Foolin' Around (1980)

Plenty to Like, Plenty to Dislike

A Masterpiece!

Fun premise, good actors, bad writing. This film seemed to have potential at the beginning but it quickly devolves into a trite action film. Ultimately it's very boring.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

I love this movie, but I love the songs from Seals and Croft more. I have searched everywhere to find the music with no luck. Please if anyone has any information about how to find the soundtrack I would greatly appreciate it. Gary Busey is wonderful, and the physical comedy by Randal and leechman is amazing. They should definitely put this movie and many more on DVD for further generations to see. I grew up watching the movie just to here the song by S&C during the opening credits and during the love scene by the lake in the van with Gary busey and Annette o'toole. For a good laugh and a sweet ending this is a must see. and it is a shame that it was never given the credit it deserves or the play time and attention.

The fact that this little gem of a movie isn't on DVD in an age when every bad film ever made had met it's digital home is a crime against cinephiles everywhere. I loved this movie as a kid and still have it on VHS but it is very worn and needs to have a DVD upgrade very soon.You have an all-star cast, a whip-smart script and one of the most underrated performances of Tony Randall's career. What more are you people waiting for.If you get a chance and happen to come across a VHS copy at your local video store, do yourself a favor and pick it up. It is well worth your time, for Tony Randall if nothing else.

This movie has too much adult material in it, but if you accept that fact, it is a pretty good movie. Busey plays Wes, a likable underdog from Fort Cobb, Oklahoma. His friend Clay has been going to the University of Minnesota, and Wes enrolls to learn building engineering. Susan's grandfather offers wisdom to young Wes. Seals and Crofts perform the title song and "These Moments Never Live Again." The movie paints Minnesota in a favorable light. It shows a Vikings game and the Mississippi River, and it gives you the feeling you're right there. There is a lot of silliness in this movie, but, then, it's called "Foolin' Around."

Annette O'Toole and Gary Busey have good chemistry together. The supporting cast adds so much to this movie. One of the supporting roles I haven't seen anyone mention is Michael Talbott as Clay, Wes' (Gary Busey's) best friend. I thought he was very funny, along with John Calvin as the uppity boyfriend, Cloris Leachman, Eddie Albert and Tony Randall. Also, notice the cameo appearance of William H. Macy as the book salesmen who's car is hung by Wes.