User reviews

Saw this movie on re-run just once, when I was about 13, in 1980. It completely matched my teenaged fantasies of sweet, gentle, interesting — and let's face it — hot — "older" guys. Just ordered it from CD Universe about a month ago, and have given it about four whirls in the two weeks since. As somebody mentioned — I'm haunted by it. As somebody else mentioned — I think it's part of a midlife crisis as well! Being 39 and realizing how much has changed since those simpler '70s times when girls of 13 actually did take buses and go to malls together and had a lot more freedom away from the confines of modern suburbia makes me sad for my daughter — who is nearly 13 herself. Thirteen back then was in many ways a lot more grown up.

The film is definitely '70s but not in a super-dated cheesy way, in fact the outfits Denise Miller as Jessie wears could be current now! You know what they say, everything that goes around... although the short-short jogging shorts worn by Rex with the to-the-knees sweat socks probably won't make a comeback.

The subject matter is handled in a very sensitive way and the characters are treated with a lot of respect. It's not the most chatty movie going — I often wished for more to be said between Jessie and Michael that would cement why he was also attracted to her. But the acting is solid, the movie is sweet and atmospheric, and the fringe characters give great performances. Mary Beth Manning as Jessie's friend Caroline is a total hoot — I think we all had friends like her. Maia Danziger as the relentless flirt with Michael gives a wiggy, stoned-out performance that just makes you laugh — because we also all knew girls that acted like that.

Denise Miller knocked her performance out of the ballpark with a very down-to-earth quality likely credited to her uknown status and being new to the industry. And I think not a little of the credit for the film's theatre-grade quality comes from the very capable, brilliant hands of the story's authors, Carole and the late Bruce Hart, who also wrote for Sesame Street. They really cared about the message of the movie, which was not an overt in-your-face thing, while at the same time understanding how eager many girls are to grow up at that age.

One thing that made me love the film then as much as now is not taking the cliché, easy, tied-with-a-bow but sort of let-down ending. In fact it's probably the end that has caused so many women to return to viewing the movie in their later years.

Re-watching Sooner or Later has me absolutely sick with nostalgia for those simpler times, and has triggered a ridiculous and sudden obsession with catching up with Rex Smith — whom while I enjoyed his albums Sooner or Later and Forever when I was young, I never plastered his posters on my walls as I did some of my other faves. In the past week, I've put his music on my iPod, read fan sites, found interviews (and marveled in just how brilliant he really is — the man has a fascinating way of thinking), watched clips on YouTube — what am I, 13? I guess that's the biggest appeal of this movie. Remembering what it was like to be 13 and the whole world was ahead of you.

I think there are so many reasons why I love this movie. I think the biggest attraction for me, age. It has that kind of after school special meets feature film look to it. Even though it is sooo cheesy and pop culture like, there is something real about it. The acting is soo down the the core real. I something I really miss with todays "teen" films. The way in which Jessie acts is soo the 13 yr old being the 17 yr old.

I remember watching this movie when I was 13, and now that I am older, for some reason I just HAD to have this movie on DVD. I am not sure what in gods name made me think I needed to have this movie in my collection, but after watching it again for the 15th million time, I REMEMBER. It is cute and cheesy and has a really good message. I am sure there are guys who can relate but the trilogy of books and the movie just go hand and hand with us girls when we were teens! I just some how got it and understood exactly what Jessie was going through, and I saw it 10 years after it came out! There is no way to really explain this movie, other than, if you can hang with the kind of raw quality and can get passed the 70s look, okay and maybe the music, deep down it is a really great movie to watch on a Sunday afternoon.

I saw this film when I was just a teenager and I loved it. The characters are believable and the story is interesting. Jessie, although only 13, isn't treated like a baby, even when she messes up. The teenage boy isn't a disrespectful, selfish dummy only out for one thing and he's still sexy and cool.

Now that the movie has come out on DVD and I have a daughter of my own in her early teens, I can't wait to watch it with her. As a family movie, it will give parents and kids the opportunity to talk about why it's important to be honest and that being okay with who you are is always a better idea. Highly recommended.

I first saw "Sooner or Later" when it was first broadcast in '79. My first impressions were that it was a simple children's movie, but, as the show progressed, I realized it was much, much more. While it is mostly about the coming of age of a young girl, Jessie's family, friends, hopes and dreams come to life in a mature and positive manner. This movie really grows on you and the satisfying ending is totally unexpected.

