Inside Moves

A neglected gem, finally available
Note: This review was written quite a while ago. At that time, it was almost impossible to see this film. Fortunately, a DVD version is now available. So I have revised the otiginal review accordingly.

To say it this is a "small" film in no way questions its several achievements. The screenplay (co-authored by Valerie Curtin and Barry Levinson), direction (Richard Donner), acting, and cinematography (Laszlo Kovacs) are outstanding. Inside Moves is based on Todd Walton`s novel and focuses on Max's Bar in Oakland; more specifically, on those who work there and its regular customers. All of them are emotionally and/or physically handicapped and yet, once gathered together -- in what is in many ways a sanctuary for them -- they generously provide comfort and support to each other. It is also worth noting that the regulars have zero-tolerance of self-pity, theirs or anyone else's.

After a failed suicide attempt which has left him permanently crippled, Roary (John...

One of the Greatest Films Ever and it's a Secret to Many
I discovered this film while reading the obituary last year for Harold Russell, one of the stars of the film. It was only his second film- even though his first, The Best Years of Our Lives from 1946, won him a still unbeaten 2 Oscars for the same role. He had lost none of his talent during those nearly 40 years. He is memorable as an incredible actor who happens to have lost both of his hands in an accident as a serviceman in WWII. David Morse will also look familiar. He has hardly changed since then and now stars in a new television show called Hack on CBS. He also recently appeared in Hearts In Atlantis. John Savage delivers a perfomance that is Oscar worthy in the lead role.

One reviewer on Amazon[.com] said it best in describing this as a winner about losers. But after seeing it you will have too much of a soft spot for the characters to really refer to them that way. It follows a man played by Savage who after a failed suicide attempt is accepted into a small group of...

Waiting anxiously for this movie to be released on DVD.
I keep checking every few weeks or so to see if this movie is scheduled for release on DVD. Inside Moves has always been one of my favorite films and I highly recommend it. When this movie was first on cable, I watched it over and over again. I still remember the first time I saw it. I remember how the start of the movie shocked me, but then the movie became something I didn't expect. And it was a pleasant surprise. Inside Moves is an all-around feel good movie. It inspires. It teaches. I continue to hope for a DVD release.

RORY!!! JERRY!!!

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