came from the Savitch bio, but didn't make it a documentary/fiction story, they'd be criticized as well. They should have just shut up about where the inspiration for the story came from.

I really liked the first third of this film and the last third of this film. The first third was great because it told the story of a wannabe reporter coming up through the ranks to become a respected reporter...led by her mentor (Robert Redford)...and throw in a bit of romance. The last third of the film was great because it was more about what hard-hitting journalism can be. The problem is the middle third where the couple (Redford and Michelle Pfeiffer) seem to fart around in terms of getting a relationship going. I found that middle third to be rather boring. Were they going to go forward as a couple? Yes, no, yes, no, yes, no. Jeez! Hence the "66%".

Now there are a lot of people who dislike the ending -- if it's a romantic film, why kill of a main character? If its a hard hitting story about the news, why lean so heavily into romance?

Perhaps the problem with the film is that when you begin watching it you think it's one thing -- a romance story with some humor...but then it turns deadly serious.

Another thing that would have helped would have been some timelines, particularly in Tally's time in Miami. It was difficult to get a sense of how long it took her to go from desk work, to weather, to reporter, etc.

Redford's acting here is superb. Redford, who was pretty much always at the top of his game, was here, also. Michelle Pfeiffer is very good, and the problem with her character seemed to be a petty attitude...but after all, she didn't write the script or direct the film. This is very much Redford's and Pfeiffer's film. Sure there are supporting actors, but none that have memorable roles, although their performances are all very good.

It seems as if this film suffered from a bit of an identity confusion. But I still liked it. I just didn't love it.

Good Cast, Mediocre Story

[gws-2 · 6/10 · 28 May 2002]

"Up Close and Personal" proves again that charismatic stars and good production values can overcome a weak story. This story of two television journalists (Redford and Pfeiffer) has few surprises, no fresh insights about the news business, and its big moments are both predictable and overblown. Nevertheless, Redford and Pfeiffer provide enough star power to make for a reasonably entertaining couple of hours. There is one particularly funny line, though. When the Pfeiffer character says of a co-worker, "He's so stupid!" her boyfriend, the Redford character, with a quizzical expression on his face, says, "He's an anchorman." 6 out of 10, marginally recommended.

great actors help but not enough

[SnoopyStyle · 5/10 · 11 September 2016]

Sally 'Tally' Atwater (Michelle Pfeiffer) is ambitious and green starting out as a local TV reporter in Miami hired by news director Warren Justice (Robert Redford) from her amateur tape. They fall in love as he grooms her rise from weather girl to star reporter in the newsroom. Agent Bucky Terranova (Joe Mantegna) recruits her to a bigger Philadelphia station. She struggles from jabs by jealous anchor Marcia McGrath (Stockard Channing) and unkind public judgment. Warren has been struggling himself. Sensing her despair, he goes to Philadelphia to help her recover.

This is loosely based on the late NBC News anchor Jessica Savitch but it has more in common with the play Pygmalion. It's a bit too broad at first with Pfeiffer stumbling awkwardly to portray inexperience. It's so broad that it actually becomes off-putting. There is also the age difference but Pfeiffer and Redford are great enough to overcome it. The plot has much of the formula of a good romance but it just feels false. The actors' cinematic presence helps a lot. In the end, I don't feel it.

Everyday we have, is one more than we deserve

[Old Joe · 10 April 2003]

The struggles in reporting the news are shown in such an interesting way in the 1996 movie, 'Up close and personal'. It also shows that a little bit of luck can help a person go a long way in an industry like that of TV journalism. This movie's story, which has a strong and very emotional romance within it, also has some surprising twists that I am sure people will not expect once they have watched it.

Sally Atwater is fresh from a small-town trailer park when she arrives in Miami, overdressed and overeager to be the weather girl. He debut is disastrous but her boss, experienced newsman, Warren Justice, admires her spunk and takes her under his wing, making her an on air reporter. As Justice moulds Sally into one of the county's most sought after journalists, the pair fall in love, only to have their relationship threatened by the very success they have created.

Here is one of the great romance movies I have seen in a longtime. I love the way that the main stars first meet and how their relationship develops. By the time that Tally is a great journalist, what is more important than her career, is the man that she loves that being Warren Justice. The screenplay for this movie was beautifully written by John Gregory Dunne and Joan Didion. I love how the two main stars are able to fall in love, but at the same time, able to do what they do as a career. Sure it might take a little while for the movie to show that this is important, but I feel that the time needed to be taken, so that both Tally and Warren fall deeply in love.

