Reviews (6)

Applause for Director Schaeffer's First Film
Eric Schaeffer's first feature, MY LIFE'S IN TURNAROUND, tells the birth of his film-making career. Two friends, who are going absolutely nowhere in life, aspire to find an artistic expression through film. Splick (Eric Schaeffer) and his roommate, Jason (Donal Lardner Ward), exhaust their motivation in a small theater company. A birthday and a bad review later, the two friends decide to try a higher medium to express their talent --the independent film scene. TURNAROUND becomes the result. Shot on the streets of New York, coffee shops, and Splick's cab, the two face a lack of financial support, dysfunctional love lives, while along the way meeting familiar celebrities, such as Phoebe Cates and Martha Plimpton. Like all of Schaeffer's subsequent films, TURNAROUND's greatest qualities are the strange, sometimes crude, improvised humor that erupt from the tension between friendship and romantic interests. For a greater appreciation of this film, I would recommend viewing one of Schaeffer's later works first, especially FALL, in order to fully appreciate Schaeffer's unique and twisted humor. The film itself is, of course, rough in production and editing, making it a bit hard to follow some parts of the plot. Nonetheless, it makes the film all more real and down to earth --a nice change from the over-polished, big-money, glossy Hollywood movies these days. Don't miss the out-takes during the credit run at the film's end. Co-produced, written, and directed by Eric Schaeffer and Donald Lardner Ward; 84 minutes.

Applause for Schaeffer's First Film
Eric Schaeffer's first feature, MY LIFE'S IN TURNAROUND, tells the birth of his film-making career. Two friends, who are going absolutely nowhere in life, aspire to find an artistic expression through film. Splick (Eric Schaeffer) and his roommate, Jason (Donal Lardner Ward), exhaust their motivation in a small theater company. A birthday and a bad review later, the two friends decide to try a higher medium to express their talent --the independent film scene. TURNAROUND becomes their result. Shot on the streets of New York, coffee shops, and Splick's cab, the two face a lack of financial support, dysfunctional love lives, while along the way meeting familiar celebrities, such as Phoebe Cates and Martha Plimpton. Like all of Schaeffer's subsequent films, TURNAROUND's greatest qualities are the strange, sometimes crude, improvised humor that erupt from the tension between friendship and romantic interests. For a greater appreciation of this film, I would recommend viewing one of Schaeffer's later works first, especially FALL, in order to fully appreciate Schaeffer's unique and twisted humor. The film itself is, of course, rough in production and editing, making it a bit hard to follow some parts of the plot. Nonetheless, it makes the film all more real and down to earth --a nice change from the over-polished, big-money, glossy Hollywood movies these days. Don't miss the out-takes during the credit run at the film's end. Co-produced, written, and directed by Eric Schaeffer and Donald Lardner Ward; 84 minutes.

Eric Schaeffer is one of the best filmakers
I find Eric Schaeffer is one of the best filmmakers to come on to the scene. My Life's in Turnaround is one of my favorite movies. If you enjoyed the Television series, New York Daze/Too Something then you should definitly see this movie, along with If Lucy Fell.

One of my favorite films.
It isn't often I come across such a great comedy. No plastic hollywood garbage, just real comedy. It wins you over the first time you see it. The film has been a favorite of mine for a long time. I first saw it while I worked at video store and have never forgotten it. Eric Schaeffer is so funny. If you saw "If Lucy Fell"(also with Sarah Jessica Parker)and liked him, see this one to understand how it all started.

sittipas b.
lov ... Read more

Reviews (71)

I fell...
Fall was one of those rare and hidden treats that I rented one night because I got bored with everything else.

What I saw was one of the most beautifully-shot, well-written and perhaps most-misunderstood films of the year. Eric Schaffer is PERFECT as the not-quite-James-Woods cabbie who picks up a supermodel and practically BEGS her for a date. When she FINALLY lets her guard down and they have some of most tense erotic moments, you think it's a pure skin-fest. It's not. Somehow, the two go past being sex-crazy to friends...and then friends to lovers.

