Inside Moves

PG

Released Dec 19, 1980

1 hr. 53 min.

Drama

List

67%

6 Reviews

Tomatometer

76%

250+ Ratings

Audience Score

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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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

dave j

Roary (John Savage) attempts to commit suicide by jumping off of a building. When he survives the fall since he landed onto a car, once out of hospital care he is then brought to a shelter for the disability since he is unable to function the same again. It is during then is when he makes a rapport upon asking for the nearest bar to have a beer. And begins to bond with the limping bar keep named Jerry(David Morse) who has inspirations of becoming a basketball player. Actress Diana Scarwid was nominated for Best Supporting actress as Louise for playing the eventual love interest for Roary. 2 time Oscar winner of "The Best Years of Our Lives" by the name of Harold Russelll also has a memorable appearance as Wings.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

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

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Richard Donner

Director

John Savage

Roary

David Morse

Jerry Maxwell

Diana Scarwid

Louise

Amy Wright

Anne

Tony Burton

Lucius

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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

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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
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

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