28 reviews
What I Did For Love
When Rob Lowe decided to wear his glasses for real in this film (in real life he's quite nearsighted) I think it was his and director Peter Bogdanovich's homage to Cary Grant in Bringing Up Baby. Would that Bogdanovich had as good material as Howard Hawks had with Grant and Katharine Hepburn.
Rob's a near do well here, living at home with mother Jessica James and brother Ira Heiden and sometimes whomever mom's current boyfriend is, in this case it's Harry Carey, Jr. in one of his very few roles not in a western. Rob gets a jury duty notice and like most of us, he considers it one royal pain. But when he's chosen for the jury trial of Colleen Camp it's an opportunity he's been waiting for since grade school. Back in those childhood years he was crushing out on Camp big time and now she's on trial for attempted murder.
I wrote a review for 12 Angry Men in which I said the film was flawed because of what Henry Fonda did, going to the accused's neighborhood and buying a switchblade similar to the murder weapon. That was absolutely nothing compared to what Lowe does while he's not deliberating on the evidence to prove the object of his affection is innocent.
The film has its moments, but I'd have to say it was more silly than funny. Colleen Camp is not quite Katharine Hepburn, though Lowe does give a good try at a Cary Grant type comedy part.
Still fans of Rob Lowe will like it.
Rob's a near do well here, living at home with mother Jessica James and brother Ira Heiden and sometimes whomever mom's current boyfriend is, in this case it's Harry Carey, Jr. in one of his very few roles not in a western. Rob gets a jury duty notice and like most of us, he considers it one royal pain. But when he's chosen for the jury trial of Colleen Camp it's an opportunity he's been waiting for since grade school. Back in those childhood years he was crushing out on Camp big time and now she's on trial for attempted murder.
I wrote a review for 12 Angry Men in which I said the film was flawed because of what Henry Fonda did, going to the accused's neighborhood and buying a switchblade similar to the murder weapon. That was absolutely nothing compared to what Lowe does while he's not deliberating on the evidence to prove the object of his affection is innocent.
The film has its moments, but I'd have to say it was more silly than funny. Colleen Camp is not quite Katharine Hepburn, though Lowe does give a good try at a Cary Grant type comedy part.
Still fans of Rob Lowe will like it.
- bkoganbing
- May 5, 2009
- Permalink
"If you keep people busy and confused, they're likely to think they are having fun..."
That quote is from P.J. O'Rourke's guide to hosting a party in his classic work, "The Bachelor's Home Companion". To me, it pretty much sums up the appeal (what there is of it) of this film. Or to put it another way, in his effort to construct a "screwball comedy", Bogdonovich kept throwing things at the wall in the hopes that some of them would stick.Fortunately, some things do.
Nothing about "Illegally Yours" is particularly inspired (in fact most of it is strained and contrived), and no one in it is particularly great at comedy...the best most of the actors can muster is a kind of wide-eyed incredulity. But the plot throws so many twists and turns at the viewer, and there are so many rapid-fire "bon-mots" and quirky lines and bad puns that eventually the movie reduced me to a state of mild bemusement...and after the movie had been hitting me over the head with "funny funny funny" for 40-50 minutes. I gave in and actually snorted with laughter once and chuckled a couple of other times. I even guffawed once. Just once, but that's still better than anything Ben Stiller has been able to do since "Mystery Men".
I think it was easier for American filmmakers impress American audiences with screwball humor before Monty Python,Red Green,"Black Adder","Fawlty Towers" and similar imports caught on here. In comparison to Pythonesque and Newhartesque whimsy and wordplay, this movie's script is a bit stodgy and leaden. But it's still mildly funny even today, and none of the players (even Rob Lowe, who I've never liked) have anything to be ashamed of here.
Do not skip your fiftieth viewing of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" to see "Illegally Yours", but if IY is on opposite something dull and unfunny like "Gone Fishing", you may want to check it out.
Nothing about "Illegally Yours" is particularly inspired (in fact most of it is strained and contrived), and no one in it is particularly great at comedy...the best most of the actors can muster is a kind of wide-eyed incredulity. But the plot throws so many twists and turns at the viewer, and there are so many rapid-fire "bon-mots" and quirky lines and bad puns that eventually the movie reduced me to a state of mild bemusement...and after the movie had been hitting me over the head with "funny funny funny" for 40-50 minutes. I gave in and actually snorted with laughter once and chuckled a couple of other times. I even guffawed once. Just once, but that's still better than anything Ben Stiller has been able to do since "Mystery Men".
