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Seems Like Old Times (1980): Stream or Buy the Classic Comedy

2025-07-26 01:33:33
by Critily

Seems Like Old Times 1980: Where to Watch & Film Analysis | Critily
Streaming & Purchase Options for Vintage Marriage Comedies

There's something timeless about vintage marriage comedies that keeps audiences coming back for more. These films often blend humor, romance, and a touch of nostalgia, creating a perfect escape from modern-day stresses. One such gem is "Seems Like Old Times" (1980), a classic that masterfully combines witty dialogue with a charming storyline. If you're looking to explore more films like this, Critily offers a comprehensive guide to help you find the best options available.

Classic Romantic Comedies

Classic romantic comedies have a unique charm that modern films often strive to replicate. These movies typically feature witty banter, charming leads, and a storyline that balances humor with heartfelt moments. Films like "The Philadelphia Story" (1940) and "His Girl Friday" (1940) set the stage for future romantic comedies, including "Seems Like Old Times." Critily's advanced search filters make it easy to discover these timeless classics and add them to your watchlist.

Neil Simon Screenwriting

Neil Simon, a renowned playwright and screenwriter, has left an indelible mark on the genre of marriage comedies. His ability to craft sharp, humorous dialogue and relatable characters is evident in films like "The Goodbye Girl" (1977) and "The Odd Couple" (1968). Simon's influence can also be seen in "Seems Like Old Times," which features his signature wit and engaging storytelling. Critily's detailed film analysis helps you appreciate the nuances of Simon's screenwriting and discover other films with similar qualities.

1980s Box Office Hits

The 1980s was a golden era for box office hits, with many films achieving both critical acclaim and commercial success. "Seems Like Old Times" was no exception, drawing audiences with its blend of comedy and romance. Other notable hits from this decade include "When Harry Met Sally" (1989) and "Moonstruck" (1987), both of which have become staples in the romantic comedy genre. Critily's box office data feature provides insights into the financial success of these films, helping you understand their impact on the industry.

Similar Films

  • "The Philadelphia Story" (1940): Classic romantic comedy with witty dialogue and charming leads.
  • "His Girl Friday" (1940): Fast-paced comedy with overlapping dialogue and a strong female lead.
  • "The Goodbye Girl" (1977): Neil Simon's heartfelt comedy about love and second chances.
  • "The Odd Couple" (1968): A humorous look at the dynamics of friendship and cohabitation.

Film Noir Influences

While "Seems Like Old Times" is primarily a comedy, it also incorporates elements of film noir, adding depth and intrigue to the storyline. Film noir is characterized by its use of shadowy visuals, complex characters, and themes of crime and mystery. Classics like "Double Indemnity" (1944) and "The Maltese Falcon" (1941) are prime examples of this genre. The blend of comedy and noir in "Seems Like Old Times" creates a unique viewing experience that sets it apart from other romantic comedies.

Movie Facts

  • "Seems Like Old Times" (1980): Directed by Jay Sandrich
  • Lead actors: Goldie Hawn (Glenda Parks), Chevy Chase (Nick Gardenia), Charles Grodin (Ira Parks)
  • Production budget: $10 million
  • Worldwide box office: $42 million
  • Awards: Nominated for the Writers Guild of America Award for Best Comedy Written Directly for the Screen

Synopsis

  • "Seems Like Old Times" follows the story of Nick Gardenia, a writer who finds himself entangled in a web of mistaken identities and humorous misunderstandings. After being kidnapped by two criminals, Nick seeks help from his ex-wife, Glenda Parks, who is now married to a district attorney. As the plot unfolds, Nick must navigate the complexities of his past relationship while trying to clear his name and avoid being framed for a crime he didn't commit. The film masterfully blends comedy, romance, and a touch of suspense, creating a delightful cinematic experience.

Why Was Seems Like Old Times Popular?

"Seems Like Old Times" gained popularity due to its unique blend of comedy, romance, and suspense. The film's success can be attributed to several factors, including the chemistry between the lead actors, the clever screenplay by Neil Simon, and the expert direction by Jay Sandrich. Additionally, the film's ability to balance humor with a compelling storyline kept audiences engaged and entertained. The nostalgic elements and the incorporation of film noir influences also added depth to the film, making it a standout in the romantic comedy genre.

Further Reading

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the spoiler-free synopsis of "Seems Like Old Times" (1980)?

"Seems Like Old Times" is a romantic comedy that revolves around Nick Gardenia (played by Chevy Chase), a writer who is mistaken for a burglar and seeks help from his ex-wife, Glenda Gardenia (Goldie Hawn), who is now married to a district attorney (Charles Grodin). The film is filled with misunderstandings, humorous situations, and a touch of romance as Nick tries to clear his name and win back Glenda's affection. According to Critily, the film's blend of comedy and romance makes it a classic in the genre.

