Skin Deep - Männer haben's auch nicht leicht

This film from Blake Edwards has one of the all-time funniest sequences in it that has even been filmed, and no I'm not talking about the much bally-hoo'd "dueling glow-in-the-dark-condoms" scene.

The post-spa sequence with a spastic John Ritter never fails to put me in grave danger of a major asthmatic attack. It is brilliant physical comedy. See it for that alone… or for the pruriently curious, to see what the Amazonian "Zap" from that strange syndicated physical challenges show of several years back, looks like with her clothes off!

It may not be Edwards' best effort, but it's no where near as dreadful as others here have suggested.

John Ritter plays Zach, a writer with writer's block who also is a womanizer, a drunk and a selfish jerk. When the story begins, Zach's destroying yet another marriage by cheating on his spouse. The story consists of watching Zach screw up his life again and again.

Despite being written and directed by Blake Edwards, this film is NOT a comedy...though some reviewers inexplicably thought it was hilarious. It has a few mildly funny moments (such as the cock fight and, although very sick, the bit involving Harry) but I don't think Edwards intended it as a comedy but a portrait of an incredibly screwed up man....and on that level the film does work. You dislike and possibly hate Zach...but you also can't help but think that Edwards and Ritter did a fine job of making a realistic self-destructive man. In some ways, it reminded me of one of Edwards' earliest successes..."Days of Wine and Roses". And, on that level, the film worked well for me. Overall, while very unpleasant to watch at times, a very well made picture.



One thing to note. If you do watch the film, don't be surprised with all the nudity. It isn't surprising based on the material....but I thought you should know.

John Ritter makes Zach and the film memorable. It's more or less a one man show by him, though the character hardly has an element of heroism in it. He wonderfully transforms himself into Zach Hutton, a writer by profession with a weakness for drinks and women. He faces the fury of boyfriends of the women, and later, the revenge of the girls themselves, after they break up.

The movie progresses with hilarious sequences, at times slap-stick. Be sure not to miss the dialogues, for there are many instances when humour makes its presence in the most unexpected of situations. Altogether non stop entertainment is warrantied..

John Ritter is in fine form as writer with writers block, a drinking problem, and at least a bunch of relationship problems. Ritter trying to change his character, even as his life is spiraling out of control, provides plenty of laughs. Vincent Gardenia plays a bartender, and John Ritter is his best customer. "Skin Deep" is at it's funniest when sharp dialog is being exchanged, and weakest when it resorts to slapstick. The movie is highly original, and maintains interest throughout. My only objection would be that some scenes go on a little too long. If you enjoy Blake Edward's comedies like the "Pink Panther" films, you will not be disappointed. - MERK

I loved this movie. the story was cheesy, but done well. the psychiatrist was hilarious. stockard channing was hilarious.

there were glowing condoms for goodness sake. but most of all, John Ritter is phenomenal. The sequence after the shock therapy, is the funniest physical comedy scene I have ever seen on film.