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The Main Event

Play trailer Poster for The Main Event PG 1979 1h 52m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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33% Tomatometer 9 Reviews 42% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
When her accountant absconds with all her money, Hillary Kramer (Barbra Streisand) goes from reigning queen of the perfume business to flat broke. Down to her last few possessions of value, Hillary finds a contract for a boxer known as Eddie "Kid Natural" Scanlon (Ryan O'Neal). He's a completely inept fighter, but Kramer is desperate enough to think he's her ticket back to glory. She aggressively promotes him despite his flaws, and falls in love along the way.
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The Main Event

Critics Reviews

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Bob Thomas Associated Press 07/17/2019
The plot is reminiscent of 1930 s comedies, but Streisand and [producer] Jon Peters have provided a handsome, up-to-date production. Go to Full Review
Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times 10/23/2004
2/4
The movie just doesn't have the life, the zaniness, this kind of screwball material demands. Go to Full Review
Augusto Martínez Torres El Pais (Spain) 08/07/2019
The Main Event tells a dumb and boring story about boxing. [Full Review in Spanish] Go to Full Review
Steve Crum Video-Reviewmaster.com 02/17/2008
3/5
Forgettable Streisand-O'Neal comedy romance set in boxing ring. Go to Full Review
Chuck O'Leary Fantastica Daily 09/21/2005
3/5
A good mainstream comedy that's better than its reputation. Go to Full Review
Rich Cline Shadows on the Wall 08/26/2005
2/5
entertaining misfire Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Ed . Aug 29 No knockout. The first 20 minutes are fun to watch. I can suspend belief for a silly comedy but never sacrifice boredom. The first Streisand/O'Neal pairing worked because it had a great script, likeable main characters and hysterically wacky supporting actors. Buck Henry and Peter Bogdonovich wrote and directed What's Up, Doc? Streisand and O'Neal had charm and chemistry in that film but not here. James Gregory and Whitman Mayo are fine actors but aren't funny. Barbra is way too annoying as opposed to zany and smart like she was as Judy/Burnsy. This was Ryan O'Neal's last big hit. He squandered his career with his bad attitude and demeanor. See more Scott M Apr 16 Terrible movie with two awful leads. Streisand is mis-cast, and Ryan O'Neal is a terrible actor. The script isn't bad though. A woman buying a fighter's contract after she goes bankrupt. I just wish someone had the guts to tell Barbara that she can't do comedy. See more eabate3 12/20/2023 It's watchable but not one of her better movies. Watch What's up Doc for the real Streisand / O'Neil chemistry See more 06/14/2021 Barbra Streisand and Ryan O'Neal doesn't deliver any knockouts in this flat comedy about a boxer and his owner. Streisand was starting into a film drought. She was always sort of a hit and miss film actress. Her and O'Neal showcase little of the chemistry they showed in "What's Up Doc?" See more 02/20/2020 While not her best role, this movie deserves no less than three stars. The comedy is zany and the romance solid. See more 08/19/2016 Female executive goes bankrupt and partners with a former boxer who returns to the ring, this gives her the idea to invest in him and become his manager. It's a decent movie and O'Neal alongside Streisand for the second time, proves to be a good on screen duo. See more Read all reviews
The Main Event

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Movie Info

Synopsis When her accountant absconds with all her money, Hillary Kramer (Barbra Streisand) goes from reigning queen of the perfume business to flat broke. Down to her last few possessions of value, Hillary finds a contract for a boxer known as Eddie "Kid Natural" Scanlon (Ryan O'Neal). He's a completely inept fighter, but Kramer is desperate enough to think he's her ticket back to glory. She aggressively promotes him despite his flaws, and falls in love along the way.
Director
Howard Zieff
Production Co
First Artists
Rating
PG
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 7, 2008
Runtime
1h 52m
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