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Inside Moves

Play trailer Poster for Inside Moves PG Released Dec 19, 1980 1h 53m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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67% Tomatometer 6 Reviews 76% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
Depressed and suffering from low self-esteem, Roary (John Savage) attempts to kill himself by jumping out of a building. When his failed suicide attempt leaves him crippled, he turns to drink, favoring a local dive bar frequented by the handicapped. There, he befriends the bartender (David Morse), an ex-basketball player saving up for corrective surgery in hopes of returning to the court, and meets a kind young lady (Diana Scarwid) who aids him with his physical and mental rehabilitation.
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Inside Moves

Critics Reviews

View All (6) Critics Reviews
Michael Blowen Boston Globe Donner always floats on the surface, willing to let the superficial emotional appeal of his characters carry the movie. No attempt is made to explore the inner trauma of losing your hands or the social stigma attached to the physically disadvantaged. Apr 28, 2018 Full Review Eddie Harrison film-authority.com '...one of the better Hollywood movies on the subject of disability...' Rated: 4/5 Jan 9, 2024 Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews ...irresistibly gritty, lived-in atmosphere... Rated: 2.5/4 Jul 22, 2023 Full Review Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Diana Scarwid received a Supporting Actress Oscar nomination for this sensitive but uneven melodrama about an embittered disabled man, well played by John Savage. Rated: C+ Jun 9, 2011 Full Review Pete Croatto Filmcritic.com There is so much high drama and splendid triumph that the movie loses any basis in reality, so it's impossible to relate to what anyone's enduring Rated: 1.5/5 Mar 24, 2009 Full Review Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat Spirituality & Practice Inside Moves is a film that celebrates human solidarity and the true meaning of friendship. Jan 29, 2004 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (34) audience reviews
James W Avoided this film for over 20 years. Watching it confirmed my decision. I found no character likable. Neither of the two main protagonists were ever clear about what their disabilities were. The female leads were as unattractive as any in a studio film. Didn't realize the Golden State Warriors and the Arena were part of the film, that I enjoyed. John Savage has always been annoying as an actor, responding with a screwed-up face instead of words. Only pleased when it ended. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 07/26/23 Full Review jon c Who's got the inside moves? Based on the novel by Todd Walton and directed by Richard Donner. John Savage plays Rory feeling depressed tries to kill himself but is unsuccessful. Instead he's crippled walking with a limp. David Morse plays a man Jerry who meets him at a bar specializing in the handicapped. He use to play basketball and is saving up for corrective surgery. They become friends and Rory even befriends an attractive woman named Louise who aids him in physical and mental rehabilitation. Rory has $11,000 saved up to keep the bar open but Jerry sees it as a bad investment. To Rory though he sees it as family, the only thing that matters. I found this movie to be a disappointment. It should've focused on Rory more than Jerry. A happier vibe would've been nice instead of Jerry's problems with his girlfriend and owing money to shady people. I found this to be dragging in several spots and couldn't relate to anyone's dilemmas. Not one of Donner's best. Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review steve d Donner did his best but I didn't think it was effecting enough. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Audience Member This is a movie filled with heart. You feel for everyone in the film. It's not loud and all about money, it's a sweet sentimental look at friendships and a good life despite your circumstances. I consider it a "sports movie" and rank it as my number 1 favorite sports movie of all time. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/17/23 Full Review Audience Member Sadly this little seen 1980 Oscar nominated film did not get the audience it deserved on its first release. Thankfully, Lionsgate released the film on DVD and it's currently available to rent on Amazon and with DVD on Netflix. Richard Donner is primary known for his fine work on the classic horror film The Omen and well crafted blockbusters such as Superman and Lethal Weapon. However, Inside Moves is really is finest film and he brings much conviction and subtle power to the ensemble story (well written by Valerie Curtain and Barry Levinson - Diner). John Salvage (so underrated) stars as a depressed/suicidal man given a second chance when he befriends a group of individuals who all frequent the same neighborhood bar. It's there he bonds with bartender Jerry (well played by another underrated actor - David Morse), a disabled man who dreams of someday playing professional basketball. These two men interact with a small group of individuals (many drunken and physically challenged) who gather for companionship and acceptance. It's nice to see 1946 Oscar winner Harold Russell (The Best Years of Our Lives) in his second screen appearance as part of the bar gang. All the performances are exceptional and we really care about these characters and want to see them achieve their goals/dreams/passions.At the sub-text this film really is about the need for connection and importance of friendships- two of the most important elements of our daily existence. This is really a wonderful film filled with many observant/uplifting and poignant moments. It's a new favorite! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/29/23 Full Review Audience Member I know nothing about basketball, and I can't even begin to truly understand the plight of the handicapped, but this is one of the best feel good movies of all time. Far more authentic than anything on Hallmark Movie Channel, featuring great performances from everyone (including the criminally underrated and currently MIA Diana Scarwid, who got an Oscar nomination for her subtly moving performance). Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/03/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Inside Moves

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Movie Info

Synopsis Depressed and suffering from low self-esteem, Roary (John Savage) attempts to kill himself by jumping out of a building. When his failed suicide attempt leaves him crippled, he turns to drink, favoring a local dive bar frequented by the handicapped. There, he befriends the bartender (David Morse), an ex-basketball player saving up for corrective surgery in hopes of returning to the court, and meets a kind young lady (Diana Scarwid) who aids him with his physical and mental rehabilitation.
Director
Richard Donner
Producer
R.W. Goodwin, Mark M. Tanz
Screenwriter
Todd Walton, Valerie Curtin, Barry Levinson
Distributor
Associated Film Distribution
Production Co
Goodmark Productions Inc.
Rating
PG
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 19, 1980, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Feb 12, 2015
Runtime
1h 53m
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