Customer Reviews

Max Dugan Returns [VHS]

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am a Neil Simon fan. I will reluctantly admit it. This is not a biographic type movie like Brighton Beach Memoirs. It is not edgy like the Sunshine Boys. It is my favorite movie he has done because it has a family feel without being to sad.

Everyone little kid has wished that some rich relative would blow in and buy all the answers to their problems. So Max Dugan has decided that he will buy the love of his daughter and his grandson. One problem... He is wanted by the police and the mafia. With a lot of lies and side stepping Max buys a few weeks with his family. He just doesnt expect to love them so much.

I hope they do release it even in a bargain Vhs. They don't make family films like they used to.

Nora (Marsha Mason) is a single mother who lives with her son Michael (Mathew Broderick). Their modest life is turned upside down when Nora's estranged father Max Dugan (Jason Robards) shows up in the middle of the night offering stolen money in exchange for a dying wish: time to get to know his grandson. Further complicated by the fact that Nora is dating a policeman (played brilliantly by an inquisitive Donald Sutherland) who can't help get the feeling that the new houseguest isn't who he claims to be.
Marsha Mason and Jason Robards are brilliantly funny together exchanging loving father-daughter quips. A young Mathew Broderick holds his own (showing many of his classic mannerisms) as Nora's son caught in the middle of it all. Recommended to all who want a warm-hearted laugh from a unique family story.

I have been watching Max Dugan Returns since I was a child. It was one of my all time favorite movies as a kid. I love the storyline of the movie. It is a wonderfully unique storyline, one that you don't see much of these days. I have never seen a more entertaining plot in a movie. I got quite a kick seeing Matthew Broderick at such a young age. Jason Robards is truly excellent. I hope this movie can live in the hearts of families for years to come. It is truly a classic.

Snappy little Neil Simon comedy about a long-lost father (Jason Robards) who is dying, who suddenly decides to make up for the lost years by showering his daughter and grandson with money and presents, gotten through embezzlement in Las Vegas. Sweet and light, not very deep - but most entertaining. With Marsha Mason as the daughter and Donald Sutherland as her cop boyfriend who finally figures out where the money's coming from and is torn between love and duty. Matthew Broderick is the grandson (his debut). Worth a watch.

I'm sick and tired of these studios dragging their feet on releasing certain movies on DVD! The same thing happened when we all went to CD's and now I have to scour the bargain bins to find the albums I once loved. This is a wonderful and charming movie that is funny and touching without being heavy-handed in any way. Neil Simon is great writer and I would love to share this with the next generation but that can happen ONLY IF THE IDIOTS AT 20TH CENTURY RELEASE IT ON DVD!!! I urge every fan of this movie to sign their name to the online petition at www.petitiononline.com/maxdugan/petition.html Let's have Max return to us in this century, too!

I watched this movie as a kid, and fell in love with it. I had forgotten about until last fall, when I seen the movie title on a cable channel....I just had to watch it again. I would love to have this on DVD.

I've been waiting for Max Dugan Returns to be released on DVD ever since I bought my first DVD player in December 2000. One of the most underrated movies of the 80s.

It isn't the best transfer in the world, but it is still such a treat that this funny, wonderful little fable has finally arrived on DVD. The story is simple and perhaps even slight, but this Neil Simon comedy, one he wrote directly for the screen, boasts one of his most enjoyable scripts, terrific performances, witty dialogue and a heartfelt message without in anyway being sentimental. The sparks and chemistry between Jason Robards and Marsha Mason erupt in every scene and the supporting cast, which includes Donald Sutherland and Matthew Broderick in his first film role, is stellar.

The original publicity used the line, 'Everybody needs a little Max Dugan. Indeed! Get it and enjoy.

Delightful, quick-paced and marvelously acted Neil Simon effort. Marsha Mason is at the top of her form carrying the film with her brilliant portrayal of a woman whose irresponsible father (Jason Robards -- excellent) returns to give to his remaining family what he has embezzled after spending 6 years in prison. The film has several comedic climaxes all due to Mason's responses to Robards, shall we call it, generosity?

Please don't miss it now that it has "returned" on a DVD where you're able to see it like it was meant to be viewed when it was initially released. I saw it when released, and canot believe how much time has passed since then. I can barely view my tape anymore, it is so worn out.

My Husband loves this move, and I just love the Great dane in the movie. If only they put it on DVD it would be supurb.
The movie is one of my all time relax and laughs.