Barefoot in the Park

Barefoot in the Park_720p(480P)

source: Barefoot in the Park

It is no longer funny and would really have had limited appeal in its day. The lines are some of Neil Simon's weakest, the acting may have worked on a stage, but do not transfer. That it relies on repeated jokes makes it pretty tedious, in fact. That it has leading actors and in the direction, and other support does not lend it anything either. If you liked that kind of Broadway show, farce that has little wit and limited visual humour I suppose it might, possibly, work. I usually do but not here. The sets are about as minimal in interest and thought as could have been from a stage version. Better quietly forgotten by all by the aficionados.

Neil Simon-written comedy, as staid and as sterile as they come. Robert Redford and Jane Fonda are extremely attractive as newlyweds who move into a cumbersome New York walk-up, but this inexplicably-popular material is suffocatingly twee. Mildred Natwick has some funny moments as Fonda's seemingly uptight mother, but the coy central relationship and all the preconceived arguments won't send many romantic-comedy lovers over the moon. It took Redford and Fonda another decade-plus to find a vehicle ("The Electric Horseman") where they could actually create some sexual sparks and comic sensuality. This one is a big, plush headache. ** from ****

Another film adaptation of Neil Simon's play with the same name, directed by his frequent collaborator, the stage and film directer Gene Saks, who has recently passed away at the age of 93. It pairs Fonda and Redford as a couple of newlyweds Corie and Paul, whose marriage is hanging on a thread when they find out their personalities are poles apart. Like the outworn running gag of climbing a five-storey building (New Yorkers are really that easy to be defeated by this not-so-challenging altitude?), the film doesn't weather too well through the time, its story is quite common-or-garden, the adventurous spirit Vs. the prudent comportment, which is also reflected by pairing up their idiosyncratic neighbor Victor (Boyer) and Corie's widow mother Ethel (Natwick). Nothing is wrong about all that, but the viewing experience is chiefly blighted by Fonda's hammy endeavour to be "funny", her character is irritating to say the least, and her high-pitched voice doesn't help either, surely her hyperactive restlessness is by design, but the effect is cringe-worthy, what is the virtue of this woman (apart from her gymnastic physique)? Maybe it is the gaping generation gap which sours the supposed comedic moment for Generation Y. Also knowing that Simon based the story on his first marriage, it could be a deliberate manoeuvre of aggrandisement with an intent of personal mockery. Redford, on the other hand, is in a safer place of being likable, by the way, he is reprising his role in the original play, he has that kind of awkward charm of "pretty boy entrapped in a nicely-fitting suit", and when it comes to his "barefoot in the park" inebriated caper, he is competent enough to act in a comedy without overdoing what the script offers. But the amorous frisson between him and Fonda has never hit the boiling point, in spite of the fact they kiss a lot in the movie, mostly instigated by the free-spirited Corie, whose aggressive longing and volatility is the killjoy of any romance at all. Veteran theatrical dab hand Mildred Natwick is honoured with an Oscar nomination for rehashing her role in the film version, she both dignifiedly and comically personifies Ethel as possibly "the kindest mother-in-law" ever on the silver screen; also Charles Boyer exhibits a droll poise with his exotic panache, oddly enough, their flirtation seems to be more appealing than our two young protagonists. Anyhow, it is sad to find out there is a Jane Fonda's performance I am wholeheartedly unable to stomach, this is something I could never have expected before watching this substandard Neil Simon flick.

Robert Redford and Jane Fonda are at their best in this fast-paced, movie version of Neil Simon's BAREFOOT IN THE PARK. They show you what happens when the honeymoon's over and "real life" begins. The interaction between Redford and Fonda is superb and flows smoothly, the acting is brilliant and shines brightly throughout the movie. It's like witnessing perfection. Even the supporting cast is marvelous with their humorous dialog and perfect timing. What I like best is the characters will have you laughing without even half trying. Everything is put together so splendidly. This is one of those movies where everything comes together: the actors, the writing, the scenery, the situation, and of course the performances. In my opinion BAREFOOT IN THE PARK is a rare gem that should be seen by all.

Noted playwright Neil Simon has successfully adapted many of his plays onto film and this 1967 Paramount release ranks as one of his best film adaptations of all. Robert Redford reprises his stage role as a newly married man who along with his new bride (Jane Fonda) gets involved in many hilarious situations as Fonda attempts to help him be more "free-spirited." A 1960's comedy classic.

An example of a period piece that did not age well. She's open-minded! And free spirited! And he's a lawyer, which we all are supposed to understand means a fuddy-duddy. Very sitcom-ish, only without as many good laughs as a good half-hour sitcom Their apartment is small, cold and requires a five flight walk up stairs, which Neil Simon considered quirky and cute. It's hard to believe that Simon was really from NYC since trust me, an affordable apartment in NYC with a skylight is a great find, even today, even five flights up... There is even a mention in the script of a gay couple in the building, but in the kind of tone that says, "isn't this wacky!". Oh really? Like we're supposed to believe there were so few gay people in the city at that time that a young couple would be shocked to find they were living in the same apartment building? Worth noting are the fine performances by the supporting characters played by Mildrid Natwick and Charles Boyer - but they did not make up for the mechanical nature of much of the script. Save your time and watch any episode from the first season of Dharma and Greg. Much better pacing, and a lot less dated. Or, if you're really interested in a good comedy with Fonda from that era, check out Cat Ballou.

This film version of one of Neil Simon's early Broadway hits coasts on the likability of its cast and a lot of classic Simon banter. The gossamer-thin plot, about newlyweds who find out they don't know each other as well as they thought, is only a framework to hang a bunch of running gags about drafty New York flats, endless stairs, oddball neighbors and the like. Laughs are plentiful, although as in the rest of Simon's work, one is acutely aware that nobody is so quick with the one-liners in real life. Boy, were they young back then! Robert Redford underplays charmingly as Paul Bratter, up-and-coming lawyer and all-round stick-in-the-mud; Jane Fonda is his new bride Corie, sexy, fun-loving and relentlessly cute to the borderline of annoyance. When you find her schtick getting a little hard to take, concentrate instead on veteran character actors Charles Boyer and Mildred Natwick, who lend spirit and class to their comedic roles. Perhaps the direction by Gene Saks is a tad stagebound (he directed the Broadway version), and the cinematography a bit muddy, but Neal Hefti contributes another sprightly score that does a lot to compensate. Overall, an undemanding, undeniable pleasure.

Robert Redford and Jane Fonda are both outstanding actors and compensate each other very nicely in this romantic comedy. This movie has all the quality ingredients needed to make it a classic comedy. Redford, as usual, displays great talent enhanced by the school-girl charisma of Jane Fonda. I love it.