For those interested in the rest of the story try to find the the two books that complete the trilogy: "Waiting Games" and "Now or Never", both by Bruce and Carole Hart. Highly Recommended.

I'm so excited to see this movie on IMDb! I loved this movie when it came out. I was the same age as the girl, and this movie fed my girlish fantasies. **swoon** It was a great movie! I haven't seen it in years. I wish they would put it on TV again. Maybe if I saw it now with grown up eyes, I would see it differently, but I doubt it. That movie is a piece of my youth and one of my special memories. I loved that song - You Take My Breath Away. Every once in a while, I find myself singing it - even now. Isn't that the funniest! I remember riding my bike to the record store to buy an eight track tape of Rex Smith's album as soon as it came out. (I wonder if I could get that again...) I had his posters from all the teen magazines all over my walls. I'm glad to know that he is doing well. He was so cute! I also watched him on Solid Gold and Pirates of Penzance. What I wouldn't have given to be able to switch places with Linda Ronstadt!

I still love this movie! I remember falling in love with Rex (I was 13!) and thinking that he was it for me!! I had the biggest crush on him for years! I guess deep down in, I still do! He's still sexy. I bought the movie just a couple of years ago, and now from time to time, watch it and fall in love again!! He has been in a few different shows, even a soap opera, but nothing he has done will match what he did for me in Sooner or Later! I can't imagine the 13-year old girls of today not watching this movie, and not feeling like I did when I saw it for the first time. I know that when you watch it several things are definitely 70's, but still..he's Rex and he's eternally hot!

had 56% of voters saying it was a 10!!! I did too!! It's because of what it was about and when we saw it, I'm guessing!

Rex Smith's young self is enough to make you wanna see this one.

When I saw the movie in 1979, before they gave television shows or movies parental ratings, I am thinking now that this movie is actually pretty risk taking for its time. Nonetheless, it is about a 13 year old who pretends she is 16 to gain the attentions of a 17 year old high school student who aspires to be a singer Rex Smith, who was a minor teen heart throb at the time is fine. Denise Miller who played essentially minor parts both in Fish and Archies'place later in her career is excellent as a conflicted 13 year old who does not know whether she should play with dolls or boys. Judd Hirsh(Taxi) and Barbara Feldon make use of the screen time by providing Miller with advice and tactfully helping the adolescent to make the difficult transition from her youth into a young teenager.

I saw this movie in 1979 (I was 20 at the time, and I actually thought that I might be a bit beyond this particular movie; ha! I was soon captivated by this sweet and tender movie, reliving the agony and ecstasy of first love) and it made an impression that has haunted my heart strings ever since. For the last 25 years I have kept an eye out for a rerun, but have never been lucky enough to catch one. I stumbled on the DVD two weeks ago and was absolutely thrilled-so thrilled, in fact, that I got on the internet to see if this film affected anyone else as strongly as it did me, or if I am having a midlife crisis; thank goodness, there are others!! So here I am, once again intoxicated by the spell of this sweet movie as I meet Prince Charming, get lost in a white lie in the name of love, and struggle with the consequences. The honesty, innocence, and integrity of the characters is the key to the poignancy of this romance. A truly timeless coming of age movie that will leave you breathless. Somehow, the knowledge that there are others out there who share my feelings about this movie makes me feel good....

I taped this movie from TV in my teens and watched it whenever I was feeling a bit down. It is a wonderfully feel-good movie and I can totally relate to 13 year old Jessie. Unfortunately it was accidentally taped over when I was in my early 20's and I have only just managed to acquire another copy, over 10 years later. I sat down and watched it today and discovered that all the magic is still there for me. I love the clothes Jessie wears because they are similar to the clothes I wore at her age. I love the way she is not totally skinny, but about the same weight I was at that age. I thoroughly enjoyed the music which is really great and typical of the era. I even felt comfortably at home in the mall! In fact, I melted into the couch and just let the whole atmosphere of the film wash over me and was glued to the screen from beginning to end. For anyone who likes feel-good romances, I thoroughly recommend this film. Although I have emphasized my reasons for liking it so much as being related to my own teenage experiences, the issues Jessie faces in the film are still pertinent to teenagers today.

