Customer Reviews

Skin Deep

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(19)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

First off -- I am writing this the day after the passing of John Ritter. Ritter was one of the best physical comedians. He wow'd us with his antics and sweet heart for many years on 3's Company. John -- thanks for all the great laughs.

Now on to the review of this movie. To this day, this is one of my favorite movies even though I've only seen it 3 times (I'm purchasing the DVD today). Yes, the condom scene is one of the funniest scenes in movie history -- but I prefer another funny scene. John's character follows a woman into a upscale "physical therapy" office and is then tortured with muscle stimulators by a scorned former lover. When Zack comes out of the office he is twitching so badly he can hardly walk. This is classic John Ritter physicality. I laffed so hard the last time I watched that I almost couldn't breathe any more.

Also, while very funny, this movie follows a man who is trying desparately to repair his life and at every turn keeps failing. At one point, in his physcharist's office, his cry for help is so real-looking that it made me cry.

So, again, John, thanks for the many years of laughter. You will be missed!

One of the finest films of Blake Edwards since Victor / Victoria. John Ritter ( splendid here ) incarnates a womanizer and alcoholic famous writer who is in a bad professional moment and still in love with his ex-wife in this sarcastic non-stylished battle-of-the-sexes comedy that combines brilliant sight-gags and clever dialogues and return to us the best Edwards ( A shot in the dark ; The party ; The Pink Panther strikes back ). An intelligent comedy conceived as it was the confessional visual diary of his protagonist, strategy that allows Edwards to integrate a collection of funny sketches that work autonomously inside a solid narrative structure.

This is easily John Ritter's finest film. Now, that may sound like damning with faint praise, as the competition is such movies as "Problem Child", "Hero at Large" and "Stay Tuned", but "Skin Deep" is truly an achievement, a virtuoso performance by a man who is probably doomed to spend the rest of his days as a pratfalling, slapstick comedian. But here, he shines, bringing true feeling to his performance. You can feel the pain, humilation and defeat he suffers through the bright veneer of humor.

This is the story of Zack Hutton, a talented writer who sinks into alcoholism and insecurity after he destroys his marriage by womanizing. It's the story of a man who hits rock bottom and redeems himself. For a goofy comedy, it's pretty poignant.

The film is buoyed by amazing supporting performances by Vincent Gardenia as a wise bartender, Joel Brooks as best friend and attorney Jake and Dee Dee Rescher as jakes wife, Bernice.

Invariably, people point to the scene "that glows in the dark" as a reason to watch this movie, but I think that famous scene is easilyt the silliest and most forgettable. Funnier scenes abound and, if you pay attention, the movie is peppered with clever, underplayed dialog.

This is one of my favorite movies. I hope you enjoy it, too.

This movie is great, funny and unpredictable.
Many movies were inspired by this one movie and copied from it.
It did not have the success it deserved.
John Ritter's best act.

This movie is very funny. At the same time, it has a very incisive statement regarding personal responsibility - in this case, alcoholism. I will never forget the "dueling condoms" scene, and there are several classic comedy bits that make this film one of the minor (at least) classics of film comedy. I laughed at the condom scene. I hurt myself laughing at the scene of John Ritter trying to escape with a novocaine-filled leg. I look forward to viewing it again, and often.

This is an overlooked gem- Blake Edwards was a big deal in the late 70's-early 80's (see Pink Panther, 10, or my personal fav S.O.B.) for acerbic, witty comedy and a great sense of time and place. The time and place is late 80's LA and Zach (Ritter) is a semi-washed-up novelest with a drunken, libidenous bent. Zach is not a bad guy, just a lost, rich one. This is slapstick meets Simon, a slice of the good life with the bad thrown in. Ritter is wonderful as Zach, in one of his best performances. If you are a fan of his work, this is a must.

They just dont make em like this anymore... too many "polictically correct" lighthearts out there that complain when they think a movie is going to offend someone or something. Blake Edwards is a great director, and John Ritter was perfect for the part. I had been waiting for this movie to be released on DVD, as I remembered watching it when it first came out nearly 18 years ago.

Great old movie from my past. Language is a little harsh for some people, but very entertaining anyway. Will make you laugh. Not a movie for the kids.

Firstly, I don't and never did like John Ritter. But for some reason, he was funny as hell in this movie. This is an excellent and entertaining adult comedy to see with your spouse and/or loved one. There are scenes in this movie (which I have watched dozens of times) where I crack up just knowing about what is to happen...I'm thinking of one now when he wraps himself up in toilet paper while completely drunk "cause I was cold"

John Ritter is certainly under-rated and under-appreciated. As a physical comedy actor he has few peers. His timing, honed on TV's 'Three's Company,' is spot on.

But NOTHING will prepare you for the scene in the middle which is shot entirely in the dark. Even if you've had a hint of it from other people, ignore them and laugh your head off. One of the funniest in any movie, ever. Several other scenes and lines are pretty funny, too, like Zack trying to walk and drive after getting a shot from his dentist. Nobody does it better than Ritter.

The film has a message, of sorts, about taking personal responsibility and growing up. The way Blake Edwards tells it, that's not as much fun as it might seem. Still this does not validate the hedonistic lifestyle, and Zack gets his comeuppance in the end.

Whether you're a fan of John Ritter or not, see this film. Not a great movie, but better than most of those you'll rent and forget as soon as the credits roll.

Put the kiddies to bed, dim the lights, bring your bowl of popcorn, and don't let anyone interrupt the scene in the dark. You can clean up the spilled popcorn later...