Good story, Not enough for a whole film

The first must-see film of the year.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

Excellent and certainly provocative... If nothing else, the film is a real conversation starter.

In a score of comedies, Midler was doing around this mid to late 80's period, this one doesn't rise to the sharpness and funniness of those others. There are some funny moments, you'll find. The ones which are gold are that of comedian George Carlin, a prize asset here, who is given such terrific lines. You'll also find some early bits funny, if you happen to be in the acting world, that you could cruelly find relatable. OF becomes more of an exciting adventure, than a comedy, it's story not all so clear. Long and Midler, both great, have their moments. They play two actors, totally different from each other, even in their work mediums, who meet unfavorably at an audition for an acting class, led by a Lee Strasberg kind of guy (the wonderful Robert Prosky, donning a Russian accent). They soon find out they're doing the same guy (Peter Coyote) who then dies a fake death. Obsessed with tracking him down this guy, they discover he's involved in a lot of criminal activity, and soon find themselves in immediate danger, hunted by seedy CIA guys, whatever, but are helped by Carlin, a stoned Cowboy bum (again a wonderful asset). A few people aren't what they seem here, adding to the fun, and excitement. The movie works in that way, but kind of gets lost halfway, which I didn't mind, but comedy wise, it's just not up there with a few of Bette's other pics, as it lacks laughs and punch. Before playing Doctor Chilton, great character actor Another Heald, plays a much younger looking acting student, doing us solid as always, which is a long way from what this film is.

Terribly embarrassing and unfunny 'comedy' from Arthur Hiller about two women who pursue a mysterious man across the U.S., both determined to win him from the other.Leslie Dixon's story is a disaster (containing a sub-plot involving the inept heroines saving the world's vegetation from certain destruction by a deadly virus), never holding its audience for a minute, and hardly ever raising a laugh. Director Hiller can't do a thing with this awful tale, and is completely reliant on stars Long and Midler to carry proceedings.The two leads are really the only element that make "Outrageous Fortune" even remotely watchable. Likable Long and mad Midler do all they can with their hopelessly limited material, which is very little, and in so doing reduce the pain of sitting through this total waste of celluloid. The next best thing after the girls are the end credits.Director of Photography David M. Walsh amazingly does nothing with the potential packed closing scenes, while editor Tom Rolf could never do enough. Also starred Peter Coyote, Robert Prosky and George Carlin.Saturday, June 29, 1996 - Video

Adversaries Bette Midler and Shelley Long take turns putting each other down while fighting over the same smooth-talking man (Peter Coyote, miscast but OK). Turns out their lover has staged his own demise and is now on the run from the CIA. After the initial set-up is in place, there's nowhere really this slapstick comedy can turn. Midler and Long each harp on the other's idiosyncrasies (for Long, it's her snippy gloating; for Midler, it's her bossy brashness). The third act in the desert smacks of plain desperation, and poor George Carlin is given the shaft in an ignorant supporting role. For the first twenty minutes or so, the movie has a sassy appeal; it prods at the viewer for laughs--like an R-rated sitcom--but does come through with some funny bits of business. Director Arthur Hiller and screenwriter Leslie Dixon eventually toss the whole thing overboard, and not even Bette's energy can save it. ** from ****

When I watched this on TV for the first time, I didn't know what to think. I was immediately drawn in by the opening music theme (although old, it's VERY catchy!). This turned out to be a spectacular buddy-chase movie. In my opinion, those chase movies are generally good, but this one has a good soundtrack that helps aid the movie. The sets look really neat, and you don't want this movie to end. Shelley Long is one of my favorite actresses and I hope she continues to make more movies. The best part about this movie is that you actually feel like watching it again over and over!10/10. Go rent this or buy it on DVD!