brookwriter There are movies they you just love.This is one of them, for me.Stupidly and ineptly "released" by Paramount Pictures in October 1991, "Stepping Out" is a movie that should have been a profound critical and commercial success. I'm not saying this film is anything more than it is. But "Rocky" and "Saturday Night Fever" mined this mother-lode with similar results. Alas, for "Stepping Out," the boxing and disco dancing flicks had savvy PR guys, and "Stepping Out" had--I dunno."Feel good" movie beyond completely applies to "Stepping Out." This film, properly marketed, would have rejuvenated Liza Minnelli's film career.And we would have had a wonderful Liza movie every few years or so, instead of--well, sequels.Anyone reading this thread, who was or is still working for Paramount and could explain how they dropped the ball on this film's release? I'd love details.UPDATE: I just stumbled upon an article about a theatre in Des Moines, the Varsity, that ran "Stepping Out" for a jaw-dropping TEN WEEKS. It was their Christmas release in 1991. The legendary theater owner, Bev Mahon, was undeterred about the unsuccessful platform release in October, and booked the movie anyway. He rewrote his own ad campaign (apparently he did this a LOT when he championed a movie underdog), and the movie was a big hit at this theatre. It would have run indefinitely (he ran "Doctor Zhivago" for 50 weeks in 1965), but Paramount wanted the theatre's print returned for another engagement. Since only 8 prints had been made of this film (what confidence, Paramount!), Bev Mahon had to comply, but since "Stepping Out" had been a bonafide smash at his theatre, Paramount did allow him to announce a final 2-week engagement. Nice story. Kind of vindicates Liza and her film and makes Paramount look even stupider than I thought they were back in 1991.

klc-16 I honestly have to say that this is just about the worst movie I've ever seen. Oh, I suppose there was a B-level horror flick that MIGHT have been more awful...but at least THOSE films don't try and coast to oblivion on the wings of people of Minelli and Winters' status.There is not a single person in this film that you believe or care abut for a second, specifically since they are cardboard clichés from every good film ever made. Totally predictable, lacking in charm, verve, innovation, wit or originality ... it doesn't even have the sense to be a parody.I can't imagine how anyone on this site could have given it more than 3...the fact that there are only about 400 people who voted for it and around 18 people who bothered to make a comment shows you just how much of a flop this film is. Out of respect for those who wrote something nice here, I can only suppose that they are all related in some way or another to people who made or acted in this truly awful film. Someone called this "a bit of fluff"; more like a hairball...

p-d-hawthorne This movie wasn't meant to have deep meaning, it was meant to be enjoyed. This is the movie I plug in whenever I need a lift. Liza is thoroughly enjoyable. I never tire of watching her dance, and her voice is unbeatable, not to mention that she's a wonderful actress. The finale is great fun and shows Liza's unique style and pizazz -- there will always be only ONE Liza. I would recommend this movie to anyone who watches movies for the enjoyment of them, rather than expecting a movie to divulge the meaning of life.I was privileged to see Liza perform in person just a few days ago, and although she no longer dances, she still has the quality and power in her voice that never fails to thrill me. She was truly delightful with her humor, professionalism and graciousness.I love you Liza!!

moonspinner55 Every now and then, "Stepping Out" touches down on some heartfelt emotions that most viewers will relate to; whether it's Liza Minnelli's jerk of a boyfriend, her loyalty to her tap dance students or the anxieties within the group, the script is surprisingly evocative once it gets down to the heart of the matter (after cutting through the crap). There's a lot of dross filtering through here, too many stumble-bums and pratfalls that I assume are there to get laughs, but Liza is solid (as usual) and does a good job at keeping the picture on some form of realistic ground. The dancers are colorful and interesting, but Shelley Winters as the pianist on social security has a tough time portraying a ridiculous warhorse in silly hats. **1/2 from ****