Schaffer falls in love with her but you KNOW it's not going to work because of her boyfriend in Europe. That's the beauty of it all. You KNOW it's doomed from the start and the film REFUSES to take the easy way out. He foreshadows it all in the beginning, telling Sara, "I don't fall alone". Of course, we ALL smile at this warning, thinking that she's immune to his charms and that she can make it through a brief affair with this man in one piece. Truly, not the case.

It shows us that love is not something to be trifled with and when you fall inside of love's arms, it's almost impossible to break loose without hurting someone in the end. You shouldn't fall unless you are absolutely CERTAIN that the person you've fallen for is on the same page.

It's beautifully shot(with some truly beautiful cinematography and editing) and the writing is absolutely passionate, giving Schaffer a chance to show his feminine side and give us and idea of what his prose is like. Many critics and reviewers(off AND on the net) dismissed this as another Schaffer guy-fest and the chance to live out his "masturbatory fantasies"(as one critic put it) but that's all a bunch of hooey. So what if Schaffer gets to make out with leading ladies(such as Sarah Jessica Parker in IF LUCY FELL) and supermodels(like Amanda in FALL and Elle McPherson in LUCY)! That sounds like a jealousy-issue to me! Exploiting women? I hardly think so. You don't see Elle, Sarah or Amanda complaining, do you?

That's why I say, IGNORE the critics. Most will see what they want from the wrong angle. If you look at this small winner in the right way as a true love-story and just watch these two star-crossed lovers live out their lives until that fateful ending, decide for yourself if you've just watched a cold, exploitive film or a film with true characters and explosive FEELING.

I bought this the VERY next day as a previously-viewed tape and unless Orion(are they STILL alive?) decides to release this movie again, everyone will miss out on one of the truly great romances of the last decade.

--Matt

WOW.... I'm not an easy guy to impress... Leslie, see below
As a poet/photographer/computer geek, I watch all kinds of...movies early in the morning. THIS WAS NOT ONE OF THEM! The final scene was absolutely heartbreaking.... But not in a cheesy way... I've just added another list of movies to my "to see" list... everything made by Eric Schaeffer... Exploring the symbolism of the movie, I see a lot of parallels with my own love life, and plan to rent it/view it again ASAP with my best friend, as I have faith that she'll also see parallels between the movie and our own relationship. I've been looking for months for something to describe exactly how I've been feeling, and I guess being an insomniac solved it for me. I would recommend this movie to EVERYONE with ANY artistic taste at all, this movie has class to spare... and then some. I just wish I'd had my recorder going, and I DEFINATELY plan on waiting until the movie comes on again so I can get the thing recorded and burned to DVD (seems to last longer than VHS in my honest opinion).

I just have to say, this is definately one of those little-known movies that everyone should watch... First thing Monday, I'll be writing Orion (and/or whoever their parent company is) asking for a DVD release of this film. Absolutely beautiful movie.

Anyone with a comment for me: "a_hermits_poetic_justice" on yahoo! messenger or allenp(!)at(!)efn[dot]org (sorry about the encoding... I hate getting spam. Anyone in Maryland that sees this movie, I'd love to hear from you especially, perhaps share a cup of joe sometime.

A phenomenal film that virtually noone has seen
Not out on DVD, hard to find on VHS, and no soundtrack available, "Fall" would seem to be one of those movies that just disappears into oblivion.... until you talk to anyone who has watched it. A love story that is both all too fictitious and all too real, you will find yourself enslaved between the hearts of a taxi cab driver, and a supermodel. Eric Schaffer's beautifully languid poetry will stun your senses and settle in your heart for an eternity. Fresh, witty and sexy, "Fall" is an experience all to itself. This film was passed on to me, and I in turn have passed it on to many.... All who felt its magnificance equally.... now I'm passing it on to you... Buy it, watch it, and keep the circle going....

