vincentlynch-moonoi I had forgotten how much I used to enjoy Burt Reynolds. No, he was never a GREAT actor, but he was almost always enjoyable on screen. And this is another of his engaging performances. It's a decent story about a man who is dumped by his wife (a quite young Candice Bergen) and has to start over. And after a few stumbles he starts over with Jill Clayburgh, who plays a rather insecure teacher who has trouble developing relationships because she is too in need of permanence early on. And just when they finally do move in together, up shows the old wife! So, of course, the question is, which way will he go...although we all really know the answer. But meanwhile, he makes the poor choices.Just for the record, this is one of Burt's more serious films. It's not a comedy, although there is some humor in it. I think it's more drama.There are some other familiar faces here, including the wonderful Charles Durning, but they don't have much screen time...just along to move the plot.Burt is good here. Not Laurence Olivier, but he's good for the role. So is Jill Clayburgh. I wasn't very impressed with Candice Bergen, which is odd, because usually I don't care that much for Jill Clayburgh...here they flipped.

JLRMovieReviews Burt Reynolds is single again, after breaking up with Candace Bergen, and good friends Charles Durning and Frances Sternhagen set him up with Jill Clayburgh. That's how it all starts. What seems like a standard comedy-drama is buoyed by the stars' charm and outstanding performances, especially Clayburgh and Bergen. (They were incidentally both nominated for their work in this.) And, Burt has never been better. As one reviewer has said, this has to be Burt's best work. It's great to see Candace before "Murphy Brown" giving her all in a memorable role and singing her heart out. If you happen to see this on TV, do yourself a favor and discover the best the 1970s had to offer.

lbinstock Starting Over is a great movie and another tribute to the late director, Alan Pakula, who could get the utmost out of his actors.In almost all his movies some cast member would win, or at least be nominated for, an Oscar -- Jane Fonda in Klute, Meryl Streep in Sophie's Choice, Jason Robards in All the President's Men, and the two female leads in Starting Over. Yet Pakula seemed to be always under the radar and, in my opinion, never got the glory he deserved. His name is never brought up in discussions about the great directors. What a shame. When you watch Starting Over, notice how every actor -- from the leads to the smallest walk-on -- does an outstanding job. That's the Pakula touch.

bettyz6 This is a totally charming and mature romantic comedy unlike anything Hollywood puts out today. It has aged amazingly well and delivers big laughs, soft chuckles, and a few deep sighs. This time, I especially enjoyed when Burt Reynolds, as Phil Potter, shows up at Jill Clayburgh's (Marilyn) and she is having a candlelit dinner for one. The scenes of the divorced men's group are wonderful, as many have already noted. And Candice Bergen was truly funny. If you see this one listed in your TV Guide, make a date with it.