ccthemovieman-1 Man, I remember really laughing at this when I saw it in the theaters. But, a look at it again 20 years later on tape was another disappointment. I found that with a lot of 1970s films.The story still had some decent humor but too much of it contains Burt Reynolds whining and whining about his impending death. It really can grate on you after awhile. Only after Dom DeLuise enters the film, about halfway through, does the movie take off and become comedic. In fact, his are the only funny scenes. The story's dark humor that may not appeal to everyone. Doing this review and looking at the "cast of characters" shocked me. I only remember Reynolds and DeLuise. I can't believe that the likes of Joanne Woodward, Pat O'Brien, Strother Martin, Myrna Loy, Robby Benson, Kristy McNichol, Norman Fell and Carl Reiner also were in this. Burt's girl, Sally Field, was here, too, but that's not a surprise. I am sorry to see these classic-era stars in an "R" rated movie. It goes to show you they would have done the same back in the '40s, if allowed.The story is kind of ironic, though, and maybe I should give this movie another look. I had just gotten into a discussion with several friends about suicide, several of us commenting whether we would consider that as opposed to suffering with a painful, long-term and fatal illness. That's the predicament Reynolds' character finds himself in, in this story. The thing is - and who can't relate to this? - he's too chicken to kill himself! Ha ha. Still, it's DeLuise that will make most people laugh at this film. Reynolds' ego gets in the way of his performance. I wonder if Dr. Kevorkian found this film funny?

morrisonm-1 This is an extremely funny movie. The humor is timeless; easily transcending it's 1970's origin. Burt Reynolds plays Sonny Lawson, a divorced and shady real estate salesman. The movie opens with Sonny being told he has a fatal blood disease and a two month to one year life expectancy.The humorous tone of the film is set early in the exchange between Sonny and his doctor, played wonderfully dryly by Norman Fell. Sonny is, to put it mildly, shallow. Not exactly evil and certainly not good, Sonny is an aging hedonist whose only truly valuable contribution to life is his daughter Julie. Still, even with all the limitations of his character, Sonny tries to get around The End. The bulk of the movie involves Sonny's attempts to weasel out of his inevitable End. Burt Reynolds plays Sonny with just the right blend of whine and bravado. The results are hilarious. Characters come and go throughout the movie. All of them are as shallow as Sonny and hence cannot be of any help. Robbie Benson is hilarious as Father Dave and Sally Field is wonderful as the free spirit or as we say now 'new age' love interest. A truly exceptional performance however comes from Burt's co-star Dom DeLuise. I think that Dom deserved an academy nomination for his brilliant performance as the psychiatric patient Marlon Borunki. His character is a blend of gentle self deprecating humor and maniacal danger and he is the man to watch in every scene he's in. His instant changing of mood, voice and emotion is simply brilliant. There are some movies which provide a catch-phrase that you can use in real life. I never did relate too much to Arnie's "I'll Be Back" line but one which has made it into my personal use is Dom's rather strangled version of "I Understand". Watch 'The End' and you too will understand.

gbhamilton1966 This is a seriously black comedy which, although it contains a fair bit of slapstick, also features some of the most subtle comedic touches I've seen in a film. Little things which may be missed on a first or casual viewing can delight a dedicated fan of 70s comedy.I've been a fan of this film since I came across it by accident as a teenager and now as I approach forty, it hasn't lost any of its delights for me and I was lucky enough to pick up an old second hand copy of the video so I can sit back and watch it if I'm ever in need of a good laugh.Do yourself a favour and watch this film.

Roger Thwing Up there with Groundhog Day for philoso-comedy. Carl Reiner makes every second count. Dom is desperately lovable. Sally shows she can act. And Burt is at his understated best. Unfortunately for Burt, he was 25 years too early with this now timely reflection on death and dying -- boomers did not want to be worried about death in 1978. Now that we are beginning to realize that we too are mortal, this movie should get the appreciation it deserves. Those of you who are turned off by movies dealing with ethical and personal dilemmas won't like this movie. You would think that with all the attention paid to the ethics of extending life and assisted suicide that this movie would be required viewing for the right AND left. I am convinced the Burt will be remembered because of this movie. Death be not proud.