Review of Barefoot In the Park (1982) by Daniel K — 02 May 2009

3: Redford and Fonda make a pretty good team. This is about as entertaining as romantic comedies come, but I still don't love it. It's interesting largely because it seems to straddle the divide between the more modern romantic comedies and the old formula.

It contains elements and characters from both new and old. It's simultaneously new Hollywood and Old Hollywood. Mildred Natwick ties the film to such disparate classics as Hitchcock Presents, Trouble with Harry, The Quiet Man, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, 3 Godfathers, and The Long Voyage Home.

So, basically Ford and Hitchcock, who are arguably the greatest directors ever to work in Hollywood. The on-screen chemistry and story is very watchable, but it hasn't handled in manner that will maximize its potential.

It's a bit more independent and bit less genre than it needs to be to have the greatest effect. Still, undoubtedly a classic romantic comedy, just not one of my favorites.