The director of 'Up close and personal' was Jon Avnet, who has been a part of some great movies such as that of 'Risky Business', 'When a man loves a woman', and the 'Mighty ducks' trilogy. In this movie, I love the way that Avnet shows Tally Atwater at the start, to be someone who is a struggler, ignored and made fun of. Then to make her character be so vital and important in the whole make-up of the film, was great. This I believe is the good work of Avnet and makes the movie all the more compelling. I also like the world that Avnet has created for the film, that of the pressurised, TV journalism environment.

The stars of the movie are two of Hollywood's better known actors in Robert Redford and Michelle Pfeiffer. The pair have a good chemistry in this movie, with the way that they fall in love very believable. I also like how Redford's character, Warren, refers to Tally at the start of the film, saying that 'she eats the camera'. This scene shows that Warren not only likes Tally as a journo, but as a woman as well. I also like the way that Pfeiffer appears in this film. She looks very much like a reporter does on the news and it is in her appearance that this needed to be so definite.

The supporting cast of 'Up close and personal' is a pretty good one. I like Marcia McGrath (Stockard Channing), who is the tough as nails anchor girl, who is pushed out of her position by the rising career of Tally Atwater. She treats Tally pretty bad in the film, if the truth be known. I also like Joanna Kennelly (Kate Nelligan), who we find out is one of Warren's former wives. She is one of the reasons why Warren has had a turbulent journalism career. Do not discount the little role taken on by Tally's cameraman Ned Jackson (Glenn Plumber). He is an incredibly brave cameraman, who admires Tally for the work that she does. Trust me I would not have liked doing the camera work that he was doing in the prison.

'Up close and personal' might not have the greatest of sound tracks, but it does have one song that I really like. That song is 'Because you loved me' sung by Celine Dion. It is a song which was used well in the film and its lyrics suit this movie beautifully. How great a song this was, made me want to watch the film all the more. By the way, there is one scene in the movie that shows Pfeiffer's character singing 'The impossible dream' at an empty football stadium in front of Warren. All I will say about this is that Pfeiffer should stick to the acting game, because she does not sing that well.

This movie, is such 'a good drama love story', because it shows how tough the 'TV journalism' area can be, and does not shrug away from showing how difficult and dangerous such a career can be (the prison scene is wonderfully shot and one of the great parts of the film). I also like how this movie concludes, and I am not afraid to admit that it has gotten me upset both times I have watched it. You will notice, that I say that Sally Atwater's name is actually 'Tally'. I will not reveal how this change happens, just to say that I like it. I believe it was placed in the story for a bit of fun. But I am not so sure I would like my name changed for my chosen career. Would you?

CMRS gives 'Up close and personal': 4 (Very Good Film)

The Politics Of 'Up Close And Personal'

[ccthemovieman-1 · 7/10 · 9 September 2006]

While this is definitely a "women's movie," a man can enjoy this, too. I did, but not enough to see it twice or to purchase it. Supposedly, it's the story of former television news reporters Jessica Savitch and Ron Kershaw.

Robert Redford is good at playing the veteran newsman teaching Michelle Peiffer (Savitch) the business. He does more than that, of course, being her lover and then her husband. With Redford, you know you are going to get a dose of Liberal politics in the mix and in here, it's let's-feel-sorry-for-the-prison inmates. The preaching is "they are in jail to be rehabilitated." Well, that sounds nice but whatever happened to jail as a form of punishment for someone committing a crime against someone else? Liberals - like Redford, who is never shy about giving us his views in movies like this - sometimes seem to have more compassion for thugs than they do victims of crime! He goes so far in here as to preach that if you don't treat prisoners with kid gloves you deserve to have a riot on your hands.

Outside of all that heavy-handedness, you get a nice romance with solid acting all around, not only from the two leads but the supporting case with people like Stockarrd Channnng, Joe Mantegna, Kate Nelligan, Glen Plummer and James Rebhorn.

The life of TV journalists

[esteban1747 · 7/10 · 5 January 2002]

The film tries to give an idea of the difficulties of TV journalists to succeed and the problems they may face during the job. The director of the film seems to be interested of what may happen in Cuba, and the film touches partially the ethic of contra group in Miami. It also shows how mass media are always behind sensation of the news, sometimes sacrificing the life of the reporters, and this is what happened to Robert Redford, one of the heros of the film. This is not an easy film to be seen, but the argument is acceptable.

