Inside Moves
by Richard Donner
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Amy Wright, David Morse, Diana Scarwid, John Savage, Tony BurtonDirector: Richard Donner
Brand: Lions Gate
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Subtitled); Spanish (Subtitled); English (Original Language)
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Picture Format: 2.35:1
Running Time: 113 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2009-02-03
Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Lions Gate
Movie Reviews of Inside Moves
Movie Review: A neglected gem, finally available
Summary: 5 Stars
Note: I reviewed this film about five years ago. At that time, it was almost impossible to see Inside Moves. Fortunately, a DVD version is now available. So I have revised the original review accordingly.
To say it this is a "small" film in no way questions its several achievements. The screenplay (co-authored by Valerie Curtin and Barry Levinson), direction (Richard Donner), acting, and cinematography (Laszlo Kovacs) are outstanding. Inside Moves is based on Todd Walton`s novel and focuses on Max's Bar in Oakland; more specifically, on those who work there and its regular customers. All of them are emotionally and/or physically handicapped and yet, once gathered together -- in what is in many ways a sanctuary for them -- they generously provide comfort and support to each other. It is also worth noting that the regulars have zero-tolerance of self-pity, theirs or anyone else's.
After a failed suicide attempt which has left him permanently crippled, Roary (John Savage) joins the group with apprehensions. Over time, he begins to work at the bar and later becomes its owner. He and Louise (a waitress portrayed brilliantly by Diana Scarwid) have a mutual attraction which eventually overcomes their self-doubts as well as their fear of being hurt again. The bartender, Jerry Maxwell (David Morse), was once a basketball prodigy but is now a cripple also, unable to afford the cost of corrective surgery. He is involved with a juvenile drug addict named Ann (Amy Wright) who supports her addiction with money earned as a prostitute. Although my remarks thus far may suggest that this is a "dark" film, it really isn't. "Touching," "intimate," and "moving" (no pun intended) more accurately describe its impact, at least on me.
Oh sure, it has some corny moments. I agree with others who question the plausibility of Jerry's transition from limping bartender to making the squad of the Golden State Warriors. (I could also do without the subplot which involves him, Ann, and her pimp.) That said, I still think this is a fine film. Credit Donner with assembling a strong supporting cast (notably Harold Russell. Bill Henderson, and Harold Sylvester) and then carefully integrating their performances with those of Savage, Morse, and Scarwid. The musical score is appropriately, indeed cleverly coordinated with the plot's development. I also appreciate the selective use of humor within a culture which might otherwise seem hopelessly dysfunctional. Affection and respect between and among the characters are genuine. Granted, the film's "happy ending" is predictable. Given what all of the lead characters have endured prior to it, however, who can deny them the smiles on their faces? Not I.
Summary of Inside Moves
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