Awesome
As far as hot love stories go, this rocks. Combine that with the AMAZING original poetry throughout the film (one of the most amazing love poems ever!)and you have something powerful.

I can't believe this thing is so hard to get. Fortunately I found a VHS on eBay.

One of the most underrated films of all time
I can't believe this film is out of print, and will not go to DVD. It is a remarkably triumphant and truthful account of falling in love and has some amazingly raw and powerful moments. I couldn't recommend it more. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

A Must See, Must Own
I was recovering from hip surgery and popped this movie in the VCR at about 1:00 a.m. It looked like a cute drama from the cover, something I could watch and fall asleep to. I couldn't have been more wrong. Before long I was laughing so hard I popped my stitches and woke my entire family up. I mean to tell you this is the funniest movie I have ever seen in my life. So funny I had to bury my face in the pillow to keep from waking the neighbors. Gut busting hilarity....Jill Clayburg is like you've never seen her before! Jeffrey Tambor is fresh, charming, and outrageously funny portraying a slightly bent free spirited jazz musician.
There's a little piece of everyone in these two characters and will keep you in stitches for weeks to come! This movie is for anyone over 30 who has ever vowed "Never Again" to serious relationships. It's upbeat, up to date and an absolute must see, and for me....a must own! It's the funniest movie at the video store....and now at amazon.com! "Never Again" is the most under rated, under advertised, block buster comedy of all time. I just can't say enough! 5 stars in my book!

Sincerely,
Sherry Malone

Well? It's a hoot!
I can't remember the last time I picked a lesser-known title from the video store shelf and decided it's a must-buy! I'd had enough theological babble for a few days, went to rent something light and picked this up as an afterthought. I spent the next week telling all my seminary colleagues that this is a definite MUST-SEE for all who think they're gonna do pastoral work at all! How real and really funny and true! If only we really admitted to living this way, the world would be a far funnier place! Enjoy it ... again and again and again....

ONE OF THE BEST COMEDIES I HAVE SEEN!!
I remember seeing Jill Clayburgh in those wholesome romantic movies in the late 60s/early 70s. Boy, is this one different! The language would make a gang member blush! The scene when she wears the sex outfit, while answering the door, may be the funniest thing I have ever seen: I laugh my ass off!! Get this one!

vulgar but funny
Some vulgar language and sexuality and the dialogue is kind of silly at times,but I did find parts of this film funny.I enjoy Jeffery Tambor.

Funny...Sad....Honest.....
I'm very glad I found this film. But I almost didn't watch it because of the terrible song that accompanies the opening titles - a song that is totally out of synch with the style and mood of the rest of the film. And what a wonderful film it is. My wife and I have both been divorced twice and we sat nodding our heads throughout the film at its accuracy and honesty in dealing with tentative "never again" relationships. The performances by Jeffrey Tambor and Jill Clayburgh are terrific. Anyone who only knows Tambor from The Larry Sanders Show will be amazed by his subtlety and depth. The script and direction are near perfect - the dialogue is people talking like real people (albeit very witty real people). The film successfully blends great comic moments with honest emotions and human behavior. Highly recommended for anyone who has ever had a relationship break up or fall apart (that's pretty much all of us, isn't it?). The film offers hope without sugar-coated optimism. More importantly, it is also highly entertaining. I think I'll go watch it again...but with the sound off for the opening credits! ... Read more

Amazon.com

A disappointing second effort by writer/director/actor Eric Schaeffer, whose small first film,My Life's in Turnaround, showed great promise. This romantic comedy tries much, much too hard and feels more like a freshman production than a sophomore endeavor. The plot is all fluff and the dialogue is not only meaningless but often embarrassingly crude. Schaeffer and Sarah Jessica Parker have their moments as platonic roommates trying to find true love before their 30th birthdays. She suggests that if they do not find their soul mates within a month, they leap from the Brooklyn Bridge. Lots of scrambling for the perfect mate ensues, with much predictability. By the time the movie ends, you'll be willing to push them both.--Rochelle O'Gorman ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Off its Beat
This is a classic case of trying to hard.