Great romantic chemistry between Robert Redford and Michelle Pfeiffer. *** out of ****

[Movie-12 · 7/10 · 9 December 1999]

Director: Jon Avnet Running Time: 124 minutes Rated PG-13 (for some sensuality, language, and brief violence)

"Up Close & Personal" is one hundred percent a chick flick-but it is an effective one. With his new romantic drama director Jon Avnet has created a relevant, realistic, interesting behind-the-scenes look at news broadcasting, relationships, and journalism.

The story centers on a young energetic woman, named Sally Atwater, who, in desperation to find the job of her dreams, sends an application to be a television newscaster and work with the biggest names in the business. One of them is Warren Justice, played cleverly by Robert Redford, who lives an opposite life from the clumsy, tactless, and silly Sally. Of course she gets the job, falls in love with Warren, and experiences difficulties with her occupation as well as romance.

The film's first act is near perfect: it introduces the characters and guidelines, exactly what a good first act is supposed to do. We initially meet an opportunity starving underdog, the external conflict, then move on the romantic complications in the second act, the internal conflict. The second act also provides the gradual increase in romantic chemistry; for once we don't have a typical love at first sight story. Both problems are eventually resolved efficiently, but getting there is what contains the original felling.

What makes the characters so relateable in "Up Close & Personal" is the people who they are. Sally is a down-to-earth human being, blooming with cute charm and amiable qualities. She isn't presented as a glamorous, high stakes, important individual, but completely the opposite--perhaps a little too underdogish at times. Warren provides us with a stern opposite to Sally, forming tension. Their slow character development is totally appropriate, as well as effective, here.

The leading characters are played delicately by Robert Redford and Michelle Pfeiffer; the right choice for each. Both pay special attention to the nitty gritty details within the characters. They are very careful not too overdue their characters and subdue the audience. This is not a deep picture, although the closing may catch a few unexpected viewers weeping, it's a light hearted, evenly presented, well-plotted romantic comedy-the filmmakers don't often pretend otherwise.

"Up Close & Personal" is not your typical love story. It is not slow moving, but full of colorful characters, interesting situations, focused point of views, and a suave atmosphere. It is a romantic comedy worth the watch time and your money.

Brought to you by Touchstone Pictures.

Gimme a break!

[SillyPuddy · 1/10 · 19 November 2004]

Wow was this movie ever a stinker. I realize its a chick flick but the melodrama was laid on pretty thick. I'm so sure Redford's character would have all that time to spend with Pfeiffer's. As if he has no one or nothing else to tend to in his busy career. She just strolls in and basically becomes his pupil. He believes in her. Right! The convenient circumstances begin to pile up in the first hour making the second hour quite unbearable. Just about the entire movie is implausible. It really meanders when they have Redford's character reporting on the war. The romance is so forced that there was never a chance for any chemistry to develop naturally on screen. I realize its a movie but I didn't buy any of the happenings for a second.

Moving Story Line

[daniellebuchina · 10/10 · 30 June 2011]

I don't know how anyone could watch this movie and not love it. The line up of actors in the move are amazing and maybe that's why some people expected a different kind of movie. The movie moves a long perfectly, telling the story in a great time line. It doesn't drag and there is not one part of the story that doesn't fit. It's as if a friend is telling you the main highlights of a friends' love life. I gave it a ten - Redford an Pfieffer make a great, believable couple and you can tell they put their heart into this movie. They both play people who are intelligent and aren't afraid to fight for what they believe it, something we all strive for. Get a tissue, you'll need it.

Extremely underrated film

[lisafordeay · 6/10 · 27 October 2017]

Up Close and Personal was released in 1996 and stars Michelle Phiefer and Robert Redford and tells the tale of an inspiring news- reporter named Tally(played by Phiefer)who gets offered a job by Wallace Justice(Robert Redford) after he seen an audition tape that she had for her job interview and ends up getting hired while later falling in love. But when Wallace has to travel far away for a while to do a news report will there love for each other be under jeopardy. Overall I have never seen this film before till now and I gotta say I really enjoyed it. The chemistry between Robert and Michelle was great,the story was very heavy with its news reports and on journalism and the life and death that comes with it as its not as easy as you think. With music from Celine Dion "Because You Love Me" and with a great cast that also includes Grease's Stockhard Channing and Michelle's sister DeeDee Phiefer. Try and track this film down and see what you think of it.

