Customer Reviews

Mr. Saturday Night

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Poignant and moving--a transformational performance by Billy Crystal who gives such a finely nuanced performance of such depth that the movie has stayed with me for years. This isn't about a comdeian per se, its about somebody who realises that they have just missed the boat, felt that they were naturally entitled to be on the boat, and have to deal with that sense of life's betrayal. Crystal stops being just a funny man, and shows himself to be deeply sensitive and actually -- very deep. Disappointed viewers were looking for comic fluff, and when they got a sophisticated performance of a difficult man, they expressed their shock by rating the film badly.

Something really rare in these days of disposable pop culture film. It's hilariously funny, poignant without being maudlin, and pulls off the hardest trick there is; namely, the drama works and the comedy works. This was truly an oscar winning effort that got ignored.

Truly an outstanding performance by Billy Crystal that deserved an Oscar. A fantastic movie that moved me greatly. This film is virtually unknown in the UK but got a screening on an English cable channel and I enjoyed it so much and I just had to buy the DVD. Billy Crystal is superb in the lead role. I had never seen, nor heard of, Mr Crystal prior to viewing this movie so I was able to judge him purely by this movie - outstanding!

Why this film has yet to be considered a masterpiece is beyond me. I suspect it may be considered "too Jewish." Nevertheless, it is completely accessible to any adult audience and Billy Crystal has created a character, Buddy Young, Jr., who is truly unforgetable.

Buddy is a brilliant comedian who, like Jerry Lewis, Buddy Hackett, and countless other comics jumps from the Catskills and Vegas to one of television's highest rated shows. But Buddy is flawed and his loses his show. And that's where the story truly begins. A poignant story that explores the conflicts between career ambitions and family relationships--and yet will make you howl with laughter--will make you wish to see it again and again.

I have always felt Billy Crystal was a self absorbed, ruthless, know it all, Borcht belt brat, ego maniac! So when this movie was conceived (as a vehicle for Crystal) I thought it was merely an attempt to convince us that he himself was a showbiz legend. You know.....so he could show up at the Friars club and get respect from some former comedians who make cameo appearances in this flick. Greats like Slappy White, Carl Ballantine, Will Jordan, Jackie Gayle, and the master himself.....Jerry Lewis. Well.....I hate to say this.....but I now believe that I was wrong. I have since found Billy to indeed be a Showbiz legend! I now put him not only equal to but above many of the greats. I mean he's right up there with Lewis, Jack Benny, and George Burns. He turns in a great effort here as the abrasive, controlling, manipulative and unlovable Buddy Young. But the icing on the cake on why I changed my mind was the solid writing and unselfish way Crystal so generously gives David Payner this movie. It is for that reason and Payner's rock solid performance as the long suffering brother that make this Showbiz yarn a must see for any and all people who ever dreamed of being a standup comedian. This movie peels away and exposes the underlying current as to what makes a man bulldoze anybody who get's in his way from being a star. It's at times crass and vulgar but then that's who Buddy Young is. An underrated masterful little gem from one of the greatest entertainers today.....my "new" favorite comedian. Mr. Saturday Night.....the one and only.....Billy Crystal. He deserves all the accolades bestowed upon him. He truly is the greatest that we have today!

Billy Crystal stars as an aging stand-up comic (Buddy Young, Jr.) with a mean streak in him. The movie starts off slowly and seemingly predictably, with Crystal and his brother (played by David Paymer) doing comedy together in their Jewish living room to all the relatives, getting some early breaks, and heading up the showbiz ladder. But Paymer opts out of the routine and becomes Cyrstal's manager. After many years and now on the decline, they have a falling out, but reconcile at the end. Comedians have enormous egos, and Crystal as Buddy wouldn't think twice about putting someone down for a laugh. (I've heard the same thing said about the real life Groucho Marx, whose insults directed as his family were funny to everyone except his family. But he didn't care as long as he got a laugh.) He's a funny guy, Buddy is, but not a nice one. The second half of the movie is much better than the first. Humor is in the mind of the beholder (sort of like beauty), and I thought the jokes were mildly funny. It certainly is not the worst movie ever made as some reviewers here seem to think.

I am not sure you want this review. But here goes: You sent the DVD out in great time and when my boss went to play it for his family, it didnt play. I am uncomfortable with this review because every now and then that happens and its no ones fault except for the video company and you are not to blame. However....I sent that back in December and while it took only a few days to get the first one, it is mid January and I am still waiting for the replacement. Being in the customer service industry, it feels like, now that you already have the money, there is no hurry........but that isnt good customer service. And usually you are known for great customer service.

Ego-centrical and clever young man makes everyone around him miserable, especially those closest to him, and earns his living by insulting his family and others.
I am sorry, but that is my impression of this film.
The acting is good.
The transformation of Billy Crystal as he ages in the film is amazing.
It is interesting to see how this "model comedian" develops.
I truly believe that this film depicts some well known comedians who are really miserable and insulting people at heart.
But when all is said and done, for me, this is NOT a funny film, and a very sad film for what the lead character does to those around him and closest to him.

Received DVD in the blink of an eye. Awesome price, and yet brand new. Would definitely buy from this vendor again!

This movie was a revelation, I have always liked his acting but this is the best of his movies that I have seen.