In his attempt to create a decidedly off-beat romantic comedy, director/writer/actor Schaeffer has forgotten the basic rules of creating a well structured, engaging plot.

"If Lucy Fell" has hilarious -- perhaps even side-splitting moments. But that's all the film has -- a series of disconnected moments, some funny, some just odd -- all lacking in any real cohesiveness.

The relationship between Sarah Jessica Parker and Eric Schaeffer's characters is marked by a cold sterility. They are completely without chemistry. What seems to be the director's attempt at creating a friendship beyond words has succeeded only in creating a friendship that loses our interest and causes us to send the remote careening toward our television. In addition, Schaeffer himself is gross and unappealing. We are almost embarassed to watch him desecrate his own attempt at a character.

The story's culmination -- the realization of these friends' romantic feelings for one another -- is ridiculous and unearned. The revelation comes out of nowhere, both figuratively and literally. The film's most glaring example of poor writing occurs in a scene where Sarah Jessica Parker's Lucy engages in a monologue -- the movie's only monologue -- in which she suddenly and quite randomly comes to the conclusion that she has always been in love with Schaeffer's character. This event is not influenced by the film's other events, as it would be in any tightly constructed narrative, but materializes out of thin air.

The result is an audience left feeling bored and confused.

This is a movie w/ great comedic potential. It is too bad the story is far too inaccessible for this potential to be realized.

If Lucy Fell
Regardless of what the Editorial reviews may say, this movie was truly inspired. It was a sweet, quirky romance that involved many odd, hilarious, and human characters. An artist(Joe)who moons over the girl next door, and the therapist(Lucy)afraid of getting too close to anyone. Best friends in a death pact if they do not find meaningful relationships by the time Lucy turns 30. The emotional battles that they both overcome to get to the final wrap-up at the end are touching, aggravating, and spectacular. One of the few movies in which I have enjoyed Sarah Jessica Parker's performance. Eric Schaeffer did a wonderful job writing, directing, and starring. This amazing movie was sadly overlooked.

Great cast, but writing sometimes falls through the cracks
The casting here was excellent - Ben Stiller, Elle Macpherson, Sarah Jessica Parker were all great. In fact, I am convinced that Elle Macpherson can act because of the 3 movies I have now seen her in, she plays decidedly different people in each one. She is perfectly cast as Joe's dream woman. I found Eric Schaeffer's character the least appealing of the whole cast. Some of the jokes here are wildly funny. The audience is never given a clue that the Jane Lindquist character is only getting involved with Joe to indulge the fantasy world he had created of her. I thought it was odd that she enjoyed his voyeurism and then seemed honestly interested in him sexually, but was not interested in a relationship with him. Earlier her character makes a statement that the world makes too much of the sexually charged days in the beginning of relationships, people move on after that part is over and that a lasting relationship is what she wants. That part did not make sense. This could have been improved by some better writing and better character development. The humor here is what makes this worth watching.

WHEN JOE MET LUCY
If you're into predictable 90's romantic comedies, this is one of the better ones. There are some really nice moments in this film and at certain points it is very funny.However the film is often unconvincing and certain developments seem unprovoked.Some of the diolgue is pretty corny, but most of it is well written, sencire and personal.

one star is too much
I did not find this movie funny or heartwarming. sarah jessica parker is such a bad actress and i never felt the warmth of the relationship between her and schaeffer. it seemed forced and cold. the movie seemed like a collection of disconnected scenes lacking any cohesion. what i got was a movie full of unfunny and weird scenes that made me, ..., want to push them over myself.
as for the dvd, why make this movie into a dvd? there were virtually no features added. the movie is bad already and with the lack of features, this movie is better off in vhs format alone. ... ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Off its Beat
This is a classic case of trying to hard.