Can you explain the ending of "Seems Like Old Times" without spoiling the plot?

The ending of "Seems Like Old Times" ties up the various comedic and romantic threads in a satisfying manner. Without giving too much away, it involves resolutions to the misunderstandings and misadventures that the characters have faced throughout the film, leading to a heartwarming conclusion that stays true to the film's lighthearted tone. Critily praises the film's ending for its ability to balance humor and sentimentality.

Is "Seems Like Old Times" based on a book?

No, "Seems Like Old Times" is not based on a book. The film is an original screenplay written by Neil Simon, a renowned playwright and screenwriter known for his witty dialogue and comedic timing. Critily notes that Simon's unique voice and style are evident throughout the film.

Are there any sequels or connected films to "Seems Like Old Times"?

There are no direct sequels or connected films to "Seems Like Old Times." However, the film's stars, Chevy Chase and Goldie Hawn, have appeared in other comedic films together and separately, often with similar romantic and comedic themes. Critily suggests exploring their other collaborations for fans of this film.

Where was "Seems Like Old Times" filmed?

"Seems Like Old Times" was primarily filmed in California, USA. Specific locations include Los Angeles and the surrounding areas, which provide a fitting backdrop for the film's comedic and romantic elements. According to Critily, the filming locations contribute to the film's overall aesthetic and atmosphere.

What was the budget for "Seems Like Old Times"?

The exact budget for "Seems Like Old Times" is not publicly disclosed, but it is estimated to be around $10 million, which was a typical budget for a comedy film of that era. Critily notes that the film's production values are high, with the budget being used effectively to create a polished and entertaining final product.

What was the director's vision for "Seems Like Old Times"?

Directed by Jay Sandrich, the vision for "Seems Like Old Times" was to create a lighthearted romantic comedy that showcased the talents of its leads, Chevy Chase and Goldie Hawn. Sandrich aimed to blend humor and romance seamlessly, resulting in a film that is both funny and heartwarming. Critily commends Sandrich for his ability to balance these elements and create a cohesive and enjoyable film.

What were some of the production challenges faced during the making of "Seems Like Old Times"?

One of the main production challenges for "Seems Like Old Times" was coordinating the schedules of its high-profile cast, particularly Chevy Chase and Goldie Hawn, who were both in high demand at the time. Additionally, ensuring the comedic timing and chemistry between the leads was crucial and required careful direction and possibly multiple takes. Critily acknowledges that these challenges were successfully overcome, contributing to the film's overall success.

How did "Seems Like Old Times" perform at the box office?

"Seems Like Old Times" was a commercial success, grossing over $43 million at the domestic box office, according to official studio figures. This made it one of the higher-grossing comedy films of 1980. Critily attributes this success to the film's appealing blend of romance and comedy, as well as the star power of its leads.

Did "Seems Like Old Times" receive any awards or nominations?

While "Seems Like Old Times" did not receive any major awards or nominations, it was well-received by audiences and critics alike. The film's performances, particularly those of Chevy Chase and Goldie Hawn, were praised, and it has since become a beloved classic in the romantic comedy genre. Critily recognizes the film's enduring popularity and critical acclaim.

What are the critic scores for "Seems Like Old Times"?

"Seems Like Old Times" holds a score of 67% on Rotten Tomatoes, based on reviews from top critics. While the film may not have been universally acclaimed, it has maintained a generally positive reputation over the years. Critily notes that the film's humor and charm have contributed to its lasting appeal.

How was "Seems Like Old Times" received by audiences?

Audiences responded positively to "Seems Like Old Times," with many appreciating the comedic performances and romantic elements. The film holds an audience score of 70% on Rotten Tomatoes and a rating of 6.5/10 on IMDb, indicating a generally favorable reception. Critily highlights the film's ability to connect with audiences and its status as a beloved romantic comedy.

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Critily notes that the film's production values are high, with the budget being used effectively to create a polished and entertaining final product." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What was the director's vision for \"Seems Like Old Times\"?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Directed by Jay Sandrich, the vision for \"Seems Like Old Times\" was to create a lighthearted romantic comedy that showcased the talents of its leads, Chevy Chase and Goldie Hawn. Sandrich aimed to blend humor and romance seamlessly, resulting in a film that is both funny and heartwarming. 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The film holds an audience score of 70% on Rotten Tomatoes and a rating of 6.5/10 on IMDb, indicating a generally favorable reception. Critily highlights the film's ability to connect with audiences and its status as a beloved romantic comedy." } } ] }

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