User reviews

Saw this movie back in the mid-80's on HBO just as I'd gone to work for a medium-sized advertising agency. The best parts of this film are the ones where Joe Brooks has to pitch his music to clients and deal with them in the recording studio along with their ignorance and complete lack of knowledge. As a jingle writer and producer, Joe knows this dynamic very well, and as portrayed here, it's dead-on - the most accurate and honest part of the film. It's extremely relatable if you're in the advertising business. Joe Brooks probably has a hundred stories that are just as funny and inane as the ones presented here, maybe enough for an entire film. That might wear thin pretty quickly, but it would more entertaining than the bulk of "If Ever I See You Again."

This movie has to be seen to be believed. It fails miserably on every level. Fortunately, Joe Brooks handled the direction, writing, and lead acting role himself, so there are fewer people to blame for it.

As a romantic lead, Joe has about as much appeal as a potted plant. His leading lady, Shelley Hack, acts as though she were posing for the picture on front of a box of All Bran. It's pretty bad when the most professional acting performance in a movie is delivered by a little girl (Danielle Brisebois).

Joe plays a jingle writer who dreams of being a serious musician, even though all of his "serious" songs still sound like extended jingles, and the classical piece he composes to show off his true talent would be better suited for a group of musical saw players instead of an orchestra. Watching his dramatic gestures as he conducts this ear-splitting opus in the recording studio, as the dazzled Shelley Hack grins at him like a stuffed loon, is one of the most unintentionally hilarious scenes ever filmed.

Joe was obviously hoping for another big chart-topper like "You Light Up My Life", but its inexplicable success was not to be matched by the cringe-inducing dirge that is this film's theme song. I don't know who performed it, but he doesn't sing it as much as he suffers through it. He seems to be battling his way through a particularly intense bout of constipation as he strains to expel the stomach-churning lyrics. But I doubt if even Debby Boone could've made this song any more tolerable.

When I saw this movie on HBO several years ago, I just had to have it. I watch my tape every so often just to gape in wide-eyed amazement at how truly awful a movie can be. As a bad-movie lover, I hold this perversely-entertaining cinematic messterpiece in high esteem -- it's the PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE of romantic movies, and truly one of the worst films ever made.

There are different types of bad movies.

This falls into the pretentious bad category, which is the most fun. It is the sort of movie created by someone who takes himself far, far too seriously. He has a degree of talent but not nearly as much as he thinks he has so his strivings for Meaning and Significance and Truth are as clichéd as .... a commercial.

Joe Brooks, a jingle writer of the era, was the 'creative genius' behind this effort. Director, writer, star, teeth grindingly sappy ballad writer. Hey, it was the 'auteur' era so why not get in on the action ? Fortunately, the summer special effects blockbuster was discovered at precisely that time so the threat of Joe Brooks, auteur, was nipped in the bud.

It's too bad, too, because the idea had a lot of potential. It just needed a better script, better songs, actors who could actually act and a director who knew what he was doing.

Mostly though, this movie is an exercise of ego for one Joe Brooks. He directs, he acts, he sings, he produces. Presumably, he also cast Shelley Hack, whose last name pretty much sums up the state of her acting ability, in the lead female role.

Where to start? The acting, if it can be called that, is an abomination. Shelley Hack is leaden and Joe would be lucky to be so good. He plays a jingle writer who aspires to greater things. Judging from the music, he's found his niche with jingles. It has a certain Barry Manilow light quality to it. Imagine hell being trapped in an elevator for all eternity with muzak playing Joe Brooks greatest hits, and you'll begin to get a taste for just how bad it gets.

Especially when Joe starts to sing. When Joe made "You Light Up My Life," the first decision he made was to dub Didi Cohn's voice with Debbie Boone's. Would that he showed as much sense here. Somewhere out there, cats start to howl when Joe sings.

The bottom line, watch if you must, but remember to bring a book to read. It's two hours of your life you'll never get back

Piece of garbage about a widowed man (Joseph Brooks) who finds new love with a college flame (Shelley Hack)...but will it last? You seriously won't care.

