Let It Ride

Recently watched this again on ESPN Classic's Sunday night movie, and it certainly holds up well. Laughs abound. Dreyfuss was never better in a comedy, and David Johansen turns in another classic supporting turn (see "Scrooged" for further proof). All the other supporting parts, both at the bar and the track, are terrific as well.

The hosts of the ESPN Reel Classic movies joked that they probably had to lower Jennifer Tilly into her dress. They also had interviews with the director (Joe Pytka) before they cut to commercials, and he had one really funny revelation. At first, they couldn't figure out why this bombed big time when it was originally dumped in theaters back in '89, despite decent reviews. After a little research, it was determined that people who frequent horse racing (a/k/a a good chunk of the target audience) almost never go to the movies. They're too broke!

This film is a light-hearted comedic gem that received a rather unfair series of reviews by "professionals" who seem to be mostly interested only in content if it fits a cookie cutter slate for "Oscar Worthy". This is no Academy Award Winning movie, but it is entertaining, well done, and all around a joy to watch.

The overall premise about an unlucky fellow turning his luck around while still trying to do right by his wife is touching and delivered in a sincere fashion if not a serious one. While Jay Trotter (Richard Dreyfuss) may seem like a shallow, self-obsessed character it becomes evident through his actions and eventual decision to "Let it Ride" that he has a level of complexity to him. In the end it is a story about the underdog getting his due.

If you haven't seen this film and are on the fence I highly recommend you give it a try. The professional reviews about it are mainly the same dry "It won't win an Oscar" crud that you expect from professional reviewers watching a movie that was not meant for Oscar Candidacy anyway. Take it for what it is: a funny film about a man turning his life around with just a little bit of luck and a lot of perseverance.

Richard Dreyfuss is a funny little actor, I have seen most of his films.. and this one was great. He is hilarious and so is Jennifer Tilly as the millionaire's girlfriend. Would recommend this movie to anyone whose life sucks, especially on a bad day. Good to watch with a crowd too.

All I can pretty much do is conquer with what everyone else said. This is an extremely underrated, hardly known, right on the money racetrack pic. Dreyfuss (playing a guy named "Trotter") is a gambling obsessed cabbie who's been waiting forever for that one perfect day at the track. He gets a tip from his buddy Looney (crack up Johanssen) and the two head off to bet on the doctored up horse. Dreyfuss wins 710 dollars which kicks off an incredible run of luck over the day, but the real core of the film is the truckload of laughs to be found. Literally every one of the oddball characters has a great scene and contributes largely. From the other losers at the bar across from the track to the snobs in the Jockey Club, I loved everybody. A real treat is the rapport between Dreyfuss and Johanssen, who are great as the wiser bettor and the dopey friend. And I couldnt believe the suspense I felt during the final race, there was a tremendous amount of genuine tension. Great score, too, capturing both the upbeat and dramatic moments. Dreyfuss best film.

but this one is a classic. Its one of those movies that everyone you know either never heard of or makes fun of you for even bringing up. Let me tell you though, stranded on the island with only one movie available, I want it to be this uplifting film. It may not be my favorite, but I can easily watch it beginning to end and start it right over. The cast each grasped the characters to perfection, with one a better loser than the next! Looking for a little pick-me up, give Jay Trotter and Let It Ride one chance. Although you may still be embarrassed to mention you love it in front of your friends, I bet you will!