MovieChat Forums > Skin Deep (1989) Discussion > My feelings on some of the negativity

My feelings on some of the negativity

posted 17 years ago by ruthlessroddy
14 replies | jump to latest

of this film is that John Ritter's Character faces his demon in the end. Alcohol. A Demon that MANY people face whether they admit to it or not.
This movie 'IS' very, VERY funny. And Ritter's performance was spot on. He had to do a wide range of emotions and there are few who could have pulled it off like he did. A very under-appreciated film.

I could not believe one reviewer who said they found 'nothing' funny in this movie. To me, the writing was funny, the physical comedy was funny and the message, although harsh for an ending of a comedy (especially after laughing through the first 90% of the movie) was poignant.

When he showed up at the black tie party as Alladin? Come on,,, not even a smile? Followed by a chuckle?

Tough crowd...

[–] WarpedRecord 17 years ago

Tough crowd indeed! Seriously, is this thing on?

I admit my expectations were very low for this film because I read some of the reviews before I watched it. Sometimes it's good to set low expectations, because you won't be disappointed. But even if my expectations were high, I would have loved this film, thanks to the inspired performance by John Ritter.

Not only does John do some tremendous physical humor -- the waves scene, the Aladdin scene, the condom scene -- but he also makes us care during the more heavy-handed scenes. I think playing an addict is a huge challenge for an actor to prove his chops, and they usually wind up as a caricature. But John makes it believable -- somewhat funny but even more sad. I'm reminded of Philip-Seymour Hoffman's bravura tragic-comic performance in "Love Liza."

Perhaps the ending was rather heavy-handed and abrupt, but it was no less believable. This may not be Blake Edwards' best film, but I'd make the case that it's his most underrated.

[–] brodiebruce_405 17 years ago

This movie really isn't very good.

The English will not be pushed around much longer...

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] wagnerian 17 years ago

Ritter got a poor reputation bceause of films like Problem Child and formula sitcoms like 8 Simple Rules, but this great movie reveals he was an actor of some considerable depth and talenbt. A shame it was wasted, at least we can see some of the promise in this film. I have to say this has always been one of my favourite films, it has brains and a funny bone.

[–] LovinMoviesMakinGames 16 years ago

The character, Zack, reminds me very much of myself, and some of my close friends. And I can very much relate to the film. From that biased standpoint I think the film is not only very well done, but spot on. I don't think his addiction is alcohol. I think it is a combination of the alcohol and the women, together forming instant gratification v.s. the long drawn out work involved in his writing projects.

Short term gain, but long term pain.

Pretty much the key to all addiction.

[–] jritty 12 years ago

WTH? poor reputation because of 8 Simple Rules...that was when he died... Problem child was actually funny and made money. Stay Tuned was funny too but that was the nail until Sling blade reminded the PUBLIC he could act...

You Suck...now deal with it.

[–] the_radical_one1 15 years ago

This is definiteyl one of the best showcases of John Ritter's skills as an actor. Probably the best film he was ever in.

"Have you paid your dues Jack? Yes sir, the check is in the mail."

[–] CineFan007 14 years ago

So, someone said it wasn't very good? What do you consider good?

Blake Edwards made movies for grown-ups, adults, mature people. I don't think Adam Sandler comedies are tolerable. It;s all personal, eh?

"Skin Deep" is Edwards at his best. Lots of physical comedy, heavy issues, hope, sex and even love. You pull for Zach and you like him.

And then there is that famous glow in the dark scene....

[–] 14 years ago

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[–] jritty 12 years ago

Amen OP! This movie IS very funny. The elctroshock scene is the funniest scene period. The condom scene is real funny two but ritter's physical comedy is GENIUS in that scene. And Ritter over all is brilliant. The man was underrated (maybe int he way Micahel Keaton might be). He could do it ALL. I remember a tv movie where he played an alcholic-wife beating husband...mind blowin'. I love this movie - I love the song at the end (it's one of my fav end credits) and I think Ritter deserved an Oscar nom. A Tour de force (like Sellers in A Shot in the Dark) in that it's one man carrying the whole film...and brilliantly. I've found revisiting Edwards he's kinda lazy with some films (I re-edited 3 Pink Panther films for myself, also combining 6 and 7 into into one film - like it SHOULD have been)...but this one still holds up. I kinda consider him a warped version of jack tripper in this - maybe that's why like it so much.

You Suck...now deal with it.

[–] ravi-shankar-kgr 12 years ago

Watched this movie after 10 years and still found worth and funny to see the entire film. The writing and the making is very funny. Well they could have put some smile by the guest on the Alladin scene. ( Or did they laugh!! )

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[–] Dream_Demon 12 years ago

I just watched this movie after not seeing it again for several years, and still makes me laugh! I don't get why this movie is getting bad reviews. It is indeed an unknown gem waiting to be found.

Welcome to my Nightmare- Freddy Krueger

[–] RobBase086-1 12 years ago

The movie was absolutely wonderful to watch! It was hilarious with some great comedic scenes that would make anyone laugh so hard until their bellys ached. Yet it was to the point about how we fight our demons and how life is at times for us all. I liked the movie and thought it was very well done.

In June I completed my first film script called "THE POSSESSION OF INNOCENCE" and created a Facebook page with information about the movie and who has been casted for each role. If you want to find out more or would like to help then check out the Facebook page. Thank you for your time, help, and support.

Rob

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[–] colaffee 12 years ago

This is one movie where I feel the IMDB rating doesn't reflect the quality of the film. It's funny and doesn't fall into too many Hollywood cliches like most movies in this genre do.

I have a theory on why this movie has so much negativity attached to it and I think it's how the women are represented as well as how the movie resolves.