In no way whatsoever does this film compare to the play upon which it was based. That having been said, however, it stands very nicely on its own if one does not have any expectations going in. Danny DeVito, one of my all-time favorite character actors, brilliantly and flawlessly portrays Larry Garfield, corporate raider, known to those in the trade as "Larry the Liquidator". If you are reading this, chances are you have read other reviews which recap the plot points, so in lieu of boring you I will just add my recommendation that you will not go unrewarded if you give this one a try.
Certain other elements, like the controversial casting of Penelope Ann Miller, the near-absence of Piper Laurie's character, and most seriously, the total absence of other key plot elements from the play which contributed to the overall emotional impact of the piece, leave something of a regret in one's mouth after watching the film is over...you see glimmers of what might have been, see the hint of the masterpiece that might have been created, and wonder what sacrifices had to be made by the filmmakers at the studio level in order to make this film at all.
Worth seeing for DeVito's masterful, lovingly crafted and enthusiastically delivered performance.
Certain other elements, like the controversial casting of Penelope Ann Miller, the near-absence of Piper Laurie's character, and most seriously, the total absence of other key plot elements from the play which contributed to the overall emotional impact of the piece, leave something of a regret in one's mouth after watching the film is over...you see glimmers of what might have been, see the hint of the masterpiece that might have been created, and wonder what sacrifices had to be made by the filmmakers at the studio level in order to make this film at all.
Worth seeing for DeVito's masterful, lovingly crafted and enthusiastically delivered performance.