Hankies at the ready for this one though as the climax towards the end of the film will have you in tears.

6/10

A long boring cliché movie

[bobrock · 1/10 · 13 December 1998]

"Up Close And Personal" is a love story dragged on over two hours. The script is rather empty, usually predictable, and above all boring. It is a sad example that even an excellent cast can't make a good movie where there isn't one.

Cliché movies like this are usually forgotten within days, but for some reason, the memory of "Up Close And Personal" still haunts me. It won't let me forget how I wasted time and money on it. I give it 1/10.

On the best romance drama I've ever seen

[tanpole · 10/10 · 17 June 2004]

It's one the most sensible movie I have ever seen and I've seen a lot. Great...no.... excellent performance of Robert Redford and Michelle Pfeiffer creates a special romantic atmosphere. It's absoletely one of the most outstanding movie duet in the whole history of cinematografe. And some scenes make you heart stop for a moment, like in the news room during the editing or when she came to say him that she is going to Filadelphia.

I recommend it to everyone who crazy about romantic movies. And be ready to feel all spectrum of feelings with positive emotions.

A Love Story "via" Satellite

[gazineo-1 · 6/10 · 22 May 2001]

Vivid love story between a new and talented reporter (Michelle) and her sometimes anger, sometimes sweet chief (Redford). This movie could be a misfire but the good cast and the witty dialogues make this a special example of how to make if not a brilliant but a reasonable romance movie.

I give this a 06 (six).

Terrible romance

[HotToastyRag · 2/10 · 26 September 2017]

How do you put Robert Redford and Michelle Pfeiffer in a movie together and make it terrible? By writing a God-awful story about a lousy weather girl who wants to be taken seriously as a journalist.

An older, experienced reporter takes her under his wing, and then they fall in love. It's not unbelievable that they fall in love—after all, they're both beautiful people—but Michelle Pfeiffer as a career woman? Not the most credible casting in the world. The script is mediocre, the romance is boring, and the ending is terrible. Plus, you'll have to sit through Michelle singing "The Impossible Dream" in the middle of an empty amphitheater. Singing in Grease 2 and The Fabulous Baker Boys is one thing, but Man of La Mancha is a little out of her talent bracket.

In the dictionary under "guilty pleasure"

[SKG-2 · 29 October 1999]

You know how there are some movies which you know you're not supposed to like but end up liking anyway? That perfectly describes this movie. This umpteenth re-telling of A STAR IS BORN is sappy, unbelievable(while previous "Norman Maine" characters are down because of alcohol, Redford's character is down because of his "integrity." Yeah, okay), and contains an unbearable Celine Dion(of course, in my opinion, unbearable and Celine Dion is redundant, but that's my opinion). But darn it if the romantic chemistry between Redford and Pfeiffer doesn't make this worth watching. And say what you want about director Jon Avnet(and I'm not a fan of his), he knows how to direct actors. Joe Mantegna, Stockard Channing, and Kate Nelligan are all excellent here. You may not like yourself for liking it, but there you go.

A guilty pleasure

[brendastern · 7/10 · 5 June 2007]

As someone who works in the news business, I cringe, laugh and cry when I watch Up Close and Personal. It bears almost no resemblance except for a broad outline of what life in local and network TV news is all about. Broadcast News is a far more apt portrayal of the real pressures of a newsroom. And yet, Up Close and Personal is more fun to watch, especially on a rainy afternoon with a big bucket of popcorn and some Kleenex nearby. Robert Redford, Stockard Channing and Kate Nelligan give good performances while Joe Mantegna has one of the most delightful character names ever in a movie: Bucky Terranova. Michelle Pfeiffer is the weakest link and her prison scenes are ludicrous, but her Miami wardrobe and hair are stunning. She plays well off Robert Redford, who for once loses his wooden quality and actually seems to have some chemistry with her. It's hard to imagine that Joan Didion and John Gregory Dunne actually wrote this movie, since it's such a potboiler and nothing like their finest work. But on the other hand, it proves that they really were romantics. I put this in the same category as "The Best of Everything" and "Designing Woman" (the original, starring Lauren Bacall.) You can't call them great movies, but they have charm of their own.

I love it despite...

