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Good movie but grossly overrated

Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

I started watching this purely on a whim, the summary on the cover didn't give much away. The family dynamics were demonstrated with the elder daughter's wedding, dad thought he was the star and sang a song - having been to a wedding when the dad thought the guest were there for him, I cringed - and the happy couple went their way while the younger daughter discovers that the unwilling finance she thought she had was just playing at a relationship. She then fled back to her parents' home where the wedding decorations still hung, and even tried to sleep with her parents in their bed. Honestly, this family is too close for healthy! Soon she moves away and while she is learning a sales job she meets a smarmy, brash show-off whom she clicks with immediately. They become closer and she introduces him to her family. The obvious wealth of the man is something of a stumbling block to her father, who has always been The Man, but now has another fella in the house who is around his age and with pots more money. The family all decide they really like him, as he grows on us all with his generosity and genuine affection for his adopted clan, then they decide they really don't, and the years roll on. To be honest, the family are far too controlling - if this is a typical American/Italian family, it didn't do them any favours. The ending is sweet, predictable and satisfying. The characters are well drawn and the wonderful Richard Dreyfuss steals the whole film (for me). The other family members seemed a bit miserable to be frank, they needed to lighten up a bit and see the world outside.

Lasse Hallström's first American film has a structure that is both refreshing and frustrating. Is "Once Around" a light romantic comedy? A melodrama? A tragedy? Most likely, it is all of the above.Holly Hunter stars as Renata, an unlucky-in-love Bostonian who falls for Sam (Richard Dreyfuss), a smooth-talking salesman who is similar to her parents in age but worlds away from them in personality. Conflicts arise when Sam, a strong-willed Lithuanian, forces his beliefs on Renata's equally strong-willed Italian parents, Joe and Marilyn, played by Gena Rowlands and Danny Aiello.The performances are excellent, though Hunter's exaggerated New England accent is a distraction at times. Aiello keeps his cool in a role that could easily have lent itself to overacting, and as a special bonus, he sings — quite well, I might add. A scene with Marilyn castigating Sam at a funeral stands as an example of the pivotal performances Rowlands delivers even when she's a supporting character. Renata and Sam's relationship takes some rather stagy turns, and some of Sam's disputes with Renata's family seem a bit contrived, but "Once Around" is worthwhile for its outstanding ensemble cast.

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!

In my opinion 'Once Around' is a movie that was clearly never marketed correctly. It is a well written and has wonderfully created characters each with there own strengths and weaknesses. I admit that only reason I thought to watch it at first is that I find Holly Hunter totally enchanting. Upon watching a few minutes I was sucked in to find out what happens next. Granted most would consider it a 'chick flick', but I generally do not like 'chick flicks'. The trials and tribulations that each member of the family go through upon meeting 'Sam'(Richard Dreyfuss) and the things said amongst the characters are sad, funny and a good representation of life within families. It makes you think, laugh and even cry (yes I admit to it). Anybody who has ever tried to fit in with their spouse's family will definitely find this movie truly entertaining and possibly closer to the truth than parody. Richard Dreyfuss plays the part of a salesman really well. Danny Aiello plays the father of Holly Hunter and really makes the movie in my opinion. The supporting cast does a really good job of playing a family that has inner turmoil like most families tend to have. I think most people who watch this movie will be able to relate to this unsung gem!