Outrageous Fortune

I loved this movie very much in its original unedited version. For some reason I cannot find this version any more. I bought a brand new sealed copy of it from a video store and it was the edited for T.V. version 99-100 minutes. The original unedited version would be a little longer because they cut out several scenes besides the editing of the various adult humor. Would love it very much if someone could hook me up with an original unedited version of this movie. Thanks!

The comedy that comes in Outrageous Fortune may come in small doses, but it is supplied in good lengths by stars Bette Midler and Shelly Long. They make good comic chemistry as two ladies who have been screwed by the same man. Funny along the way, but it doesn't exactly hit the dart on the head. But it is OK, because of co-star George Carlin, who is good as always, and is especially good here as a Indian hippie-tracker who helps Midler and Long along the way. Best comedy of 1987. B+

The casting of Midler and Long was a stroke of genius. Midler's bad girl character and Long's purist artiste were a delightful combination and set the scene for a battle of wills. It was great to see John Schuck again! Why does he remind me of Nixon?! Some great comic scenes, especially the final jete, which must be seen to be believed.

By the end of the 80's they were churning out countless male buddy pics, so why not a female one? This one features Midler when she used to make funny big budget movies and Long when she used to make movies period. Just like any buddy film, the two hate each other on first sight, Midler the foul-mouthed antagonist and Long as the goody two-shoes. Things are set in motion when the two discover they were "boffing" the same man (Coyote) and decide to find him when they realize his death was staged. They set out on an oddyssey across several states and end up fighting for their lives when he shows us he's not only a spy but somewhat psychotic! There's a great, if contrived, climax set atop skinny vertical rocks that are about 10 feet apart and 100 feet off the ground. But what you look for in these types of movies you find, well-written bickering that should make you giggle plenty of times. Though guys should look out, with this written by a woman, there's a large dose of on target man bashing. Pretty much Long and Midlers last best comedy offering.

Outrageous Fortune (1987) Shelley Long, Bette Midler, Peter Coyote, Robert Prosky, John Schuck, George Carlin, Anthony Heald, D: Arthur Hiller.

Hilarious comic yarn involves two opposite women who both have a fling with the same man and when he dies in an abrupt explosion, secrets unfold. Effervescent performances from Long and Midler in a perfect showcase for them both, where credibility isn't the point, making it a lot of fun.

Running Time: 100 minutes and rated R for strong language and brief sensuality.

RATING: *** (out of ****)