I don't know what it was, maybe cause I was 18 when I saw the film and a Letta us guys had girlfriends (or were in love with girls) that were a fies years younger and it just didn't fit in back then (mostly with the fathers) and the movie kinda made it feel better for us, made us all feel like we were OK and that the feelings were real and OK, I was overwhelmed at the time, being in a relationship with a girl that was 16, it helped me sort it all out. Or at least made me feel better, I am still to this day believing that Rex was so much better than even he knew, I know he has gone on to do so much in Broadway and I have heard real estate, but "you take my breath away " was our wedding song, I would have liked to see a "Sooner or later 2"

Dam I miss those days

Every girl alive can relate to this movie. If you were a young woman in the 1970's even more so but it holds up beautifully as well because it rings so TRUE. Denise Miller was amazing in her role and just bang on with the feelings and reactions of girls the world over and Rex Smith was just yummy and perfectly cast as well. I didn't particularly LIKE the actors playing her parents but I even really liked them in these roles, very much so. Everybody did a great job. It's so true, so funny and cute and just a great movie I can watch it again and again and the sound track is GREAT too. I was a young woman taking guitar lessons in the mid-1970s constantly madly in love with the long-haired guitar playing boy of the week - so I can really relate to this movie but I think all girls can just as easily. It's a very warm and sincere movie that always gets to me. The cake-eating scene is done with such raw truth, I'm just in awe of the job that Denise did in so many scenes, I couldn't possibly name them all.

10 out of 10 for the TRUTH that it portrays so beautifully throughout.

All that I have to say is it's the best movie of all time and worth watching!!!!!!!!!! It's heart-warming, sweet, romantic and a great coming of age story. Good for all ages...especially if you love music. Perfect for the "girls night", since we've all loved a singer in a band so time in our lives! Rex and Denise were exceptional in their roles and it really shows. Rex's smile doesn't hurt either!!!!!!!!! What a hottie! Even now! I must say I saw the movie when I was 15 and it was on late at night. I was born in 1977 so I missed it on TV. They should play it though every so often, I haven't seen it since that night. Now I own the VHS, DVD, and All 3 books of the story. For those of you who didn't know there is a part 2 and 3 to the story but ONLY in a book...WOULD LOVE FOR A 4TH BOOK!!!!!!!

I saw this movie when it first came out, and was obsessed with it. Boys, kissing, love and everything else was sooo new to me at the time, and this romance b/w Michael and Jessie became the fairytale that I dreamed of.

As, I grew up, I never forgot the movie, and actually had an old copy on VHS recorded off the TV that eventually just fell to pieces. Then, a couple of years ago, I decided to look the movie up online, and found it on Amazon. I was elated and yes, I'll say it...giddy! I bought it and watch it every now and then when I want to escape to a simpler, less complicated time, with slumber parties, "Teen Beat" posters on the walls, vinyl records scattered about, slurping on NON-diet sodas and talking with my friends about boys and music and boys!

Yup, I love this movie... and Rex paved the way for a lifetime attraction to tall blondes!!! You know... I hadn't seen the movie in about 20 years when I found it on Amazon, and the first time I replayed it...I STILL knew all the songs. That was a clear indication to me of the indelible impression "Sooner or Later" made on that starry-eyed girl of long ago! I am amazed, yet glad to see that there are others out there who love the movie, as well!

I seen this movie as a young teen, and fell in love with the movie and the books. I recently purchased 2 of the 4 books to read and be 15 again and remember all of the emotions you go through as a young girl. I'm 35 yrs old and just found the movie on DVD and had to have it. Michael and Jesse are what ever girl dreams of having with a hot looking older guy!!!! I still do. However, I'm married to a wonderful man. But there is always a place in my heart for my first love Michael Skye (Rex Smith). This movie is a MUST HAVE -- MUST SEE. Anyone with preteen,or teen girls will want to watch this with them. Young love .......... first love. It is a movie that takes you back to your first love. It did for me.

I saw this movie back in 79 touched me in many ways, Over the years this movie stayed with me. Not only did you fall in love with Rex Smith (Michael)But you almost felt as if you were Denise Miller (Jessie). After watching this movie I felt I had changed. The feelings I had were hard to get over . Now in 2002 I just bought the movie online and watched it again and the same good feelings came back , I love this movie! And even though you can get a good laugh at the clothing from way back when.... The story line is still good, I plan to watch this movie with my 17 yr old daughter , not sure she will get as much as I have from the movie but hope she will get something from it . Buy this movie..