I think it was easier for American filmmakers impress American audiences with screwball humor before Monty Python,Red Green,"Black Adder","Fawlty Towers" and similar imports caught on here. In comparison to Pythonesque and Newhartesque whimsy and wordplay, this movie's script is a bit stodgy and leaden. But it's still mildly funny even today, and none of the players (even Rob Lowe, who I've never liked) have anything to be ashamed of here.
Do not skip your fiftieth viewing of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" to see "Illegally Yours", but if IY is on opposite something dull and unfunny like "Gone Fishing", you may want to check it out.
- lemon_magic
- Oct 21, 2005
- Permalink
Like, it's a bad movie, eh?
Director Peter Bogdanovich seemed to have it all at one point early in his career, but I can't imagine a worse string of pictures than "At Long Last Love", "Nickelodeon", "Daisy Miller" and "Texasville", not to mention this one, a dud meant for theaters but relegated to dusty bins at the video store. Rob Lowe, outfitted to look like either Cary Grant or perhaps egomaniac Bogdanovich, stumbles around as a juror smitten with murder-suspect Colleen Camp. Camp, as proved in "They All Laughed" (a Bogdanovich bright spot), has the knack for screwball antics, but her character here is too brash and she fails to click with Lowe, whose bumbling is forced--to say the least. The convoluted plot hangs together by a thread, not helped by a bunch of "lovable" dopes in the supporting cast (including future Mrs. Bogdanovich, L.B. Straten). Cheeky, yes. Successful, no. *1/2 from ****
- moonspinner55
- Nov 23, 2002
- Permalink
Hilarious!
This is one of the funniest movies I have ever seen. This, in my opinion, is Rob Lowe at his best. I'm not quite sure why this film has gotten such a low rating. I guess you either love it or hate it, but if nothing else, it is definitely worth a rental.
What the hell?
Seriously, I can't imagine how anyone could find a single flattering thing to say about this movie, much less find it in themselves to write the glowing compliments contained in this comment section. How many methamphetamines was Bogdonovitch on during the filming of this movie? Was he giving a bonus to the actor that spat his lines out with the most speed and least inflection or thought? The dialogue is bad, the plot atrocious, even for a "screwball" comedy, and claims that the movie is an homage to classic film comedy is about the most inane thing I've ever heard. The cinematography is below the quality and innovation of that exhibited by the worst made-for-TV movies, the acting is awful (although I get the feeling that the fault for that lies squarely in the lap of the director), and speaking of which, did I mention the direction is so haphazard and inscrutable that it defies the definition of the word? The whole thing is a terribly unfunny (even in the much-beleaguered world of so-bad-it's-funny clunkers), soul-sucking, waste of two hours of your life that you'll never get back. Be afraid, be very afraid...
A textbook on poor direction and miscasting
This tight, consistent, clever script acted by the excellent Rob Lowe and the voluptuous Colleen Camp should have resulted in a 1980s WHAT'S UP DOC? Sadly, Lowe is no Ryan O'Neal, and Colleen Camp, while lovely to look at, shows why she typically plays the Friend and not the Leading Lady in her many films. Still, good direction could have saved the day, but Bogdanovich is no less miscast than his actors. The sense of comedic timing, so crucial to this or any type of comedy, is sorely lacking here. Possibly the lion's share of the blame should lie with the film editor, but the director is ultimately responsible for the failure of this film.
On the other hand, Colleen Camp gets more screen time in ILLEGALLY YOURS than in any film I can remember, so fans wishing to see more of her will want to view this flick. Rob Lowe fans, on the other hand, will find it more profitable to spend their time on his other, much better performances.
On the other hand, Colleen Camp gets more screen time in ILLEGALLY YOURS than in any film I can remember, so fans wishing to see more of her will want to view this flick. Rob Lowe fans, on the other hand, will find it more profitable to spend their time on his other, much better performances.
Silly slapstick crazy 80s comedy
The 80s was Rob Lowe's decade; member of the Brat Pack, and the golden boy of cinema. Whilst usually cast just as the pretty boy, a sex-toy, Illegally Yours cast him as the silly, love-sick goof, who bumbles his way through a far-fetched silly murder cover-up from the point of view of a juror who was in love the suspect at junior school. The film is wall-to-wall one-liners, funny slapstick, slips and trips and Lowe falling over a lot. I've watched it a lot of times and it still makes me giggle, and there are lots of comedy set pieces; Lowe dressed as a woman in high heel slippers, the fantastic sunglasses disguise scene, his nervy rushing around, the crazy car chases and daft over-acting. It's not a film to take seriously, it's meant to be loopy and flying all over the place and I love it. It's not a 6/10 film as in superb cinematography but it's just a hoot. Every character is overblown, Colleen Camp and all the ensemble case are a caricature, funny, and I just love this film. It's one of my favourite comedies and they don't make them like this anymore – it's not rude, no bad language and really quite innocent. Turn back time and enjoy.
