This is a rather laid-back, but enjoyable movie; the type that more mature audiences will enjoy.
The story is relatively interesting. Hollywood types decide to make a movie based on an historical book written by Alan Alda's character. Of course, the movie company cares nothing about the historical accuracy of the Revolutionary War era script, while Alda (and the community) care a great deal. Meanwhile there are various romantic situations involving Alda and the film's starring actress (Michelle Pfeiffer), and Alda's girlfriend (Lise Hilboldt) and the film's lead actor (Michael Caine; who did not get top billing here); although these assignations are handled in a rather urbane manner. Alda and the community get their revenge when the key battle scene of the movie is filmed. It's all very good natured.
Alan Alda is very good here; just right for this kind of laid-back treatment of the story. It made me wish that more Alda's acting career had been in film, rather than in "MASH". Michael Caine is fine here, although the role is clearly a supporting role, rather than a starring role. Michelle Pfeiffer is satisfactory; quite appealing in some scenes, and then not so in other scenes; an uneven performance. Bob Hoskins has a supporting role as a decidedly unclassy screenwriter; nothing very notable. Lise Hilboldt is very good as Alda's girlfriend. It's a delight to see Lillian Gish in a role as Alda's eccentric mother; her next to the last film. Saul Rubinek plays the film's director; again, nothing special here.
Is this a box office smash? No. A rather casual film with a decent script and goo acting. As at least one reviewer indicated, it could have been more satirical, but I don't think that was the intent. Particularly worthwhile if you enjoy Alan Alda,
The story is relatively interesting. Hollywood types decide to make a movie based on an historical book written by Alan Alda's character. Of course, the movie company cares nothing about the historical accuracy of the Revolutionary War era script, while Alda (and the community) care a great deal. Meanwhile there are various romantic situations involving Alda and the film's starring actress (Michelle Pfeiffer), and Alda's girlfriend (Lise Hilboldt) and the film's lead actor (Michael Caine; who did not get top billing here); although these assignations are handled in a rather urbane manner. Alda and the community get their revenge when the key battle scene of the movie is filmed. It's all very good natured.
Alan Alda is very good here; just right for this kind of laid-back treatment of the story. It made me wish that more Alda's acting career had been in film, rather than in "MASH". Michael Caine is fine here, although the role is clearly a supporting role, rather than a starring role. Michelle Pfeiffer is satisfactory; quite appealing in some scenes, and then not so in other scenes; an uneven performance. Bob Hoskins has a supporting role as a decidedly unclassy screenwriter; nothing very notable. Lise Hilboldt is very good as Alda's girlfriend. It's a delight to see Lillian Gish in a role as Alda's eccentric mother; her next to the last film. Saul Rubinek plays the film's director; again, nothing special here.
Is this a box office smash? No. A rather casual film with a decent script and goo acting. As at least one reviewer indicated, it could have been more satirical, but I don't think that was the intent. Particularly worthwhile if you enjoy Alan Alda,