Zum Teufel mit Max

I remember seeing this movie as a kid and loving it. Recently, I watched again as an adult and found it to still be a sweet, charming little movie. The basic plot has Elliot Gould's character signing a pact with the Devil (Bill Cosby)to recruit three good souls and thus saving his own from eternal damnation. Gould gets three young people including an aspiring young singer (Julie Budd)and a fatherless young boy (Adam Rich), to sign a contract with the devil in exchange for making their dreams come true while on Earth. It all works out happily as all Disney films do, but there are several laughs, touching moments, and lesson learned along the way. I was really intrigued by Julie Budd after this film who more than resembled a young Barbra Streisand in both looks and talent. Loved the song that she sang in the film "Any Fool Can See." I wonder what happened to her after this film. Seems she never worked again.

Elliott Gould dies in an accident and goes straight to hell to meet the devil himself (Bill Cosby), but that is not the end. Gould makes a deal to get out of hell by going back to Earth to get the souls of three young people in this would-be-comedy that is just not funny. Cosby is not on screen enough to even make a lasting impression and it is up to Gould and some sub-par young actors to carry the project. Gould does do his best, but all in all the film is just a project that wants to entertain and provide messages to its audience and failed to do either of those things. An odd production from the Disney studios. 2.5 out of 5 stars.

I'd recommend 'The Devil and Max Devlin'.

Of course it is slightly hampered by the fact it's a Disney film, but I feel it manages to leave a mark in what it does tackle in regards to the premise. I felt attached to the dilemma that Max (Elliott Gould) faces, despite it being a fairly predictable situation.

Gould is good in the lead role. He is joined by, um, Bill Cosby, who suitably plays a character from the less appealing afterlife. Julie Budd (Stella) is the best of the rest, especially when it comes to the music; she's got a great voice.

Disney's best film up until this point of the 1980s, which they begin poorly. Happy with this one though, I like it.

The really significant part of this movie has nothing to do with the players, but the producers. This is the FIRST ever PG movie released by Disney - after almost 35 years a G-only releases.

I saw this movie as a kid. It had a catchy song - slightly memorable plot and ... well not much else. Not horrible or good. OK.

Sadly, as Disney movies go - you'll notice on the DVD cover - no mention of Disney. Professionals admit their mistakes, are humble in their successes and remain proud about the rest. Walt Disney would have. Eisner doesn't.

This is a film I watched as a kid and I viewed several times. It's cute and it was a popular comedy movie back in the day. The movie has a few moments of being hilarious for an old Disney film.

The movie is OK - I don't think it's the type of movie a person would want to watch several times but it is, however, a movie that is good the first time you view it so I do recommend it for those that want a silly comedy without a bunch of questionable language in it.

If you liked the "Oh God" movies with George Burns then you will most likely enjoy "The Devil and Max Devlin".

6/10