Search - Only the Lonely on DVD

A must for John Candy fans....

Rebecca Johnson | Washington State | 09/23/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Is there a movie where John Candy was the main actor that did not make you laugh out loud? This is not an exception to that rule. The man had such subtle wit and could deliver a line in the most hillarious way, God rest his soul.

In this story his mother makes a good candidate for mother-in-lawhood. She is controlling and a bit selfish in that she doesn't see her sons need to have his own life.

Each time John Candy tries to let go he has thoughts that something terrible will happen to his mother. His mother comes across as a completely controlling and insensitive person who we soon learn to dislike. We of course feel completely sorry for her son and hope he finds someone and runs away with her.

As a police officer who knows everyone, he finally takes advantage of his position in very creative ways and meets the woman of his dreams. But can he keep her? Will his mother let him go?

All I want to say is...watch this and enjoy it. If I tell you the whole story, it will spoil it for you.

If you don't laugh out loud when you watch this movie, come back and give me 10 negatives...I am that confident you will enjoy this movie. It is a bit long in some places, but the laughs are completely worth it.

~The Rebecca Review"

Candy's Finest Hour

David Baldwin | Philadelphia,PA USA | 06/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In John Candy's short but prolific film career he made few films that were up to his prodigious talents. This is the best of the bunch. There is no debating that Candy was up to the light-hearted comedy demanded of him in his role as affable Chicago cop Danny Muldoon. Candy was also more than capable of delivering on the dramatic elements in this story of a 38 year-old man finding love for the first time. Credit that to the capable direction of Chris Columbus and his knowing script. Candy also gets to play with some first class pros and I think that upped his game. Maureen O'Hara lost none of her star appeal in her golden years as Danny's demanding mother. This role could have been played as a stereotype but O'Hara injects complexity and, yes, sympathy for her character. Ally Sheedy may also have had the best role of her career as Theresa, the introverted funeral home cosmetologist who is the object of Danny's affection. Anthony Quinn also delivers an amusing turn as Danny's neighbor who burns the torch for his mother. This film is an unqualified heartwarming success."

Well acted romantic comedy

Peter Ingemi | 03/24/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A charming picture that marked Maureen O'Hara's welcome return to acting following her retirement after making "The Red Pony" for television in the early 70's. As Rose Muldoon, a role tailored for her by writer/director Chris Columbus, she all but dominates the show in a feisty, opinionated, Irish performance that was totally worthy of an Academy Award nomination for at least best supporting actress. Sadly she was snubbed by the Academy just as she was since by the Emmy's for her performance in "The Christmas Box" in 1996. The film itself, easily John Candy's best vehicle, is a pleasure to watch on all levels. John Candy himself turns in a sensitive and bittersweet performance that belied his usual known for antics in alot of heavy-handed comedies, some of which were good but most of which were not. Here he wins the audience's heart as a decent, shy, and lovelorn guy who has found it difficult over the years to cut himself free of his mother's apron strings. It's an honest, restrained performance that shows Candy was misused and underrated as a dramatic actor. Anthony Quinn, in a nice touch, once again gets to romance the evasive and independant Ms. O'hara, just as he had done decades earlier in such films as "Sinbad the Sailor" and "Against all Flags". Their scenes together are terrific, especially when she finally submits to his advances and raises her heel in a romantic kiss. It's a tribute to both of these legendary performers who have entertained us for years in some of the best films ever made. It is their presence that gives this film a little more magic than it would have had without them. But it would probably have succeeded artistically anyway as it is a tender and truthful film."

Finally a real love story....

Nathan | USA | 07/08/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With so many romance movies coming out, most of them based on a false love (money and/or lust)...it's refreshing to see a movie where the only thing the two characters love is each other. Neither character has much to offer...other than themselves...and that turns out to be enough. Throw in an intrusive mother for a little humor, and this movie has it all. Highly recommended. If you like this movie, you will probably also like "The Mirror Has Two Faces""