This movie is a true 70's classic! If you are / or have been a 13yr old girl, you have dreamed that you could be Jessie and have the experiences she has in this movie!! Every girl dreams of the perfect guy and Micheal is as close as it comes!

It is pure fantasy but it is so entertaining that you can't look away! I saw this movie in 1978, bought the soundtrack on LP and then all of Rex Smith's albums! I am a true fan and this movie is an all-time favorite!

Imagine "Michael Skye" writing and singing a song just for you! Stars that glisten, Lips for kissing, Honey listen, It's true, No one ever, Loved you better, Love you Honey, I Love You!! It's too good!

The parents are so out of touch, it's funny, they are on the right track but a little too late! At least they have raised a pretty good/smart girl and she can take care of herself. Caroline is too cute as the best friend. And Karen, although she is not in the book, is a good addition, because she adds a layer to Michael that makes him more adorable because he resists her and holds out for Jessie, his true love!

I loved this movie when I first saw it on TV in 1979 (at age 11) and it remains a favorite. Before the days of VCRs, I stayed up late to watch. I taped it the first time I could. A great coming-of-age film. Rex Smith is not bad either! :-)

I totally felt this movie when it came out, because a few years earlier I had a crush on the musician boy down the block who was older and beautiful and I had my heart broken watching him with other girls. He is now a friend of mine and we are much much older now LOL..but when I saw this, Rex kind of looked like Charlie ( my guy crush) and I was about 13 or 14 when I saw him for the first time ( or noticed him I guess) and he was 16 or 17 maybe even 18. he drove, his band rehearsed and I would walk by and just listen to them. It took me 3 yrs to get the courage to talk to him and many years before I told him the very well known secret of my crush LOL..I told him he needed to watch this one day ( back then I told him LOL) anyway...I think all girls in the 70s had a "Michael" in my case it was a Charlie

What an excellent movie. Saw it when I was a teenager and fell in love with Rex. One of my all time favorites! I thought all the acting was very good and such a beautiful voice Rex has, and what a hunk!! He certainly takes my breath away.

I loved this movie. It was all about innocent love. Rex Smith was gorgeous and has the most beautiful voice. I just wish the TV station would air it once in awhile or put it on video so I can buy a copy for my daughter to see. I know she will love this movie just as I did!

I first saw Sooner or Later when I was 13 one Sunday afternoon. It moved me so much I have spent the last 18 years searching for it, and living in Australia it has been impossible. I am so excited as I just purchased a copy at E-Bay at a personal expense of $200 ($AU) including having it re-taped in our VHS format (PAL not NTSC), and I think it is worth every cent. If you are looking for a copy, keep your eyes open at E-Bay. I haven't received it yet and the anticipation is KILLING me! We all have EXCELLENT taste.

Here I am adding to this review 8 years later and the video turned up. I just finished watching it again for about the one zillionth time. I got married last year and we included "Take My Breath Away" on our wedding soundtrack that we used for the bonbonierie (table gifts for the guests). It will always be a part of my life.

I remember watching this television movie when it first came out back in '79 starring sexy Rexy (Rex Smith)and Denise Miller (later of "Archie Bunker's Place"). Not only was it a beautiful love story, but it had one kick-ass soundtrack (which confoundedly is still not available on CD -- someone please release it!) The theme song went on to become a really big hit -- I believe a #1 song -- if I'm not mistaken. There was also the beautiful song titled "Simply Jessie", among others. It was a terrific movie, but to my knowledge has never been released on video or DVD, as have a lot of other more inferior television movies. Someone please dig this one out of the vaults and release it with remastered sound! Please!

I first seen this film in the early 80's and i loved it, its a real tearjerker and any chick flick fans out there will surely enjoy this film, i never get bored watching this film, but get the box of tissue's at the ready :)

Rex plays the part of a 17 year old guitar instructor named Michael and a 13 year old girl named Jessie falls for him, she manages to get his attention and they fall in love, he thinks she's 16 years old as thats what she told him, but you'll have to watch the movie for yourself to see what happens when Michael finds out Jessie's real age, a highly recommended film.