In his attempt to create a decidedly off-beat romantic comedy, director/writer/actor Schaeffer has forgotten the basic rules of creating a well structured, engaging plot.

"If Lucy Fell" has hilarious -- perhaps even side-splitting moments. But that's all the film has -- a series of disconnected moments, some funny, some just odd -- all lacking in any real cohesiveness.

The relationship between Sarah Jessica Parker and Eric Schaeffer's characters is marked by a cold sterility. They are completely without chemistry. What seems to be the director's attempt at creating a friendship beyond words has succeeded only in creating a friendship that loses our interest and causes us to send the remote careening toward our television. In addition, Schaeffer himself is gross and unappealing. We are almost embarassed to watch him desecrate his own attempt at a character.

The story's culmination -- the realization of these friends' romantic feelings for one another -- is ridiculous and unearned. The revelation comes out of nowhere, both figuratively and literally. The film's most glaring example of poor writing occurs in a scene where Sarah Jessica Parker's Lucy engages in a monologue -- the movie's only monologue -- in which she suddenly and quite randomly comes to the conclusion that she has always been in love with Schaeffer's character. This event is not influenced by the film's other events, as it would be in any tightly constructed narrative, but materializes out of thin air.

The result is an audience left feeling bored and confused.

This is a movie w/ great comedic potential. It is too bad the story is far too inaccessible for this potential to be realized.

If Lucy Fell
Regardless of what the Editorial reviews may say, this movie was truly inspired. It was a sweet, quirky romance that involved many odd, hilarious, and human characters. An artist(Joe)who moons over the girl next door, and the therapist(Lucy)afraid of getting too close to anyone. Best friends in a death pact if they do not find meaningful relationships by the time Lucy turns 30. The emotional battles that they both overcome to get to the final wrap-up at the end are touching, aggravating, and spectacular. One of the few movies in which I have enjoyed Sarah Jessica Parker's performance. Eric Schaeffer did a wonderful job writing, directing, and starring. This amazing movie was sadly overlooked.

Great cast, but writing sometimes falls through the cracks
The casting here was excellent - Ben Stiller, Elle Macpherson, Sarah Jessica Parker were all great. In fact, I am convinced that Elle Macpherson can act because of the 3 movies I have now seen her in, she plays decidedly different people in each one. She is perfectly cast as Joe's dream woman. I found Eric Schaeffer's character the least appealing of the whole cast. Some of the jokes here are wildly funny. The audience is never given a clue that the Jane Lindquist character is only getting involved with Joe to indulge the fantasy world he had created of her. I thought it was odd that she enjoyed his voyeurism and then seemed honestly interested in him sexually, but was not interested in a relationship with him. Earlier her character makes a statement that the world makes too much of the sexually charged days in the beginning of relationships, people move on after that part is over and that a lasting relationship is what she wants. That part did not make sense. This could have been improved by some better writing and better character development. The humor here is what makes this worth watching.

WHEN JOE MET LUCY
If you're into predictable 90's romantic comedies, this is one of the better ones. There are some really nice moments in this film and at certain points it is very funny.However the film is often unconvincing and certain developments seem unprovoked.Some of the diolgue is pretty corny, but most of it is well written, sencire and personal.

one star is too much
I did not find this movie funny or heartwarming. sarah jessica parker is such a bad actress and i never felt the warmth of the relationship between her and schaeffer. it seemed forced and cold. the movie seemed like a collection of disconnected scenes lacking any cohesion. what i got was a movie full of unfunny and weird scenes that made me, ..., want to push them over myself.
as for the dvd, why make this movie into a dvd? there were virtually no features added. the movie is bad already and with the lack of features, this movie is better off in vhs format alone. ... ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Off its Beat
This is a classic case of trying to hard.

In his attempt to create a decidedly off-beat romantic comedy, director/writer/actor Schaeffer has forgotten the basic rules of creating a well structured, engaging plot.

