Once Around

R

Released Jan 18, 1991

1 hr. 54 min.

Comedy

Drama

List

67%

21 Reviews

Tomatometer

73%

2,500+ Ratings

Audience Score

Renata Bella (Holly Hunter) has no career prospects, her fiancé just broke up with her and she still lives with her parents although she is in her 30s. Desperate for direction in life, she attends a seminar on real estate sales. There she meets the brash, successful and arrogant salesman Sam Sharpe (Richard Dreyfuss). The two marry, but the brash quality that attracted her to Sam is off-putting her family, particularly with her strong-willed father, Joe (Danny Aiello).

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Tony Z

This is a nice little movie with many charming, and also strange, moments. It made me feel a bit lighter. The rendition of "Fly Me to the Moon" from Danny Aiello is wonderful.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/21/23

Full Review

Steve D

The cast is good but the story isn't.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

02/24/23

Full Review

jon c

Richard Dreyfuss, Holly Hunter, Gena Rowlands, and the late Danny Aiello. After her sisters wedding Hunter as Renata feels like a third wheel. Her career isn't going anywhere. Her fiancé leaves her. She's also still living with her folks being in her 30s. Renata wants to go in a new direction so after attending a real estate seminar in the Bahamas she meets an older fellow Dreyfuss as Sam. She unexpectedly falls in love with him. Of course given the fact he's much older and acting unusual around her family has them on edge. Renatas father overall dislikes his approach towards life. Even her sister is suspicious of him. Over time though Sam and Renata grow do much closer. But she begins to worry that Sam isn't being sensitive to her fathers feelings. Everyone is worried he might be tearing them apart. Sam though is living and working to the best of his degree. Always makes a laugh bringing out the best in Renata. No one can tear family apart. We all have to have our own adventures. Sometimes once around the circle of life is all we need. Dreyfuss is so full of energy and Hunter gives such a committed performance. Aiello sells it as the father of this big family. The role of family in a marriage is a big thing. Renata and Sam learn its small beginnings to its giant ends. Part romance, part drama this works.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Holly Hunter plays Renata, an Italian 30-something who belongs to a close-knit family headed by Joe Bella (Danny Aiello). After taking a real-estate seminar in the Carribean, Renata falls for Sam Sharp (Richard Dreyfuss), an obnoxious salesman who immediately disrupts the Bella's organized and peaceful life. His abrasive behavior cause tensions between Renata and her family. This under-rated gem of a film succeeds because of it's true-to-life observations, a terrific cast and a zany script brimming with great lines. Richard Dreyfuss gives one of, if not his best performances here, pulling out all the stops. Holly Hunter is utterly believable as a distraught woman looking for happiness. Danny Aiello is just right as the family patriarch trying to hold the family together. Also look for fine work from Gena Rowlands, Laura San Giacomo. I've seen this film at least 20 times and I always go back to it!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/26/23

Full Review

william s

Bittersweet family dramedy could've been a disaster but is raised up by great performances.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

ken k

Any critic that pans this should never write another review! Hands down the most romantic and sensitive Rom-com ever put to film! Ken K.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/14/14

Full Review

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Lasse Hallström

Director

Richard Dreyfuss

Sam Sharpe

Holly Hunter

Renata Bella

Danny Aiello

Joe Bella

Laura San Giacomo

Jan Bella

Gena Rowlands

Marilyn Bella

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David Ansen

Newsweek

This is both recommendation and warning: Once Around is easy to take but hard to swallow.

Feb 6, 2018

Full Review

Owen Gleiberman

Entertainment Weekly

Rated: B

Sep 7, 2011

Full Review

Trevor Johnston

Time Out

This rather overbearing romantic comedy is by no means a disaster.

Jan 26, 2006

Full Review

Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

Those who don't have patience for Once Around... will find it irritating, even hateful. [Full review in Spanish]

Jan 4, 2023

Full Review

Felix Vasquez Jr.

Film Threat

Dreyfuss and Hunter can't save what is a sappy and grating melodrama.

Rated: 2/5

Jul 13, 2007

Full Review

Chuck O'Leary

FulvueDrive-in.com

A wonderfully charming, true-to-life comedy-drama that was one of 1991's best and most overlooked films.

Rated: 8/10

Jul 5, 2007

Full Review

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Synopsis

Renata Bella (Holly Hunter) has no career prospects, her fiancé just broke up with her and she still lives with her parents although she is in her 30s. Desperate for direction in life, she attends a seminar on real estate sales. There she meets the brash, successful and arrogant salesman Sam Sharpe (Richard Dreyfuss). The two marry, but the brash quality that attracted her to Sam is off-putting her family, particularly with her strong-willed father, Joe (Danny Aiello).

Director: Lasse Hallström
Executive Producer: G. Mac Brown
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: Universal Pictures, Cinecom Entertainment Group
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 18, 1991, Original
Release Date (DVD): Dec 28, 2004
Box Office (Gross USA): $14.3M
Sound Mix: Surround