Rented Lips

By now Robert Downey Sr is probably only known as Robert Downey Jr's father. Some years ago I saw the elder Downey's "Putney Swope" and found it to be THE perfect satire. So now I see Downey's "Rented Lips", starring Martin Mull and Dick Shawn as documentary makers who get the chance to make their dream picture, but also have to make a porno movie, and then have to protect it from a fanatical clergyman (Kenneth Mars). It's one of those movies where the humor is very subtle, almost centering on the plot line. Plenty of scenes definitely made me laugh, but this is far from the most hilarious movie. Robert Downey Jr has some of the best scenes as the porno movie's temperamental star, but the whole movie almost seems like something that they made for fun.

Also starring Jennifer Tilly, June Lockhart and Shelley Berman.

Since this film is not closed-captioned, the only reason I rented it was to find Andrea Parker (who's barely seen as one of the dancers, a nurse).

After watching the movie, I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to see Robert Downey Jr. parading around in a military coat and panties, showing off his legs.

Otherwise, it's just an entertaining farce of a movie whose bizarre plot lines can crack a smile or two.

I saw Rented Lips only cause it was on Robert Downey's list of movies that he appeared in. It is definitely not Downey's best. This movie is so rare to find! I saw this movie with a Russian voice over. This is one the strangest Downey movies. I wonder what made him choose this! A little too difficult to sit through even for a hard core Downey fan.

All said, there are a few genuinely fun moments. However this is not enough to mitigate the disastrous pace of the movie. The story seems so disjointed that you get a feeling that this is some in-house production for fun.

Martin Mull and Dick Shawn act as documentary makers who get the chance to make their dream picture, but this has a hitch. They also have to make a porno movie, and then have to protect it from a fanatical clergyman. The humor is a little crass. Downey Jr has some of the best scenes as the porno movie's star with a volatile ego.

I had been looking for this for a while, because I am a huge fan of Robert Downey Jr. When I purchased it in a thrift store the other day and watched it last night, I knew why it was rare and out-of-print. I only got through the first twenty minutes before I had to stop it and ask myself why I had even sat through that much. It's absolutely disgusting and poorly acted (though if you've seen any of Robert Downey Sr's other movies this doesn't seem strange). Plus, it was written by Martin Mull, who isn't that great of an actor (he was pretty bad on "Sabrina The Teenage Witch").

It is kind of cool to own this movie because of it's rarity, but as much as I love Robert Downey Jr, I can't bring myself to finish watching this. If you're a fan as well, avoid this movie. You have been warned.

Whenever anyone asks me about the worst movie I've ever seen - I ALWAYS say, "Rented Lips." Thankfully, these lucky people never know what I'm talking about. I only saw this because I'm a fan of Downey Jr's... and much like the Ally McBeal saga was - no matter how much of a fan I am of his, there are some things I just can't sit through.

This film is just bad... I don't remember if it was Downey Sr's directing, or Jennifer Tilly's existence, or the fact that Martin Mull was in it AND wrote it (look at all these warning signs.. and I still decided to watch)... I just remember how much I couldn't believe that it actually got made... Thus reaffirming my belief that ANYONE can make a movie these days.

Save yourself folks... Even if you're Downey Jr fans... If you want to sit through a bad Downey Jr movie, go rent Two Girls And A Guy.. at least you'll get some singin, dancin, Shakespeare and great acting in that one.