The Concierge

source: The Concierge

For Love or Money

How wonderful remembering Michael J. Fox, young, vibrant, in good health and very much entertaining in this romantic 1993 comedy. When you see the first scene of the film, you think that Fox is a tyrant in the way that he can't stand to be in traffic. Nothing could be farther from the truth from that statement. He is the concierge at a Manhattan hotel who is totally sympathetic to the people working there. The story basically revolves around the fact that Fox likes the perfume girl behind the counter, only to find out that she is the mistress of a wealthy, nasty frequent visitor to the hotel. Shall we say that Fox and the guy continually do each other favors. The Bob Balaban role as an IRS agent quickly falls apart and Fyvush Finkel as an elderly employee make the film shine. The film does go down in the sense that there are too many intricate situations occurring. This is not the 1967 "Hotel" film.

Nothing new here, just your average slow boring romantic comedy. The whole movie got going on the last 10-15 minutes. The rest was just pretty slow and didn't hold my interest. This is definitely one forgettable movie.

"For Love Or Money" has a good story line and intrigue throughout the movie. It is packed with lighthearted drama and comedy that is sure to satisfy most anyone just looking for a good entertaining film. This movie is also something of a visual feast! One of the most beautiful movies I've ever seen... especially the scenery is spectacular! It's like watching a painting or a series of fashion magazine photo shoots in glamorous locations. The cinematography is beautiful, simply breathtaking! While there are times in this movie that you are completely suspended in disbelief, I liked this movie. The chemistry between Fox and Anwar seems genuine and real. Fox's charisma shines really bright when he shares the dreams of his hotel with Anwar. So, at the end of the movie, question still stands: "Do you go for love or for the money?" Overall rating: 7 out of 10.

Michael J. Fox and Gabrielle Anwar star in this delicious romantic comedy. Fox plays a concierge of the Bradbury and a very good one at that looking for three million dollar start up investment for a hotel property he has been saving to buy. Yet when the investor he is doing favors for also his involved with a lady that the concierge enjoys being with, it becomes a difficult juggling act between love or money. This predicable funny and in a few moments tender comedy has good pacing and typical prat falls that Fox has become well known. A feel-good, entertaining movie that warms the heart. While never straying into the classic Pretty Woman (1990) territory, For Love Or Money has is own sense of charm that's worth experiencing for those who need to get away a little while from the turmoil of the COVID-19 Pandemic that still prevalent as these comments are being written.

I was on tour with my friend in Budapest. The Concierge was on one of the only two English speaking channels in the hotel. We watched it 5 times in a row. We then went out to eat at a vegetarian restaurant that was also a college. We then played a concert, returned to the hotel and watched it 5 more times! I am not kidding. This movie is terrific and very comforting and nice. See it over and over again like Breaking Away, War Games, Alien or Contempt. MJF is very sincere in this film. I have never forgotten it. Not in the same way I have never forgotten Don't BE AFRAID OF THE DARK! Beware of that movie. This is the perfect MJK film it is like the first BTTF movie or the Frighteners in that it has a sincere cohesion. This is a small unsung film but will be celebrated in the future as a classic.

(Flash Review) This was a below average fluff RomCom with absurd and irritating story situations. Michael J Fox plays a concierge at a 5-star hotel who has a knack for being suave and collecting hefty tips. Tips to help fund his dreams of starting his own luxurious hotel. Throw in a wealthy investor and a romantic interest and as anticipated will need to make a choice 'for love or money' and there's the story line. While it is nice to reflect on a Michael J Fox in good health, I must say this movie was overly thin and shallow. Fox is the lone bright spot as the writing produced inauthentic relationships and situations which are all a bit muddled.

Some people have suggested that Fox's character in this movie is just Alex P. Keaton all over again. I think they missed the point. Alex was in love with money. Doug is not as materialistic; he doesn't desire money for its own sake, but views it as a tool that will help him realize his dream. Alex was self-centered. Doug cares about other people. He is successful because he can empathize with people and give them what they need. He is very inspiring. This movie is described as a comedy, but I didn't find it very funny; I cared about the characters too much to laugh at them.

This is one of the few additions in the vast boring arena of calm romantic comedies that's worth a watch in a relaxing mind. I really like Michael J. Fox as an actor and I think he's done a good job here. It's a pity a versatile actor such as him has decided not to make any movies further. Gabrielle Anwar ("Body Snatchers") also looks and acts quite nicely. The story, however, has no surprise elements, it's told for like thousand times. But still, due to smart screenplay and decent acting by the two lead actors, the film never gets tiresome to watch. And the funny parts, if not hilarious, not irritating either and fit nicely with the film's quiet mood.