The writers should have been paid by the word.
Seriously somewhere along the way someone equated amount of dialog with snappy or witty dialog. It is not, it turns out to be just painful dialog, with no rest for the ears. Yes the acting is painful, but sometimes that can be funny in a weird sort of way. Yes the plot is beyond stupid, but this is to expected in a "screwball" comedy. The dialog sets a low below the other factors by about a factor of 10. Avoid this at all costs.
Watchable enough but never funny
My initial review of this was pretty scathing. After thinking it over I've decided I was probably too harsh since I was able to finish the film in one sitting which says something positive in my view. This is yet another Peter Bogdanovich attempt at an homage to the screwball comedies of yesteryear. Sadly, unlike most of his early work this one misses the mark. I've read Bogdanovich and Rob Lowe were going for Cary Grant but instead they wind up with Woody Allen. Look no further than Lowe's physical mannerisms and diction which seem patterned after Woody Allen's distinct style of nervousing, to say nothing of that cringey narration which also reminds me of many Allen films. Happy to see Colleen Camp in a decent sized role. There's just too many characters in this, most of them played by actors who aren't great at comedy. The most annoying actor in the cast is Ira Heiden playing Lowe's brother. He's best known as the nerd from Nightmare on Elm Street 3. His shrill voice made me mute the TV every time he comes onscreen.
It's just not a good movie. There's no charm, no wit, no laughs, really no fun at all. I won't rate it lower because there is an effort even if the effort fails. It's something to kill a little time with I guess but nothing more significant than that.
It's just not a good movie. There's no charm, no wit, no laughs, really no fun at all. I won't rate it lower because there is an effort even if the effort fails. It's something to kill a little time with I guess but nothing more significant than that.
It's a comedy that's funny...
I don't understand the hating on this movie. What I want from my comedies is that they are funny and feel at least slightly original, and this (to my great surprise) delivered in spades, which is more than can be said for most movies that call themselves comedies. The silliness never let up, the pacing never flagged.
If you like the ridiculousness of movies like _The Man With One Red Shoe_ or _The Man Who Knew Too Little_, movies that are just a sequence of one insane coincidence after another, I think you'll like this.
If your primary complaint about _Ron Burgundy_ was that it didn't explore the consolidation of the media business by corporations in enough detail, or that _The Hangover_ didn't pay enough attention to the harrowing effects of alcoholism on families around the world, well, then maybe this is not the movie for you.
If you like the ridiculousness of movies like _The Man With One Red Shoe_ or _The Man Who Knew Too Little_, movies that are just a sequence of one insane coincidence after another, I think you'll like this.
If your primary complaint about _Ron Burgundy_ was that it didn't explore the consolidation of the media business by corporations in enough detail, or that _The Hangover_ didn't pay enough attention to the harrowing effects of alcoholism on families around the world, well, then maybe this is not the movie for you.
- name99-92-545389
- May 1, 2013
- Permalink
bad nerd
Molly Gilbert (Colleen Camp) is falsely accused of murder and goes on trial. Richard Dice (Rob Lowe) is called in for jury duty. He is surprised to find Molly as the defendant. He actually had a childhood crush on her without her knowledge and strives to prove her innocence.
This was panned by critics and director Peter Bogdanovich himself. Of course, I have to check it out. First, Rob Lowe is trying to play a bumbling nerd. He's genetically incapable of doing that. From the poster, I assumed the lead to be Corey Haim. Corey would be a better fit. Rob Lowe is trying so hard that it actually hurts to watch him. I try to imagine another actor in the role, maybe Corey. The screwball comedy is silly and light. The writing isn't good. Everybody keeps easily escaping. I don't think the story makes sense but that's doesn't really matter. Assuming the best of everything, this would still be a weak 80's comedy.
This was panned by critics and director Peter Bogdanovich himself. Of course, I have to check it out. First, Rob Lowe is trying to play a bumbling nerd. He's genetically incapable of doing that. From the poster, I assumed the lead to be Corey Haim. Corey would be a better fit. Rob Lowe is trying so hard that it actually hurts to watch him. I try to imagine another actor in the role, maybe Corey. The screwball comedy is silly and light. The writing isn't good. Everybody keeps easily escaping. I don't think the story makes sense but that's doesn't really matter. Assuming the best of everything, this would still be a weak 80's comedy.
