Up the Sandbox

In this small, unknown gem from 1972, Barbra Streisand plays Margaret Reynolds. Margaret is a bored housewife who wishes to do more than what her life holds for her. She has two children and a loving husband Paul (played by "Dark Shadows'" David Selby,) but its not enough. She finds out that she is carrying a third child and is scared of what might happen when she tells Paul. He feels the world is overcrowded as it is and that it would be wrong to bring another child into it. So, Margaret escapes into her fantasy life. The fantasies range from confronting the woman whom she believes is sleeping with her husband (good scene,) to interviewing Fidel Castro (which ultimatelky unvails his "secreet,") to slamming her mother's face into an anniversary cake!

All in all, the film is incredible. The only negative aspect would be the loss of so many scenes which leads the viewer to sometimes take a moment to catch back up with the fact that she is in her fantasy world. Not quite as gritty as the novel (not once does she mention wanting to leave her son at the playground or drop him on his head!,) but still a definite must see.

Overall rating: A-

Low-keyed, but nevertheless wicked and funny comedy-drama that sneaks up on you. Barbra Streisand, in terrific comic form, plays a stressed-out, unsatisfied New York housewife afraid of telling her brilliant husband she's pregnant for the third time. The film is made up of her many daydreams, some of which are hilarious (the bit where she enlarges her breasts at a party) and some that meander without much point (the assault on the Statue of Liberty). Nevertheless, Barbra's lovely and is completely at ease in this non-flashy role, just as content to sit and listen to her girlfriends bitch in the park as she is telling off Fidel Castro at a political rally. David Selby is nicely understated as Barbra's husband and Jane Hoffman is a hoot as her meddling mother. I have many favorite lines from this film, but you rent "Up The Sandbox" and discover them for yourself. A minor treat. *** from ****

Thanks to Irvin Kershner's assured surreal direction, Streisand gives a fine performance in a very unusual 1972 film. Filled with verite style dialogues and intense emotional confrontations amid bizarre fantasy sequences, UP THE SANDBOX is a treat for unaware viewers. Though the film actually espouses a rather conservative agenda, the characters don't go to extremes; they're rather real.

It's easy to see how confused audiences must have been back in the day as the film subtly segues into Sttreisand's dream life. The fertility scene in Kenya actually is one of the worst while the guerilla attack on the Statue of Liberty with the WTC in the background will give you chills.

Overall, a fascinating film with gorgeous cinematography by Gordon Willis. Non-Streisand fans can enjoy this just for the 70's style direction.

This is one of Barbra Streisand's funniest films, if not the funniest.

This comedy, about a young woman's plight about whether she should tell her husband she is pregnant, has more weight than most of today's dramas and more imagination and humor than Woody Allen's last three features combined. The character she plays is an indominitable spirit who seems to use her imagination to survive in a very dark world, and the very bleak situation she finds herself in. It is very hard to tell exactly when the line between fantasy and reality has been crossed in many of the scenes, which makes a point about the world on its own. This movie was years ahead of its time and remains fresher than any modern comedy to date. It also holds up as well after the tenth viewing as it does after the first, because of the number of surreal vignettes, poignant moments, and Barbra's performance.

A must-see for any comedy fan, and a Streisand fan should run out immediately and rent it; you'll be kicking yourself not to have seen it before. The movie stands on its own as a testament to the human mind and spirit in the face of all circumstances.

This is One of Barbra's finest movies and, ironicly, did the poorest at the box office. After playing larger than life characters in her last 5 films, here Barbra plays a "normal", regular human being. A bored New York housewife who uses daydreams to escape from her unfullfulling life. There are many touching and heartfelt moments in this film, as well as very funny ones. It is a comedy/drama with depth and dimmensions. In one scene Barbra stands up to Fidel Castro with her views on womanhood and war.Yet, a little later the two have a hystericly funny scene where he reveals a "secret" to her. Barbra stands up to her domineering mother,unexpectedly, at her parents anniversary party, and...lets just say that someone ends up with something other than egg, on their face! The moments where Barbra is washing and lovingly taking care of her children, as well as the moments where she is in an abortion clinic pondering her thoughts, are heartfelt indeed. A wonderfully different and heartfelt, funny movie. I highly recommend it.