"If Lucy Fell" has hilarious -- perhaps even side-splitting moments. But that's all the film has -- a series of disconnected moments, some funny, some just odd -- all lacking in any real cohesiveness.

The relationship between Sarah Jessica Parker and Eric Schaeffer's characters is marked by a cold sterility. They are completely without chemistry. What seems to be the director's attempt at creating a friendship beyond words has succeeded only in creating a friendship that loses our interest and causes us to send the remote careening toward our television. In addition, Schaeffer himself is gross and unappealing. We are almost embarassed to watch him desecrate his own attempt at a character.

The story's culmination -- the realization of these friends' romantic feelings for one another -- is ridiculous and unearned. The revelation comes out of nowhere, both figuratively and literally. The film's most glaring example of poor writing occurs in a scene where Sarah Jessica Parker's Lucy engages in a monologue -- the movie's only monologue -- in which she suddenly and quite randomly comes to the conclusion that she has always been in love with Schaeffer's character. This event is not influenced by the film's other events, as it would be in any tightly constructed narrative, but materializes out of thin air.

The result is an audience left feeling bored and confused.

This is a movie w/ great comedic potential. It is too bad the story is far too inaccessible for this potential to be realized.

If Lucy Fell
Regardless of what the Editorial reviews may say, this movie was truly inspired. It was a sweet, quirky romance that involved many odd, hilarious, and human characters. An artist(Joe)who moons over the girl next door, and the therapist(Lucy)afraid of getting too close to anyone. Best friends in a death pact if they do not find meaningful relationships by the time Lucy turns 30. The emotional battles that they both overcome to get to the final wrap-up at the end are touching, aggravating, and spectacular. One of the few movies in which I have enjoyed Sarah Jessica Parker's performance. Eric Schaeffer did a wonderful job writing, directing, and starring. This amazing movie was sadly overlooked.

Great cast, but writing sometimes falls through the cracks
The casting here was excellent - Ben Stiller, Elle Macpherson, Sarah Jessica Parker were all great. In fact, I am convinced that Elle Macpherson can act because of the 3 movies I have now seen her in, she plays decidedly different people in each one. She is perfectly cast as Joe's dream woman. I found Eric Schaeffer's character the least appealing of the whole cast. Some of the jokes here are wildly funny. The audience is never given a clue that the Jane Lindquist character is only getting involved with Joe to indulge the fantasy world he had created of her. I thought it was odd that she enjoyed his voyeurism and then seemed honestly interested in him sexually, but was not interested in a relationship with him. Earlier her character makes a statement that the world makes too much of the sexually charged days in the beginning of relationships, people move on after that part is over and that a lasting relationship is what she wants. That part did not make sense. This could have been improved by some better writing and better character development. The humor here is what makes this worth watching.

WHEN JOE MET LUCY
If you're into predictable 90's romantic comedies, this is one of the better ones. There are some really nice moments in this film and at certain points it is very funny.However the film is often unconvincing and certain developments seem unprovoked.Some of the diolgue is pretty corny, but most of it is well written, sencire and personal.

one star is too much
I did not find this movie funny or heartwarming. sarah jessica parker is such a bad actress and i never felt the warmth of the relationship between her and schaeffer. it seemed forced and cold. the movie seemed like a collection of disconnected scenes lacking any cohesion. what i got was a movie full of unfunny and weird scenes that made me, ..., want to push them over myself.
as for the dvd, why make this movie into a dvd? there were virtually no features added. the movie is bad already and with the lack of features, this movie is better off in vhs format alone. ... ... Read more

Description

Wirey Spindell is getting married in nine days. Maybe. Terrified of the impending commitment, he embarks on some pre-wedding soul searching and examines his life and previous loves. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