- SnoopyStyle
- Jul 16, 2022
- Permalink
I laughed the whole way through...
This one is a hilarious diamond in the rough. The acting and plot aren't that impressive, but the lines just keep on coming. This catches a lot of flack because it seems at first glance like, well, a bad movie, but it's so kooky that you can't help but be amused. The spastic lightening quick dialog and quirky characters keep it going... I was especially fond of Sharon, the Canuck on Shrooms eh? However, the one that really stole the show was Richard's little brother Andrew (Ira Heiden), his high pitched whining was somehow endearing. The whole movie rocked.
Better have 100 minutes to kill, 'cuz this one's definitely a bomb!
Lowe returns to the nest after, yet another, failed relationship, to find he's been assigned to jury duty. It's in the plans to, somehow, get out of it, when he realizes the defendant is the girl he's had a serious crush on since the first grade.
Through living in the past by telling other people about his feelings towards this girl (played by Camp), Lowe remembers those feelings and does everything in his power to clear Camp of attempted murder, while staying away from the real bad guys at the same time, and succeeding in creating a successful film at the same time.
I've heard that St Augustine is the oldest city in the US, and I also know it has some ties to Ponce de Leon, so the backdrop is a good place to start. Unfortunately, it's the only thing good about this movie. The local police are inept, the judge is an idiot, and the defense counsel does everything in her power to make herself look like Joanie Cunningham! I don't know whether to blame the director for poor direction, or for just letting the cast put in such a hapless effort.
In short, this movie was so boring, I could not even sleep through it! 1 out of 10 stars!
Through living in the past by telling other people about his feelings towards this girl (played by Camp), Lowe remembers those feelings and does everything in his power to clear Camp of attempted murder, while staying away from the real bad guys at the same time, and succeeding in creating a successful film at the same time.
I've heard that St Augustine is the oldest city in the US, and I also know it has some ties to Ponce de Leon, so the backdrop is a good place to start. Unfortunately, it's the only thing good about this movie. The local police are inept, the judge is an idiot, and the defense counsel does everything in her power to make herself look like Joanie Cunningham! I don't know whether to blame the director for poor direction, or for just letting the cast put in such a hapless effort.
In short, this movie was so boring, I could not even sleep through it! 1 out of 10 stars!
- moviedude1
- Nov 21, 2008
- Permalink
No classic but fun anyway
While this movie may not be a show-stopping classic, it is funny and has an entertaining plot. Rob Lowe does seem somewhat out of his element here, though he does a good job with what has been given to him. Colleen Camp fans will love this movie, as she is as attractive as ever and we get to see her in a rare leading role. Some silly moments, but overall not a bad film. Some good footage of historic St Augustine as well.
- Hessian499
- Jan 18, 2002
- Permalink
One good thing came out of this. It's save me a trip to Florida to see Saint Augustine.
- mark.waltz
- Dec 19, 2021
- Permalink
Waste of time
This movie is probably the worst thing I've ever seen. I wasted my life watching this. There is no intelligent writing as claimed by the absolute brain dead people claiming so in these other reviews. The review where this person says they "loved it love a 9" by Isabella. Read that review. Apparently this is a movie for twenty somethings who think they are so unique and special and see the world different, and of course, who can predict every movie. In other words, this movie Is for those of basic intelligence who think they are elevated somehow. If you've seen this movie, find the review I'm talking about and try not to gag.
Most importantly, the director and Rob Lowe have talked about how bad this movie is. Anyone claiming this movie is some hidden gem must know better than those directly involved, who have called it their worst film.
Most importantly, the director and Rob Lowe have talked about how bad this movie is. Anyone claiming this movie is some hidden gem must know better than those directly involved, who have called it their worst film.
- killmyselfinyourbed
- Jul 14, 2022
- Permalink
rob lowe plays annoying geek
I love Rob Lowe but try to act like a geek in a ridiculously written comedy ? I don't think they go together since when geeks are funny ?and certainly not in this pile of trash. Movie consists of series of contrived scenes that are neither funny nor make any sense. He is supposed to be a jury for a murder trial then he stalks this woman; busts into a house that happens to be the judges house he dresses like a woman but nothing out of the ordinary then he just walks out running to a couple of another bunch annoying girls
some canadian girl? Who constantly feels the need to say " eh" i am from canada we don't end every sentence with "eh" this is super annoying super insulting 4 out of 10 is way too much this should be a 2 star movie. Pure junk.
