Where the Heart Is

R

Released Feb 23, 1990

1 hr. 34 min.

Comedy

List

9%

11 Reviews

Tomatometer

57%

1,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Hard-driving businessman Stewart McBain (Dabney Coleman) demolishes old buildings to make room for the new. But, when he tries to blow up a Brooklyn tenement, his redevelopment plans get him into trouble with a group of civic activists -- and also earn the criticism of his coddled children, Daphne (Uma Thurman), Jimmy (David Hewlett) and Chloe (Suzy Amis). In retaliation, Stewart throws them out, and they find themselves forced to live in the dilapidated building.

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isa d

38 years after it came out I finally watched it. was it ahead of its times? because the critics at the time hated it, but i loved it. a gem

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

So bad that it's actually pretty damn enjoyable. If you've seen it you get it.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/04/23

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Audience Member

A quirky, somewhat lovable film showcasing an attractive, young cast with an upbeat story; Where the Heart is remains a mostly forgotten film shedding light on a comical subject some may get more of a rise from than others. Elaborating on the concept of rich vs. poor and how one chooses to express their beliefs, those with artistic taste may go gaga over this one. Others may find it too ridiculous and draggy to enjoy in the long haul. This quirky film (possibly in the "love it or leave it" category) revolves around a trio of disgruntled young adult siblings, majorly down on their luck when their greedy father forces them to live in an abandoned building with a small amount of money to get by with. Pampered beyond belief previously, they get a thorough dose of how the "other half" lives and must obtain better jobs and the whole nine yards. This ultimately leads to them inviting other "friends" to live with them (including a homeless bum) and finding new ways to make their home more "cheery" for their survival. Though not a typical film one may expect, viewers possessing a bizarre sense of humor may take to this one more than others. The eccentric cast is fun (especially young Uma Thurman in an early role), though the plot elements become heavy in due time and some may grow tired when the film drags in parts. Still, the movie seemingly gave significant employment to a good art and costume crew, which serve as the best assets. Sadly, the film's lack of popularity led it to a disappointing box office run, and DVD copies are getting quite scarce. Grab it while you still can! Despite having the same title, this film bares no relation to the 2000 film starring Natalie Portman.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/13/23

Full Review

Audience Member

One of my favourite movies where a bunch of rich young adults are forced by their folks to live out on their own. The actors are great, and it's funny as well. I loved this movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/22/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Well there's no accounting for taste I guess because 11% on this little gem is psychotic. One of the most fun movies I've ever seen, it's light-hearted humor and it does a fine job of carrying an important message. This is not supposed to be a dramatic tour de force in fact, you're an idiot if you think it's meant to be a drama. It's a story. A funny, little story that even though is preposterous in some regards, it's still hugely enjoyable to watch. The cast is highly talented and has pulled out superb performances on lukewarm material. It was one of Uma Thurman's first roles and one can see a budding talent that has the potential for super-stardom. Dabney Coleman is the main antagonist who plays her father while Joanna Cassidy plays the doting mother showing the extreme versatility she should be known for. Chrispin Glover as a young talent and others that never went much beyond this but the surprise treat is Christopher Plummer who plays one of the most amazing street living roles I've ever seen. Trust me, if you can't smile at this movie then there's no hope for you.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

Full Review

Lafe F

A miserable Dabney Coleman comedy with he and his artistic children living in a rundown apartment building. I didn't realize a younger Uma Thurman was in this one.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

07/30/10

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John Boorman

Director

Dabney Coleman

Stewart McBain

Uma Thurman

Daphne McBain

Joanna Cassidy

Jean

Crispin Glover

Lionel

Suzy Amis

Chloe McBain

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

Am I crazy in not seeing this as a New York story?

Rated: 1.5/4

Jan 1, 2000

Full Review

Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

This is the worst because it does not allow the consolation of laughing at it. [Full review in Spanish]

Nov 30, 2022

Full Review

Kathi Maio

Sojourner

The silver screen of the '90s continues to present a world populated by the people bom with silver spoons in their mouths and the people who spoon-feed them their pumpkin pie.

Sep 11, 2019

Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 2/5

Jul 3, 2005

Full Review

Steve Crum

Kansas City Kansan

Well intentioned but failed attempt at morality story about homelessness

Rated: 1/5

Oct 19, 2004

Full Review

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

Spirituality & Practice

Misses the mark by a mile.

Rated: 2/5

Aug 30, 2004

Full Review

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Synopsis

Hard-driving businessman Stewart McBain (Dabney Coleman) demolishes old buildings to make room for the new. But, when he tries to blow up a Brooklyn tenement, his redevelopment plans get him into trouble with a group of civic activists -- and also earn the criticism of his coddled children, Daphne (Uma Thurman), Jimmy (David Hewlett) and Chloe (Suzy Amis). In retaliation, Stewart throws them out, and they find themselves forced to live in the dilapidated building.

Director: John Boorman
Production Co: Touchstone Pictures, Silver Screen Partners IV
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 23, 1990, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 1, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $1.0M
Sound Mix: Surround

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