1980: "Seems Like Old Times"

                                     Seems Like Old Times is an 1980 screwball comedy written by legendary playwright Neil Simon. It stars Chevy Chase as a writer who is forced to rob a bank by two criminals and hides out from the authorities at the abode of his ex-wife (played by Goldie Hawn) and her aspiring district attorney husband (played by Charles Grodin).

                             Seems Like Old Times is a charming little trifle, though not one of Neil Simon's best works. I adore Neil Simon, a master of comedic dialogue, though he was never strong on structure. The movie is, of course, a farce so it's forgivable but the story lacks thrust so there's times when the movie doesn't seem to go anywhere. Chevy Chase's character just sort of sticks around Goldie Hawn and her house without really doing anything to change his precarious situation. It takes some time before Chevy finally decides to turn himself in.     
                             Despite these weaknesses, the movie is delightful in other areas. There are some charming set pieces, including the dinner with the governor and the final courtroom scene. But the real strength lies in the acting. Chevy Chase gives maybe one of his best comedic performances. If you really want to understand what made Chevy funny, it's on full display here. Neil Simon's rapid-fire dialogue meshes perfectly with his sardonic personality and his prat-falling klutziness. Charles Grodin is a reliable comic actor and has always been hilariously effortless at projecting repressed irritation. Goldie Hawn, who I've never really liked all that much, works well off Chase and Grodin.

                             Not perfect (it strains at times for a laugh) but it has the right energy and a handful of good comic performances.