[louiself-1 · 7/10 · 19 October 2006]

...the fact that the interaction between the characters at times is very stilted. A particular scene in which Warren Justice (Robert Redford) is telling Tally Atwater (Michelle Pfeiffer) how to put a news story together is particularly telling. Their dialogue is an interaction that has a noticeable pause between each line, and it made me think that perhaps it had not been well directed.

The scenes don't always seems a smooth continuance.

The sub-story regarding the siege at Holbrook Prison was lengthy and took a large part of the movie. Whilst it portrayed Tally's growing talent and removal from Justice's Svengali-like influence, it, for me, broke the continuancy of the movie.

But despite this, the movie really struck a chord with me. It is one of the few movies I bought on DVD that I watch repeatedly. For some enigmatic reason, I love the movie despite the obvious flaws.

"Telling the story of the couple of journalists", Jon Avnet proposes a deeper reflection of journalistic ethics

[fernandoschiavi · 6/10 · 18 November 2022]

Ethics, love, dedication and overcoming, these are some of the basic ingredients to achieve success in all fields, both personally and professionally. This may be the alchemy that made "Up Close and Personal", a sweet, true film capable of touching audiences around the world. Jon Avnet, expert in the art of emotion, without using cliché, or even resorting to fetched subterfuge, managed once again to tell a story with the delicacy and subtlety that the human soul needs.

Sally Atwater (Michelle Pfeiffer) plays a girl who dreamed of becoming a journalist. Even without professional training, she creates a video to ask for a job in several stations. Sally, totally confused, arrives at TV Miami and finds the head of journalism, Warren Justice (Robert Redford), a veteran journalist, passionate about the profession and who doesn't sell his ethical principles for fame or money. Because of this he has his career boycotted. Position to some extent questioned by colleagues in the profession, being, among other things, considered a difficult person to deal with.

Justice, a name that enhances the personality of the editor-in-chief, even knowing that Sally Atwater has no experience in the area, manages to see her potential and accepts her as an intern, becoming his mentor. One day, after making Sally serve too many coffees, he lets her be the weather girl, then, by fate, she has the opportunity to be live in a story. Over time, she gradually becomes established professionally and the relationship between him and his mentor becomes a great passion.

A kind of "A Star is Born" within journalism, "Intimate & Personal" is a production that does not reach all its potential. Not even remotely close to the brilliance of his "Fried Green Tomatoes", Jon Avnet delivers a work that is just right, albeit often with excessive narrative simplicity. Robert Redford doesn't have much to do in the shoes of Warren Justice, a character without great complexity, and even Michelle Pfeiffer, despite her charisma and talent, can't go beyond the limits of a protagonist portrayed with insecurity by the script: in the first half from the film, Tally is a romantic comedy character, with even some humorous scenes (which don't always work); and in the final stretch, she assumes the air of a tragic heroine, with tearful moments underlined by the beautiful "Because you loved me", in the voice of Celine Dion. This almost schizophrenia of the film is what makes it difficult for the audience to fully engage in its story - it can even move the most sensitive, but, compared to what it could have been (especially with all the dramas lived by Savitch, its original inspiration), it's just a derivative and predictable drama.

Still, the romantic drama is a well-crafted mix of technical, textual, visual, and sound aspects. From the selection of actors - Michelle Pfeifer and Robert Redford identified with the characters forming an accomplice and captivating pair - to the choice of songs - the film won the Oscar for best song with the aforementioned "Because You Loved Me"-, in everything we try to convey the message of renewal to the public in a simple, beautiful and sensitive way.

The film uses many metaphors, even by genre, working on the meaning of words to insinuate the context. Some examples are when Warren refers to Tally as commenting that "she devours the lens", foreshadowing her competence and success, or when he tells her that she is "not good company in the morning" to warn that he was not good with relationships. But the film's deepest metaphor is the one that refers to the true value of a journalist, "what we in the news cannot forget is that we are worth the stories we tell".

Warren and Tally's characters were built on a stereotype of the television journalist as someone very concerned with the image and little with the message, with the purpose of transmitting to millions of viewers a fact that, although it may not interest them, positively or negatively influences your life. Warren is an upstanding, honorable, idealistic, committed and serious journalist who, for that very reason, is considered difficult, intractable and has a "thorny" career. (One particularity: this role played by Robert Redford, is very similar to his personality. The actor, like the character, is considered in his environment a difficult person, who only does things his way).

