During one insomnia driven night/morning, I found this movie playing. I enjoy Holly Hunter's acting so I thought I would watch this film "Once Around." I found Sam's character to be wildly inappropriate and selfish. Sam could not take "no" for an answer on anything he wanted to do. The funeral scene in which Renata's father had buried his mother was particularly telling of Sam's poor qualities. Sam insisted upon singing his Lithuanian song to celebrate Joe's mother. His wife intervened politely and then quite sternly, but Sam was relentless in believing he was right. Not until Joe and Renata became involved in the seemingly silly argument was Sam forced to step aside albeit briefly. The next opportunity to rub his precious song in their faces was just after Renata gave birth. As the Renata's family circled her and her little baby girl, Sam brought in some musicians so he could sing his damn song. If I had been the matriarch or patriarch of the family I would have slugged him. Sam would not let anyone deter him from doing what he always wanted.I thought the screenwriters did not confront the allegations brought up between the Renata's sister and Joe. The conversation occurred during the wedding reception and Joe thought Sam was essentially buying off Renata and not treating her as an equal. I agreed and yet this was never disproved in the movie. Frankly, the age gap, economic disparity, and personality differences made me a disbeliever of this so-called true love. Sam was deranged and could probably qualify for a couple of personality and mental disorders found in the DSMVI. Sam was also too friendly with Renata's mother, sister, and almost every other female character. He was a rich playboy with money to rule and behave as he wished. While not a total jerk in regards to providing for Renata and her family, he lacked the moral intellect and partnership skills necessary for true human relationships.Sam soured my viewing and enjoyment of the film. His death was actually a relief. The supporting cast did an excellent job, but with one of the main characters so abhorrent and the storyline cautious, the movie was a disappointment.

Great feel-good movie! A classic! The cast was incredible, and you want to hate Dreyfuss, but can't help but love him. It makes you realize that there is something good in each of us, we only have to take the time to look deeper to find it. We may not always understand why someone loves the one they love, but it is ultimately their love to give, and pray that they receive the love in return in boundless measure. I watched this movie at a point in life where I so desperately needed to learn the lessons this movie provides. Never doubt your heart, it will never steer you wrong. However, we must take the less-than-fabulous characteristics of those we love along with those we cannot-live-without and accept that combined, they make the person we so desperately love.

I've watched Once Around at least 100 x's and I still love it. I love the music (the one song!) and I really enjoyed the cast, yes, even Dreyfuss. I really enjoy tear jerker's. Without giving it away (for those who haven't seen this movie) this is one that will bring laughter & tears. I really enjoyed the plot. I think the characters were great. If you lived in the "80's & 90s" you'll get this flick, perhaps younger audiences may not appreciate it as much. I also like the fact it is really not "dated". Aside from the cars (limo) and the super large cell phones, I think you can easily forget when this movie was made. I am sometimes bothered when I watch a certain movie and every single object reminds of you of the date it was made (terms of endearment). Anyway, hope you enjoy this movie as much as I do!

Richard Dreyfuss and Holly Hunter star in an offbeat comedy where the characters are the punchlines. Holly Hunter gives another excellent performance with a dead on Boston accent. This is her character's story more than anyone else. Although Danny Aiello and Gena Rowlands add to the movie, it is Hunter's story. Laura San Giacomo is a surprise as well. She is hardly in the movie, but she is as strong as Gena Rowlands...which I may add is a giant task. If you love Dreyfuss, you will love his over the top performance as an old man who wears his heart on his sleeve. Aiello is just as good if not better. Both characters are seen as father figures. By the end of the movie, the two are more like brothers. A touching story that keeps the character development moving until the end of the movie. Not many comedies are like this one.