Customer Reviews

Maxie (1985)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This review refers to the MGM DVD edition of "Maxie"....

Jan and Nick live quiet, low key, uncomplicated lives. He's a librarian, she is secretary to an Archbishop. They are not exactly the wild and crazy type. Their idea of a big night is peeling away the layers of wallpaper, decade by decade, in their new apartment. What they uncover when they are down to the 1920's, is about to change their lives entirely.

Flapper Maxie Malone, left her mark here. A once young and promising actress, who met with an untimely death. The free-spirited, outgoing, energetic, contagiously fun ghost of Maxie, returns, inhabits the body of poor Jan and it's anything goes, as she tries to make her mark on the big screen once more. Maxie may be dead, but she's full of life. She wears the couple out with her antics. Will Jan ever get her life back, or will Maxie go on to stardom?

In the hands of a less adept cast, this may not have the hold it immediatley has on the viewer. Glenn Close is "Maxie/Jan", and she is wonderful going back and forth between the dull Jan of today and the exuberant Maxie of the 20's. She does a rendition of "Bye, Bye, Blackbird" that is simply intoxicating. You may even want to rewind and watch it again before going any further(I did). Mandy Patinkin is Nick. He is brillant as the befuddled husband, who wants his wife back but also falls for the ghost with the most. Bernard Hughes is hilarious as the Archbishop planning an exorcism, and most delicious of all is the legendary Ruth Gordon. Ruth was Maxie's pal in the roaring 20's and hasn't lost a bit of her charm. It may even be by her summoning, that the spirit of Maxie has returned.

The DVD has a very nice picture with vivid colors. It is presented with the choice of widescreen or a standard format. The catchy music sounds great in DD2.0 Surround, but the DVD seems to be recorded low. I had to turn it up several notches higher then usual, but stayed even throughout.. No special features(excpet a trailer), just a delightful time with this fun and charming fantasy.

For some reason, at this time, this DVD is hard to come by. They are quite high priced by the outside sellers. If interested, put it on your wish list or in your cart, and be patient and watch for a good deal(or check with your local video store)

It's "the cat's pajamas and the bees kness!"
enjoy....Laurie

OK so Maxie isn't a blockbuster and not for every taste (what film is??) and I will admit that had the part of Nick been played by anyone other than Mandy Patinkin I would have liked it less, but I found it entertaining enough. Even when one is based on the other books and film are two different mediums and shouldn't be so closely compared. Maxie was just meant to be a bit of fun and fantasy and as such is ok.

I saw this film when it first came out, and although....NOT the number one of ALL the best ghost movies of all time, STILL, it's a good watch. Ruth Gordon, of course, is ALLWAYS a plus, and she makes us cry when confronted by her former vaudeville co-star, Maxie when she is possessed through "Jan". I appreciated the film even more, when I read the source: MARIONS'WALL, by the late, Jack Finney. MAN.....if they made THAT FILM, it would have been even MORE elaborate...STILL, a fun film!!!

I just saw this film today, and i fell in love with it from the start. The story has many a funny moment in it. The problems that result for Glenn Close's character, Jan and her husband Nick, played wonderfully by Mandy Patinkin, due to her being possed by the spirit of Maxie are just too funny. It is a very charming movie, whether it's plausible or not. Aren't movies suppossed to be a break from reality? Well this one is a perfect escape movie. It has charm, laughter, and romance all rolled into one. I highly recommend this film for anyone who wants to enjoy a good laugh, or just wants to have a little fun with their viewing choice...

I very much enjoyed this movie the few times I've been able to see it, and would love to own it myself, but not for 75 dollars! With all the junk that's available, I'll never understand why a movie like Maxie isn't.

This is not in widescreen, but full frame from what looks like a washed out VHS transfer.

this is a great sunday afternoon movie that happens to be on t.v. moment. When Glen Close does her cleopatra impersonation with Harry Hamlin it is major. I love her bye bye blackbird moment and her time in the dance studio, with her old friend. It is a correct fun movie, I have had the chance to work with Glenn and this is the only movie box I had her sign. she also did the Cleopatra quotes for me, delicious!

A wonderful movie for everyone to watch. It makes you smile and laugh. This movie was based upon a wonderfully written book too. I highly recommend this movie. Well made movie.

my experiance with ordering from amazon have been good, although the movie I am reviewing was only watched once before the case broke (the protector flap broke off) most likely a well loved movie......

I have loved this movie for years. I love Glenn Close in this movie so much. A total departure for Fatal Attraction that's for sure. I love the story line and the relationship between Mandy Patinkin and GC. It's very cute. Can't wait for this to come out on DVD.