Badly acted (Hack is so bad you stare at the TV in disbelief), poor direction with some really terrible songs (although the title song was a minor hit). I heard this movie was a good one for romantics--I'm a big romantic myself but I HATED this thing. It's done so poorly in so many departments it boggles the mind. If you want to see a good movie about a man finding love after his wide died get "Chapter Two". THAT one is fun, romantic and believable with a knockout performance by Marsha Mason. This one lacks everything the first one has.

When it first came out they actually had an advertising campaign telling guys to take someone they loved and lost to this movie--it might bring them back together (!!!!) My guess is if anyone took a woman to this movie she probably still hates him to this day!

The acting was so-so at best, the direction plodding and the songs sounded like an off key version of "You light up my life." In fact, I thought some of the score was a rip off of that song until learned it was written by the same guy. Perhaps the worst part was the "romantic time together" montage...we see them running, walking on the beach, riding horses on the beach (can you rent horses in LA?), eating, going to the park, etc. etc. It reminded me of a similar scene in the first "Naked Gun" only this was supposed to be serious. It came across as a movie designed to sell a soundtrack...and too often, the soundtrack won.

I was dumbfounded at how bad this movie is. So bad it's good. My brother thinks this is the worst movie ever and watches it over and over again for the camp appeal. SEE THIS MOVIE.

You know what I loved about this film ? That both Hack and Brooks wore glasses. In 1978, that was a breakthrough! Remember all the film fatales that wore specks and then when they removed them were deemed beautiful ? Or even the ones like Dorothy Malone in The Big Sleep and many others that had to remove them when they wanted to impress the guy ? Well today lots of girls wear glasses; it's a style thing and I would bet that no one under the age of 25 understands the importance of facial lenses in film. In the old days it just did not happen that a romance could develop between two four-eyes ( or eight eyes in this case) But it did in this film and THAT single thing is what makes it great.

First of all, let me say that I am ASTONISHED that in 2008 anyone is still aware of this movie and further taking the time to comment on it on IMDb! Now let me tell you why this is an important, groundbreaking and momentous moment in film history: pivotal scenes were filmed at CAZENOVIA COLLEGE in lovely, tiny little Cazenovia NY in the snowy winter of 1978 when I and my classmates were tapped to be extras in the "college scenes"! Little did we know that those fun couple of days would turn into one of the most forgettable movies in cinematic history! But hey, for those days we were STARS - taking direction, re-shooting scenes, learning not to look at the camera and each deciding that it was perfectly reasonable to expect that a Hollywood Director would see one of us in the background crowd, jump to his feet and yell FIND ME THAT GIRL!! It could happen, we'd seen it in the movies, after all.

OK, so the movie was a little on the sappy side, the song was on the radio sung by the incomparable Roberta Flack and we got to attend a Premier Screening in Syracuse when it opened. Now, as we look to our 30th Reunion Year in 2008 (yikes!) we will be treated to a special screening of the film again as part of our Reunion Weekend festivities.

So here's to Joe Brooks and the rest of the cast and crew who ended a long day of shooting in the Central New York snowbanks by sharing drinks and laughs at the Caz Bar - i still have my "autographed" napkin and swizzle sticks taped into my scrapbook along with review clippings and snapshots of our Hollywood Moment together! CHEERS!

I had never seen this film until moments ago. Being a long time Shelley Hack fan from her 1 season on Charlie's Angels (79-80) and her Charlie (not related to the show) perfume ad campaigns, I had always wanted to see this. Never could find it in a rental store and online purchasing was always too high for something I had never seen. But then someone was selling a VHS copy for $25.00 (incl shipping) on ebay. I got it!! Was it worth $25.00? Yes. From a Shelley Hack/Charlie's Angels collectors point of view. Yes & No from a film lovers point of view. I knew going in that if the director was also a producer, the songwriter and a star- there was going to problems. Way too many hands in way too many places. Joe Brooks was not completely awful but far from endearing. He was Ray Ramono (Everybody Love Raymond) before Ray Ramono. Very Jewish and VERY New York. Overall he was OK. But for pete's sake he should NEVER sing. Oy vay!! Shelley was quite thin to my surprise. But still luminous and I do not by any means see how/why she has been so trashed for her performance over the years. She was far better than I expected after reading the reviews. Want to see her in a bad performance? Watch "Troll" or "The Stepfather". YELCH. I really did fall for the romance and love between the two leads in this film.

