Seems Like Old Times

Author's Rating:

Pros: funny, witty script and great performances from Chase and Hawn

Cons: spins a little out of control at the conclusion

The Bottom Line: 
funny fun fun.

Author's Review
It's really too bad that Chevy Chase, Goldie Hawn, and Charles Grodin don't get many scripts as well-written as Neil Simon's comedic romp, Seems Like Old Times. Lately Chase (one of my favorite actors growing up) has resigned himself to showing up in family films like Snow Day and Man of the House (not to mention the painfully unfunny Aflack insurance commercial he can currently be seen in), or allowed his humor to badly imitate itself in the never ending spawn of Vacation films (sorry folks, Vegas Vacation was 3/4ths crap and I'm a die hard fan of the series). Sadly, Hawn also seems past her prime these days (and is almost better known as Kate Hudson's mother by now), for the most part, and her recent turn in The Bangor Sisters was nothing to write home about.

However, back in the 1970's both Chase and Hawn appeared in a string of humorous films, including another equally brilliant if more off-kilter comedic coupling in the hilarious suspense-comedy Foul Play. In Seems Like Old Times, Neil Simon's clever words and impressively crafted plot seem the perfect fit for Chase and Hawn, who obviously seem to be enjoying themselves as they make their respective ways through this delightful film. And poor Charles Grodin wouldn't see another role this good for over 15 years (with Deniro in the always entertaining Midnight Run).

Seems Like Old Times features Chase as an allegedly innocent ex-con writer who has escaped to the coast to work on his novel. In rereat, however, he is kidnapped by a couple of second-rate robbery men, and forced to hold up a bank, which (of course) only brings him more legal trouble. Desperate and on the run, he makes his way to his ex-wife's house, played by Hawn.

A sympathetic public defender, Hawn is currently married to Grodin, who is up for District Attorney. They share a house staffed with many of her clients, attempting to go straight -- and a whole helluva lot of dogs. When Chase turns up at Hawn's house, asking her for protection and legal help, the film really begins to get going. Trying to hide him from her husband and his employers, attempting to ward off his pathetic come-on lines, and somehow trying to keep the house all in one piece, Hawn begins to come unglued. To be sure, hilarity ensues.

Perhaps the Seems Like Old Times works so well because of the chemistry between the three principal actors. Perhaps it works because of Simon's sparkling script, or Chase's comic timing. The important thing, however, is that it does work, and thus stands as a humorous relic, a shred of proof to the unbelieving that validates my childhood championing of a comedian who has seen better days. If you want to see what Chevy Chase can do with a good script, one that doesn't really depend on cheap jokes and predictable pratfalls, do yourself a favor and check out Seems Like Old Times. If you'd prefer to watch a man at the low point of his career, go ahead and flip on the television during the recent 2003 NBA playoffs. It's your call.