You Will Only Enjoy This Movie If You Are Intelligent
This film is sweet, beautiful, hilarious and so realistic, it is amazing. It is sad to me to see such spiteful, negative reviews posted here, but it is clear that these people prefer bogus big-budget Hollywood films to true works of art. I think Schaeffer is one of the funniest writers/actors around. Like Woody Allen, he presents New York so well cinematically, especialy here in Wirey Spindell. His earlier works have been a little weak in parts, as Wirey Spindell sometimes is, but he has pretty much made his masterpiece with this one. Some of the moments presented in this film will absolutely break your heart, or make you laugh hysterically, or simply contemplate your own life, especially if you are of this generation. Wirey Spindell reminded me so much of my own life and thoughts, that I was blown away by it. I cannot get enough of his films, and I am so thankful that there are enough fans of his work to at least let him keep making films, which will be hailed as genius someday by the masses. You MUST see this film. It is one of the BEST and most honest "romantic comedies" EVER MADE.

A revelation.
If the world liked Eric Schaeffer as much as Eric Schaeffer liked
Eric Schaeffer, every univeristy and private college in North America would have its own General ed Western-civ course on this director's work. This man's self delusion reaches to such levels of grandeur it is almost like witnessing a natural wonder such as the Aurora Borealis or a solar eclipse. He is so amazing in his confidence that one can not look away, despite the hackneyed content. He is a cinematic Hitler.

Surprisingly interesting flick
Wirey Spindell, a film I was not even sure I wanted to see, surprised me. I've only seen "If Lucy Fell" which, well, I didn't much like (Sarah Jessica Parker and Elle McPherson and it still didn't work for me). This movie, tries too hard perhaps, but was really affecting. Schaffer has something to say. Critics, and most did not like this film, bemoan his lack of of success. I applaud him for his film. It is a gutsy and adult film. He shares his life with us and it isn't pretty. It is consistently interesting and at times, a bit moving. Not crying moving, but you do feel for Wirey. It is brillant? No. But considering all the junk coming from mainstream Hollywood these days, I enjoyed the 1hr 40min. I applaude someone who can put themselves out there like this. It worth seeing to enjoy the performances of Eric Mobius and Samantha Buck (who? You should know her soon enough) who are both excellent. Samanta Buck is a revelation. As to the film itself,I think Kevin Thomas of the LA Times said it well. ""Wirey Spindell" may be too heady for some tastes but can stir you deeply, if you're open to it." If you don't want to listen to me, he is a pretty darned well respected film critic. Enjoy.

A bittersweet, hilarious, & beautiful tale.
Being a big fan of Eric Schaeffer's films "My Life's in Turnaround," "If Lucy Fell," and "Fall," I was thrilled to see "Wirey" and after it came out, it took me awhile to finally see it(it never came to the theatres where I was living at the time, so I had to wait for the DVD release)but when I purchased it(without seeing it, mind you), I fell in love with it just as I had his last three films. "Wirey" is loosly based on Schaeffer's own childhood and Eric Mabius plays the younger version of Wirey, while Eric plays the older. Absolutely hilarious at moments(watch the baby...trust me), hard to watch in others(the tense relationship between he and his mother), and blissfully romantic with his ongoing affair with love. It's so much different than most films, that is, being well-written and original, and I highly recommend it.

Another Crime Against Humanity by Eric Shaeffer
Since, it would appear, all of Mr. Shaeffer's friends have weighed in with their positive reviews, it is time for some reality: This movie is the most self indulgent waste of celluloid/videotape/ metallic disk I have ever witnessed. I would have alotted it zero stars if that had been an option. To add insult to injury, the DVD release of this film contains Shaeffer's egotistical ramblings about how brilliant he is. He also defends himself against his legion of critics with the oft-repeated phrase, "Get over it." It must be heard to be believed. There are numerous offenses against humanity contained on this film, but perhaps the most obvious is Shaeffer's casting of the extremely handsome actor Eric Mabius as a late teen/early 20's Wirey. Apparently Left on the cutting room floor was the nuclear accident that transforms Mabius into Shaeffer later in the film. As of this writing Shaeffer has another opus in production. It is hard to imagine it topping this mess, but, like a car wreck, I will feel compelled to see it. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Off its Beat
This is a classic case of trying to hard.