Tally, on the other hand, is a sensitive and hardworking woman, with a strong yet captivating personality. Her identity construction takes place throughout the film, allowing the audience to reflect on how an inexperienced reporter, if well guided, can become an excellent journalist. Tally, always worried about appearing early, finds herself suddenly being rejected by the public, devastated by the rival anchor who exposes her to ridicule in certain situations, shaking her self-esteem and shaking her career, until Warren helps her see: "Give it to me." them Tally Atwater, he says. Where is Tally Atwater? To earn the trust of millions of viewers, you need to hear what they say." And Tally finally understands what it means to be a reporter and surprises herself by doing a great story alone and conquering the highest position of a journalistic career.

An aspect of great formal beauty in the work is the scene in which Tally decides to improvise, instead of following what was written on the teleprompter, at the moment of her thanks. And speaking with the voice of her heart, freeing herself from patterns and definitely taking possession of herself, she thanks those who really deserve applause. "I'm just here to tell a story," she concludes. In "Up Close and Personal", the idea behind the romance of the characters Tally Atwater and Warren Justice, seems to be to demonstrate to the general public the human frailty. Using the love plot, the author seems to denounce, in the exposition of the characters' daily lives, the great struggle of all of us against our own weaknesses and ills. He then seeks to demonstrate the need for hope, determination, and character.

But in the end, there has to be some conflict. Something has to be problematized for the film to sustain itself. And director Jon Avnet knows his craft. He introduces the viewer to the intimacy of TV without offending anyone, but does not let naivety organize the narrative. Build a group of very nice but not silly characters. In addition, Avnet is lenient with the institution he analyzes, TV, but he does not fail to point out some thorns. And, above all, he values his actors, making an efficient vehicle (for protagonists and supporting actors).

"Telling the story of the couple of journalists", the author proposes a deeper reflection of journalistic ethics. And most interesting of all... Through the film, he says exactly what his characters experienced: that he (the author) is there, making this film, to "tell a story"... And, who knows, offer the public a new nuance of facts for reflection... In the film, the great debate is the eternal doubt between getting an audience at any cost and discovering the truth of facts and being. It is wrong to think that it is an exclusive story for communication professionals. It is a love story framed by ethics, dedication and overcoming that enchants and makes everyone reflect.

Very disappointing

[smatysia · 5/10 · 17 February 2016]

Very disappointing. I expected much more from a film that brings this much star power. It is difficult to pinpoint exactly what is wrong with it. Robert Redford was the usual Robert Redford, which is good. Lots of very good actors in supporting roles, like Stockard Channing, Kate Nelligan, Joe Mantegna, Miguel Sandoval, and Noble Willingham. Michelle Pfeiffer just never rang true in her role. And I am a big fan of hers, and think that she is a phenomenal actress. I just never could believe in her in this one. I suppose that the writing must be at fault somehow, although I cannot say exactly how, But by the middle of the film I found it boring.

This is the most beautiful and romantic love story I have ever watched.

[Nat-42 · 10/10 · 2 August 1999]

This is an incredibly romantic and moving film. The movie follows the amazing and powerful love between Tally (Michelle Pfeiffer) and Warren Justice (Robert Redford. Tally starts off as a minor and with no knowledge of the news broadcasting industry. Justice takes her under his wing and motivates her, teaches her, helps her and supports her. The love between these two deepens as a complete reversal of character positions occur. Justice begins to take a back seat to the rise and fame of Tally, but still their love and passion override. Their love is the type couples can only dream of having, unrequited, loyal and free of jealousy. This film captures attention from beginning to end.

No, no no,...this is NOT a good film!

[planktonrules · 3/10 · 16 July 2006]

I think the overall score for this film is way too high and may be related to the fact that people like the stars. But their performance in this dreary retread was just sloppy and dull. Nothing about the film in any way made me prefer it to the original A STAR IS BORN with Janet Gaynor or the remake with Judy Garland. Both of these older films are marvelous classics, whereas this film looks like both the stars just did it for money. Additionally, while in this case it's becoming a top news anchor instead of a movie star, the films are essentially the same and any hack writer could have created the script--as there is nothing NEW or IMPORTANT to say in the film. Anyone who saw the original films KNOWS that Redford will ultimately buy the farm and Pfeiffer will be the next Barbara Walters.

