Pure Luck

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Pure Luck

PG

Released Aug 9, 1991

1h 36m

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

15%

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13 Reviews

60%

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5,000+ Ratings

When Valerie Highsmith (Sheila Kelley) goes missing in Mexico, it isn't too surprising, as she is generally acknowledged as having the worst luck in the world. What is surprising is that veteran investigator Raymond Campanella (Danny Glover) can't find her. Then an executive at Valerie's father's company has the idea to send Proctor (Martin Short) from accounting along with Raymond. Proctor, it turns out, also possesses terrible luck -- and is sure to tumble into the same mess Valerie did.

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

This is not a bad idea for a movie. But Pure Luck is a bad movie, all right -- with leaden timing, a disorganized screenplay, and stretches where nothing much of interest seems to be happening.

Rated: 1.5/4

Jan 1, 2000

Full Review

Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

Martin Short has a few inspired moments here, but they aren't sufficient. [Full review in Spanish]

Jan 20, 2023

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...a decidedly broad premise that’s employed to erratic yet mostly agreeable effect by Nadia Tass...

Rated: 2.5/4

Jul 10, 2022

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

Moronic slapstick buddy comedy.

Rated: C

Jun 4, 2016

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 2/5

Jul 25, 2005

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Caffeinated Clint

Film Threat

Rated: 2/5

May 6, 2005

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Kate R

A friend gave me this to watch years ago, and I like Martin Short so I thought it would be a funny movie. This is probably the worst movie I have ever seen. I would not recommend wasting time on it. I have been trying for years to remember the name of the movie and it finally came to me. There was little about it that was funny or even worth watching. I will admit I was upset that I spent time watching the movie.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

08/05/25

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Stephen C

Funny in 1 hour and 36 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $21,300,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/20/25

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Tate O

I don’t know what a critic expects from a comedy but this really is full of humor. In my opinion it’s a gem and the definition of underrated. Underrated is probably an understatement in all honesty. It’s absolutely worth renting since it’s it’ll probably never be available to stream. Go watch it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/16/24

Full Review

Tanya B

Seen this movie so many times. It makes me laugh out loud all the time. Martin Short's humor is the best! Good comedy duo.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Hilarious and heartwarming story that pays homage to the stumbling, bumbling accident prone segment of the population.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/12/23

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Audience Member

A harmless and charming comedy.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/25/23

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Nadia Tass

Director

Martin Short

Eugene Proctor

Danny Glover

Raymond Campanella

Sheila Kelley

Valerie Highsmith

Sam Wanamaker

Highsmith

Scott Wilson

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Synopsis

When Valerie Highsmith (Sheila Kelley) goes missing in Mexico, it isn't too surprising, as she is generally acknowledged as having the worst luck in the world. What is surprising is that veteran investigator Raymond Campanella (Danny Glover) can't find her. Then an executive at Valerie's father's company has the idea to send Proctor (Martin Short) from accounting along with Raymond. Proctor, it turns out, also possesses terrible luck -- and is sure to tumble into the same mess Valerie did.

Director: Nadia Tass
Producer: Lance Hool, Sean Daniel
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: Universal Pictures, Sean Daniel Company
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 9, 1991, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): May 23, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $21.3M
Runtime: 1h 36m
Sound Mix: Surround

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