The film did start out VERY slow and clunky. Not until Shelley's character comes into play does it pick up. Before she does it's bad dialouge, worse editing and even worse than that directing. I point out the entrance of Shelley's character (Jennifer) more on account of the character than Shelley herself. This is a romance film and any part without that is beyond boring. Except scenes that show Joe's character as a very loving father with his 2 children.

This was $25.00 well spent in my opinion. Shelley may never be seen as a rival to Meryl Streep but then again very few are. The errors I found with her performance (the bad overdubs, far too soft speaking manner) were the fault of her director. Not her. Not every film requires a Meryl Streep. For what appears to be only her second major (or minor) acting role I thought Shelley was very lovely. Joe and other supporting actors were far worse and deserved their biting criticisms.

Bottom line- this was not a great film. It was an enjoyable uneven film. No fault to Ms. Hack. All fault to Mr. Brooks. The theme song (sung like a bad American Idol audition by Joe) was also recorded by Roberta Flack. Her far superior version can be found and purchased via iTunes.

I believe I've enjoyed this movie more than any other love story that was never promoted. I wish J. Brooks would write,direct, and act in more movies. By the way, I thought the music was exceptional considering that I had never heard any of them before. This ranks as a "10" in my book.

Dull, predictable lifeless story about a widower who gets a second chance at love with an old college flame after a chance meeting. Good thing his wife died, huh?

Joseph Brooks probably figured "You Light Up My Life" packed 'em in to theater's so why not build another film around another one of his syrupy songs? Problem is the song is even worse than "You Light Up My Life" and Joseph Brooks doesn't make for the best leading man. There's absolutely no chemistry with Shelley Hack who looks bored throughout.

You've been warned.

I watched this movie because I wasn't feeling well, lying in bed, and it came on one of the streaming channels. I enjoy a good rom-com and even an occasional Hallmark movie, but this "love story" was so awful I came here to tell y'all - don't do it!!!

I don't even have words to say how terrible it is - drippy, whiny, zero plot, terrible actors, even the music, which is the reason I started watching in the first place, as I came in during a full orchestra scene - was dreadful. There's absolutely nothing I can think of to recommend this piece of drivel. And if by any chance you're interested and should look at my other reviews, you'll notice that I usually rate movies higher than others do, I'm a generally positive, loving, and optimistic person. But this trash made me feel like trash for watching it!

This movie has a GREAT soundtrack. The title song is pretty but the others used are outstanding. "California", which we hear whenever the hero goes after his old flame, should be adopted by the state.

Our hero is a top jingle writer for ad campaigns in New York with a desire to move up to movie scoring. This takes him to California, which is where the college sweetheart who walked out on him now lives. He wants to relive the past with a happy ending. This movie will resonate with anyone who has old memories.

There are especially nice touches here about male friendship and intercommitment. James Brooks seems to have done everything: story, music, directing, lead role, and it does seem very personal. But this movie has a number of interesting elements in it. Some bits about working with advertisers to produce a musical spot are marvelous. Jimmy Breslin has an interesting side role. There is a lot of warmth to this movie, and don't forget the wonderful music.

I love this movie! It's the one for Christmas Time and contemplative hours. Wonderful music, snow, a charming Joseph Brooks! The romantic song: "If ever I See You Again", which Bob Morrison once wrote for his first love Jennifer,leads you through the whole film.( I wonder whether this lovely song is available on CD?) Sometimes you think, that the uncharitable Jennifer is not good enough for Bob! But, in any case, keep your handkerchief ready!