Ultimately, I could have summed up the film with "WHO CARES?!", but IMDb doesn't allow such succinct reviews.

This movie is in my top ten collection!

[Streetwolf · 9/10 · 30 January 2002]

I saw this movie years back, but unfortunately ever since my friend borrowed it I never got it back so I never saw it for many years and recently I got the DVD and this movie sure brought back memories.

Sally/Tally Atwater fakes her way into a job and a TV station and has her hopes set up high in becoming a journalist when she meets Warren Justice, who begins teaching her what journalism is truly all about and slowly the two start falling in love, but all things end...

This movie is about love, work and everything else in between. A woman and a man both workaholics can't stand to be away from the thrill of their work and yet can't stand to be away from each other either and then one of them goes and makes a fatal mistake.

10/10 and I hated the ending just for the record, but it was the only one that would suit this film. Whoever believes in fairy tales this is a movie you should stay away from...

Wrong-headed, impossible concoction whipped up by too many chefs

[moonspinner55 · 5/10 · 7 May 2006]

What began life as the turbulent story of the late newscaster Jessica Savitch was re-written and revised so many times it now resembles no one, living or dead. It's just another "Star Is Born" rehash, with big stars slumming in soap-ville. Pretty upstart (Michelle Pfeiffer) in the TV-news biz becomes a network anchorwoman, but her romantic relationship with a handsome colleague (Robert Redford) causes problems. Strictly on its hand-me-down terms, the film is a gusty, guilty pleasure, something to watch to kill time, and Pfeiffer works well (as always) even under the most hokey circumstances. However, the best performance is turned in by Stockard Channing as a no-nonsense hard-nose; poor Redford looks like he might be ill at any moment. ** from ****

Very good

[Monika-5 · 4 August 1999]

Even though I feel Robert Redford is getting a bit old to play the romantic hero, I did enjoy this movie. I liked the newsroom setting. I felt Michelle Pfeiffer gave a very good performance and that she and Mr. Redford had a very likeable chemistry. I didn't care for the ending, but it was good viewing on the whole. A good love story.

Highly over-rated, even with low rating of 6.1

[Nobody-27 · 1/10 · 11 November 2016]

In trying to find a half-decent romantic film to see, I came upon this one. Never heard of the director, but seeing that both Michelle Pfeiffer Robert Redford are in it, I thought it couldn't be too bad. Boy was I wrong.

I don't even know where to start from because everything sucked, but will try anyway: - The script sucked in every way imaginable. Story that moves by force, where everything happens in a poorly constructed dialogue (nothing is shown, we are told what to think) and where occasional emotional outbursts happen on cue because it's an end of an act... People fall in love, not because they look like they are in love, but because they say so. If they didn't say it I would not know it to be honest. Even when they are kissing, I didn't believe it. It was not so much the acting, but simply the story that managed to leave me entirely disinterested. Dialogues were forced, with plenty of TV network jargon and pretentious coolness to it, but with zero substance, or motivation or even meaning.

• Such a horrible script cannot inspire even the best of actors to perform. Not a single scene has real motivation behind it. Just out of the blue, someone will get upset or angry, or they will say they are in love, or they will show hatred for someone. But it all stinks of "I don't know why, but all the books on screen writing say I should have a conflict by this page, so..." To Robert Redford's credit, he manages to be good, all things considered. I love Michelle Pfeiffer, but could hardly watch her in this train wreck. Her good looks did nothing to help the situation. Her performance was the worst ever of all her movies I've seen (and I've seen most of them).

• Then there is the terrible story which is moving by force. A trailer trash (Pfeiffer) who looks nothing like trailer trash, comes to Miami to become a TV anchor. She sucks, but they hire her. She sucks some more at her work, but they promote her. Just like that. She sucks even more, and she gets an even better offer. Then she gets stuck in a jail when a riot brakes out, and she gives an uninspired report from that chaos, and gets an even better job. Robert Redford is madly in love with her, for no good reason, except that maybe he has a thing for untalented trailer trash.

And then there is the awful ending which I will not disclose here as it would be spoilers, but will just say that I almost threw things at the TV screen. I guess the writer/ director noticed that film was a flat-liner so they forced an emotional ending. Emotional it was, but in the "WTF?" way.

All in all, this film is a good study in "how to not make a movie". Or better yet: how not to write a film, how not to direct it, and how not to act in a leading role. Garbage all around. Pure and simple.