BrettHarrison's Review

Summary - Great 4.0

“My Favorite Year” is about a washed up movie star who guest stars on a “Your Show of Shows” type comedy show in the fifties and turns the place upside down with his drunken antics. Peter O’Toole turned what could have been a hammy performance into one of his more poignant turns and elevates the movie to more than just a nostalgic comedy. As a result O’Toole recieved his seventh Oscar nomination, losing to Ben Kingsley for “Gandhi”.

Acting - Really Great 4.5

The movie is pretty much terrific all around but if there is one element that stands out, it has to be the acting. Although not O’Tooles’ only comedy he is primarily known as a dramatic actor. But it was no mistake he was nominated for this. He is nothing less than amazing. There is not one false note in his performance and he even handles slap stick like a pro. O’Toole is almost upstaged by Lainie Kazan, who does Jewish moms like nobody else. Also great are Joseph Bologna and Mark Linn-Baker. Even veteran character actor Cameron Mitchell is hilarious as a union leader with no sense of humor.

Film - Very Good 3.5

Nicely done if not outstanding. It is a period piece and the costumes have the right look as does the production design.

Edge - Risqué 1.6

There is some violence but most of it slapstick or for comic effect in other ways.

Reality - Natural 1.0

Nostalgic.

2 Comments

• BrettHarrison Mar 10, 2013 4:29PM

  Regarding BrettHarrison’s Review
  Wick, first time I saw it was in the theater. I was in tears for the whole second half.

• Wick Mar 10, 2013 1:18PM

  Regarding BrettHarrison’s Review
  A great movie indeed, Brett. I recall laughing uproariously when first seeing My Favorite Year.

  O’Toole “is nothing less than amazing. There is not one false note in his performance and he even handles slap stick like a pro.” Yep, a legendary moviestar turn.

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