In his attempt to create a decidedly off-beat romantic comedy, director/writer/actor Schaeffer has forgotten the basic rules of creating a well structured, engaging plot.

"If Lucy Fell" has hilarious -- perhaps even side-splitting moments. But that's all the film has -- a series of disconnected moments, some funny, some just odd -- all lacking in any real cohesiveness.

The relationship between Sarah Jessica Parker and Eric Schaeffer's characters is marked by a cold sterility. They are completely without chemistry. What seems to be the director's attempt at creating a friendship beyond words has succeeded only in creating a friendship that loses our interest and causes us to send the remote careening toward our television. In addition, Schaeffer himself is gross and unappealing. We are almost embarassed to watch him desecrate his own attempt at a character.

The story's culmination -- the realization of these friends' romantic feelings for one another -- is ridiculous and unearned. The revelation comes out of nowhere, both figuratively and literally. The film's most glaring example of poor writing occurs in a scene where Sarah Jessica Parker's Lucy engages in a monologue -- the movie's only monologue -- in which she suddenly and quite randomly comes to the conclusion that she has always been in love with Schaeffer's character. This event is not influenced by the film's other events, as it would be in any tightly constructed narrative, but materializes out of thin air.

The result is an audience left feeling bored and confused.

This is a movie w/ great comedic potential. It is too bad the story is far too inaccessible for this potential to be realized.

If Lucy Fell
Regardless of what the Editorial reviews may say, this movie was truly inspired. It was a sweet, quirky romance that involved many odd, hilarious, and human characters. An artist(Joe)who moons over the girl next door, and the therapist(Lucy)afraid of getting too close to anyone. Best friends in a death pact if they do not find meaningful relationships by the time Lucy turns 30. The emotional battles that they both overcome to get to the final wrap-up at the end are touching, aggravating, and spectacular. One of the few movies in which I have enjoyed Sarah Jessica Parker's performance. Eric Schaeffer did a wonderful job writing, directing, and starring. This amazing movie was sadly overlooked.

Great cast, but writing sometimes falls through the cracks
The casting here was excellent - Ben Stiller, Elle Macpherson, Sarah Jessica Parker were all great. In fact, I am convinced that Elle Macpherson can act because of the 3 movies I have now seen her in, she plays decidedly different people in each one. She is perfectly cast as Joe's dream woman. I found Eric Schaeffer's character the least appealing of the whole cast. Some of the jokes here are wildly funny. The audience is never given a clue that the Jane Lindquist character is only getting involved with Joe to indulge the fantasy world he had created of her. I thought it was odd that she enjoyed his voyeurism and then seemed honestly interested in him sexually, but was not interested in a relationship with him. Earlier her character makes a statement that the world makes too much of the sexually charged days in the beginning of relationships, people move on after that part is over and that a lasting relationship is what she wants. That part did not make sense. This could have been improved by some better writing and better character development. The humor here is what makes this worth watching.

WHEN JOE MET LUCY
If you're into predictable 90's romantic comedies, this is one of the better ones. There are some really nice moments in this film and at certain points it is very funny.However the film is often unconvincing and certain developments seem unprovoked.Some of the diolgue is pretty corny, but most of it is well written, sencire and personal.

one star is too much
I did not find this movie funny or heartwarming. sarah jessica parker is such a bad actress and i never felt the warmth of the relationship between her and schaeffer. it seemed forced and cold. the movie seemed like a collection of disconnected scenes lacking any cohesion. what i got was a movie full of unfunny and weird scenes that made me, ..., want to push them over myself.
as for the dvd, why make this movie into a dvd? there were virtually no features added. the movie is bad already and with the lack of features, this movie is better off in vhs format alone. ... ... Read more