Let It Ride

This film is a light-hearted comedic gem that received a rather unfair series of reviews by "professionals" who seem to be mostly interested only in content if it fits a cookie cutter slate for "Oscar Worthy". This is no Academy Award Winning movie, but it is entertaining, well done, and all around a joy to watch.

The overall premise about an unlucky fellow turning his luck around while still trying to do right by his wife is touching and delivered in a sincere fashion if not a serious one. While Jay Trotter (Richard Dreyfuss) may seem like a shallow, self-obsessed character it becomes evident through his actions and eventual decision to "Let it Ride" that he has a level of complexity to him. In the end it is a story about the underdog getting his due.

If you haven't seen this film and are on the fence I highly recommend you give it a try. The professional reviews about it are mainly the same dry "It won't win an Oscar" crud that you expect from professional reviewers watching a movie that was not meant for Oscar Candidacy anyway. Take it for what it is: a funny film about a man turning his life around with just a little bit of luck and a lot of perseverance.

This movie is on cable a lot. My intention to watch a few minutes invariably turns into my watching until the end. I love this movie.

It is a simple and very funny movie with a fine cast portraying an array of eccentric characters. Yet there is often a sweetness in this film reminiscent of a movie like Roxanne.

The premise is that at times the universe can align in such a way that you just know in your bones that nothing can stop you from having a really good day. Watching Richard Dreyfuss come to this realization and watching him savoring it while it is happening is appealing.

It struck me last night that of all Mr. Dreyfuss's admirable body of work, I like him the best in Let It Ride.

Recently watched this again on ESPN Classic's Sunday night movie, and it certainly holds up well. Laughs abound. Dreyfuss was never better in a comedy, and David Johansen turns in another classic supporting turn (see "Scrooged" for further proof). All the other supporting parts, both at the bar and the track, are terrific as well.

The hosts of the ESPN Reel Classic movies joked that they probably had to lower Jennifer Tilly into her dress. They also had interviews with the director (Joe Pytka) before they cut to commercials, and he had one really funny revelation. At first, they couldn't figure out why this bombed big time when it was originally dumped in theaters back in '89, despite decent reviews. After a little research, it was determined that people who frequent horse racing (a/k/a a good chunk of the target audience) almost never go to the movies. They're too broke!

I used to bet the horses, so I related a bit to this movie. No, I never had a day like Trotter had, but how I wished. :)

This movie had lots of support in the comedy that ensues in the movie. "Cheeseburger" was so good, as was the cashier he returned to after every race he bet. Not a blockbuster, of course, but worth your time to view it.

One reviewer said he felt the tension as the last race started and I have to agree. It was rather predictable, but as the horse trainers told Trotter after he returned the audio tape, "You never know!"

Fun fun flick!Enjoy!

but this one is a classic. Its one of those movies that everyone you know either never heard of or makes fun of you for even bringing up. Let me tell you though, stranded on the island with only one movie available, I want it to be this uplifting film. It may not be my favorite, but I can easily watch it beginning to end and start it right over. The cast each grasped the characters to perfection, with one a better loser than the next! Looking for a little pick-me up, give Jay Trotter and Let It Ride one chance. Although you may still be embarrassed to mention you love it in front of your friends, I bet you will!