Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Richard Dreyfuss | ... | Sam Sharpe | |
Holly Hunter | ... | Renata Bella | |
Danny Aiello | ... | Joe Bella | |
Laura San Giacomo | ... | Jan Bella | |
Gena Rowlands | ... | Marilyn Bella | |
Roxanne Hart | ... | Gail Bella | |
Danton Stone | ... | Tony Bella | |
Tim Guinee | ... | Peter Hedges | |
Greg Germann | ... | Jim Redstone | |
Griffin Dunne | ... | Rob | |
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Cullen O. Johnson | ... | Sonny |
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Joan Gay | ... | Aunt |
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Lou Criscuolo | ... | Uncle |
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Myra Taylor | ... | Trainer #1 |
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Michael Steve Jones | ... | Trainer #2 |
Renata Bella feels like a failure at life and career. But when Renata attends a seminar on selling real estate, she finally finds True Love. Sam Sharpe, while a top-notch, successful salesman, is much older than Renata. She is swept away by his excessively flamboyant style and irrepressible nature. The very traits she finds romantic, however, lead to repeated conflict with her family, especially her beloved father Joe, leaving Renata trapped in the middle. Written by Reid Gagle
I found this movie/the story mesmerizing. Holly Hunter is exceptional, but then the entire cast is perfect. I don't share the thought that Dreyfuss' character was obnoxious. I think he was just full of life and willing to lay it on the line, all the time, because you only go around once. Hence the title, Once Around.
He didn't play it safe. I had a hard time understanding why the Bella family could not accept him. They had nothing to lose and everything to gain by developing their relationship with him.
I actually felt the family members were envious of Renata and Sam and their love for each other.
It's a great study in family dynamics. It's well-worth watching. I'm going to watch it again, today.