- rippingvaginalskin
- May 25, 2024
- Permalink
Just doesn't work
Rob Lowe is horrible miscast here and the plot barely holds together. The voice over is pointless and the editing choppy. All in all, this attempt to make a Cary Grant led screwball comedy just doesn't work like it should. Too bad, because with a different lead it could have been okay. Bogdonovich's worst movie by far.
Campy Fun at a Fast Pace
I swear if I did ever tried cocaine I'd be able to relate to this film perfectly. Its pace, as well as the dialog, churns out at speeds that some viewers might need to stop and relax their heads.
There are great little elements that pop up through out the film, like how Rob Lowe's character seems to always be loosing a shoe, or how some characters keep running spirals around his zigzagged path. The story was put together extremely well and the direction seems flawless.
The movie reeks of clumsy and cuteness. This is one I think most could enjoy. A few laugh-out-loud-even-if-you-are-alone moments ensure that I'll certainly be watching this again.
There are great little elements that pop up through out the film, like how Rob Lowe's character seems to always be loosing a shoe, or how some characters keep running spirals around his zigzagged path. The story was put together extremely well and the direction seems flawless.
The movie reeks of clumsy and cuteness. This is one I think most could enjoy. A few laugh-out-loud-even-if-you-are-alone moments ensure that I'll certainly be watching this again.
- Exit_of_99c_Special
- Aug 15, 2005
- Permalink
Plenty of comedy and action
This is a good movie with plenty of comedy and action. Yes Colleen Camp is fun and funny and so is Rob Lowe. The Canuck is another entertaining gem. There are a few illogical twists toward the end but otherwise it is a wonderful movie. Anyone that loves Colleen Camp will love the movie.
Good old silky 80's film
If you want a fun light-hearted silly movie, this is it. A good summer and chill movie.
- dornperrin-1
- Apr 7, 2020
- Permalink
Wonderful movie from the 1980s
During the 1980s there were a whole series of movies that do not seem to have generated a great amount of publicity but were very entertaining, enjoyable, underrated and are presently of great nostalgic value. `Illegally Yours' definitely falls within this category.
Rob Lowe provides an excellent performance as the somewhat eccentric but nevertheless very amusing Richard Dice. The whole of the cast follows this high standard and quality of acting and their combined performances contribute a dimension of entertainment and enjoyment to this movie. The script is also quite interesting for a considerable period of time and the style and the format of this movie also enhances this quality. I would definitely rate this movie highly and provide it with a 9/10
Rob Lowe provides an excellent performance as the somewhat eccentric but nevertheless very amusing Richard Dice. The whole of the cast follows this high standard and quality of acting and their combined performances contribute a dimension of entertainment and enjoyment to this movie. The script is also quite interesting for a considerable period of time and the style and the format of this movie also enhances this quality. I would definitely rate this movie highly and provide it with a 9/10
- president242003
- Jan 19, 2003
- Permalink
Second Time Around.
Often referred to as a third-rate 'They All Laughed' (a Bogdanovich film from 1981) this film focuses on Rob Lowe a 'hopeless Romeo' who, as luck would have it is a juror on a case where his first love (when he was 6) is now being tried for murder. Most of the film is taken up by him following her while hiding behind newspapers, sunglasses and even a very bad attempt at drag. Lowe is blatently mis-cast as 'our hero' as he dons a ridiculous pair of eye-glasses (reminiscent of other Bogdanovich klutzes Ryan O'Neal in Whats Up Doc and John Ritter in They All Laughed). However, the rest of the cast is excellent in the rip-fire dialog. Jessica James is sassy as Lowe's disappointed mother and Colleen Camp, as ever, is a delight to watch as the daffy murder suspect. Unfortunately this has been Colleen Camp's last attempt in a lead role to date and one hope's that director Bogdanovich will find another vehicle for her underatted talent (he used her to great affect in 'They All Laughed' 1981). This film is much better viewed the second time around and hopefully will gain a cult audience in years to come. To be watched by Camp fans only. ****1/2 stars.
A very funny treasure
One of the great pleasures of the movie business is finding a forgotten treasure that you had forgotten about or didn't know existed. This picture is just wonderful and is an excellent addition to the Bogdanovich oeuvre. Which brings up the question - where is he and why isn't he working? The Johnny Cash songs were just terrific as well.
- jackfrost-1
- Feb 14, 2003
- Permalink
Another Misunderstood Bogdanovich classic
- lonestormtrooper
- Oct 10, 2017
- Permalink