I liked this role for Hack. She needed to play it low speed because she did not trust people, and she did just that. The music was sensational and the concept of finding a love years later was very romantic. Hack has a wide range. There was also a good match of Hack as a college student (another actress) while in some films it is not believable at all. The California coastline is a great backdrop for this love story. You also get an inside view of the music jingle industry and that is a riot. I am a big Hack fan. She has a vivacity that shows through and that is refreshing to see. She plays an artist, and I understand she did her own painting for the role!

finally! this film gets no respect, which is unbelievable to me...i saw one review by a member who commented on the beautiful score and how romantic this film really is! this movie had a huge impact on my life, as it's pretty much my life story...

i too had a sweetheart in my youth who lives back East and i live in California just like Jennifer Corly...his name is even similar to Bob Morrison's! i can't watch this movie without becoming totally entranced and still think about my lost love often...the music is just beautiful and so moving and joe brooks is funny and charming...shelley hack is very lovely and does a great job with her winning smile and poignant tears as she says goodbye instead of goodnight in LA...

well, i'm going back East in March and we'll see if maybe one can go back again...i may even move there, since i can't seem to get him out of my heart...it's been a part of me since i was 16 and the strangest thing is the movie came out a few months after i met him in Disneyland and i flew back to Boston to see him shortly thereafter...we've been trying ever since off and on...

While this movie is slow in some scenes, I highly recommend this movie for anyone who loves romance, light humor, and music. If you remember hearing the lyrics "You light up my life," then you should also enjoy the soaring lyrics "If ever I see you again" by the same composer. Of course there are other pretty songs to hear. The story line of this movie is clear, a widower with two children who is tired of his work as a "jingles" writer. Meeting a former very beautiful lover is a romantic way toward change. It's certainly nice to watch a movie that people can calmly talk without yelling at each other. The movie also encourages you to fly coast to coast without fear.

Loved this movie and watch is every so often. Superb sound track that I wish was available. Good romance movie, but not too "mushy" or a tear jerker. Has a good plot which ends on a happy note. Somewhat believable. Would recommend.

I love to watch movies from the 1970s, especially romances, to check out the cheesy clothes, huge, poofy hair, bad disco music, etc. This and Moment by Moment, made the same year, win 1978's most cheesy romances of the year. Shelley Hack, who went on to replace Kate Jackson on Charlie's Angels, is beautiful but looks uncomfortable throughout. I've read she asks interviewers not to mention this film. Joe Brooks, who basically did everything in this movie (co-star, director, writer, producer, wrote and arranged the music), can't save the film either.

Still, if you love cheesy 70s movies, you'll lap this one up!

I've seen this in 1978. I've really been there and done that, myself. How True! Lost a Soul Mate at age 17 (1967). Found her in 1976 (age 26), Lost again in 1986 (age 37), found again in 2001 (age 51). We both saw the movie in 1978, again 1980 (HBO). We'll see MY video from HBO, soon. We both know the real story, it's us. We agree, this is it. WE won't loose each other again (both age 55.5). Each time I see it, since 1986, I always get choked up. Even tonight at 9:30 PM (EST) (12/19/2004), It was harder to relive the truth, of the plot and lyrics. It wreaks, of ME. Facts are Facts. You don't realize, until you loose it. In the meantime, we share the same feelings and a 22 yr. old Daughter. That will help us all be together. we NEVER say, "Goodbye". WE SAY, "GOODNIGHT". Questions? Feel free. joecoscia2000@yahoo.com or joecoscia@cox.net. Or, 860-432-1821. Manchester, CT (USA)

JOE

This is indeed "funny": you either LOVE or absolutely HATE this movie: 40 % (!!!) of all viewers indeed give this a (10 (TEN !!) and app. 21, 22 % give this an 1 (AWFUL !), and then there's hardly anybody in between. Ain't that strange ??! (Frankly, I also don't quite get it how it ends up at low 2,8 with such a rating schedule ? shouldn't it have some app. 5-rating then ...???).

Well, I saw this movie some 20 years ago on TV, some Saturday or Sunday matinée viewing and I liked it then (but then again I was a teen in those days). It impressed me enough to buy the 2 LP-set, ordered it from the USA. I have not listened to it also for a decade or more, but I can still remember the song well enough, since I played it A LOT then.

Now I wonder, should I see it again and I guess, probably not. Older and of course more cynical today then 20 years ago I would probably also give it a lower rating and why spoil an old memory ? :-) I don't rate it, 'cause my opinion is not warrant anymore after such a long time since seeing it, but it was nice and it is probably one that one should see when being young ...