10

"10" is far from a masterpiece, in fact, it's much more of a goofy 70's rom-com than anything else, but there's a little bit more heart and quite a few more laughs than I thought there would be here. The film is about a man (played by Dudley Moore) going through a mid-life crisis as he realizes his age is creeping up on him as he's failing to provide a spark in his relationship with the one and only Julie Andrews. What follows feels like a movie made specifically for sexually deprived teenagers, but there's definitely a little bit more to it than that. George Webber (Moore) is a film composer recognized by everyone for his famous ballads, but he rarely shares an intimate moment with people for various reasons. Spending his nights desperate to find his music again and spying on his neighbor who consistently hosts sex parties, there's not a lot going for Webber. But when he stumbles upon a young newly married woman, things begin to change. The actual plot itself isn't the most interesting, especially as it consistently meanders into slapstick comedy. I mean, George literally has a mid-day fantasy of Bo Derek slowly running on a beach Baywatch style for over a minute. It's not exactly the most tightly written or directed feature. However, I did at least connect to the Webber character in part. His relationship to Andrews is touching at times, and I have a special place in my heart for film composers. Henry Mancini's score is another gem and it's definitely a film that can be enjoyed in the background if you turn your brain off for a few hours.

6.4/10

We all have 'secret pleasure' films - those films that, for some reason, we get immense joy out of, yet might not want people to know. '10' is one of those films.

Of course the humour may have dated, but that doesn't detract from what is still a nicely paced, genteel, well rounded and well performed film. But the real joy in this film comes from the skill of director Blake Edwards in getting his actors to actually act. It seems almost alien in this day and age that actors should perform extended shots in one take, where they react to each other without umpteen cuts. But that was always Blake Edwards' thing. Check out the Pink Panther films and watch how many classic scenes featured only a few cuts. It's almost stage acting on film.

There are many joys to be found in '10', especially if you are of a certain age and can relate to the mid-life crisis of George Webber. But if you are looking for a movie which really delivers on the 70s chic - from 8-track tapes to disco, it doesn't get much better than this.

Approach this film with the right relaxed mindset and enjoy.

"10" (4 outta 5 stars) Kind of weird seeing this movie again after 20 years. When I first saw it I was just a kid in my early 20s and now I am older than the character Dudley Moore plays in this movie... a cranky, disillusioned composer going through a mid-life crisis. Dang, I never had one of those at 40... does this mean I'm overdue? Anyway, flawed as this movie is, it is still a classic. It's generally considered a "comedy" but the most effective scenes are the quieter, more melancholy scenes. (The scene where Moore plays the piano in the bar for Dee Wallace gets me every time.) This is probably the best role of Moore's career... he's able to come across as sympathetic even while acting like a jerk for most of the movie. It's the supporting performances by Julie Andrews, Dee Wallace, Robert Webber and Brian Dennehy that really give the movie its depth. Thankfully, Bo Derek doesn't really have to do any acting, so she doesn't throw the movie too much out of whack. The movie seems a lot sadder to me these days... though I thought it was hysterically funny 25 years ago.

I'll never forget seeing Bo Derek for the first time in this movie. I was shocked (hated the hair, but it made the character) This is a great movie about a man who is having a mid-life crisis. Dudley Moore, has just turned 42, and is single (dating Julie Andrews.) While driving around in his Rolls, he sees Bo Derek in a Mercedes on her way to her wedding. Hes totally wild over her, and she becomes a sort of obsession. So he finds out where they are honeymooning, and goes there. The movie is great, its funny, and keeps you laughing. This was also Bo's break-through. Shes a total 10, and even though she speaks very little, her character is a HUGE part of the film. Its great, everyone should see this film.

Dudley Moore stars as a dissatisfied 42-year-old having his "midlife crisis". He turns in a good performance, even if his character is not very likeable. The comedy is mostly of the wry variety, although there are some physically comedic vignettes. Julie Andrews is wasted in a relatively small part with a bad hairstyle. Dee Wallace was quite charming in a small part. And Bo Derek looked very good, and her acting was certainly adequate, in spite of the reviews. The ending, while a bit predictable, carried some emotional power. It's worth seeing, but no classic.