Okay, fellow tapeheads, dim the lights, maybe crack open a Tab (if you can find one!), and let’s talk about a screwball gem that always felt like a perfect Friday night rental back in the day: Neil Simon’s 1980 comedy, Seems Like Old Times. Forget explosions for a moment; this is all about comedic timing, crackling dialogue, and the sheer magnetic power of its stars firing on all cylinders. Finding this one nestled between the action flicks on the rental shelf always felt like discovering a cozy, laugh-filled haven.
### Triangular Trouble
The setup is pure comedic gold, the kind only a master like Neil Simon (The Odd Couple, Barefoot in the Park) could concoct with such effortless charm. We have Glenda Parks (Goldie Hawn, radiating that impossible-to-resist blend of sweetness and barely contained chaos), a good-hearted, dog-loving public defender. She’s married to Ira Parks (Charles Grodin, the undisputed king of the exasperated slow burn), the L.A. District Attorney with political ambitions and a desperate need for order in his life. Enter Nick Gardenia (Chevy Chase, hitting his early-80s stride of smooth-talking likeability), a writer who also happens to be Glenda’s ex-husband. After being strong-armed into driving two bank robbers (unbeknownst to him, initially), Nick finds himself a fugitive, framed for the crime. Where does he turn for help? Naturally, straight to Glenda’s doorstep, throwing Ira’s meticulously planned life, career, and house into utter pandemonium.
What follows isn't a complex thriller, but a beautifully orchestrated farce. It's a whirlwind of slammed doors, mistaken identities, frantic whispers, near misses, and Nick constantly trying (and often failing hilariously) to stay hidden within the very home of the man legally obligated to prosecute him. Remember those packs of stray dogs Glenda keeps adopting? They become crucial, chaotic players in the unfolding mayhem, adding another layer of unpredictability that Grodin’s Ira must navigate with mounting fury. It’s the kind of plot that relies less on intricate twists and more on the escalating absurdity of the situation and the brilliant reactions of the cast.
### The Perfect Chemistry Set
Let's be honest, the reason Seems Like Old Times still sparkles is the pitch-perfect casting and the electric chemistry between the leads. This was the second pairing for Goldie Hawn and Chevy Chase after the delightful Foul Play (1978), and their rapport is undeniable. Hawn is simply luminous as Glenda, torn between loyalty to her flustered husband and a lingering, exasperated affection for her charming disaster of an ex. She plays Glenda’s inherent kindness and her mounting panic with equal skill, making you root for her even as she digs herself deeper into the comedic mire. Chase, meanwhile, leans into his signature laid-back, slightly smug charm, but crucially, keeps Nick likeable. He’s a man in an impossible situation, using his wits (and Glenda’s reluctant help) to survive, and Chase makes his predicament genuinely funny.
But the secret weapon, the comedic anchor holding this glorious mess together, is Charles Grodin. His portrayal of Ira Parks is a masterclass in comedic restraint and simmering rage. While Chase gets the physical comedy and Hawn the reactive fluster, Grodin mines comedic gold from subtle glances, perfectly timed pauses, and volcanic understatements. His mounting frustration as his life unravels – culminating in unforgettable scenes involving dog food, tranquilizer darts, and political dinners gone wrong – is simply brilliant. Reportedly, Neil Simon wrote the script specifically with Hawn in mind, but the dynamic created by adding Chase and, especially, Grodin elevates it beyond just a star vehicle. It becomes a true ensemble piece where each player gets their moment to shine.
### Simon Says Laugh
Directing duties fell to Jay Sandrich, a veteran of classic television comedies like The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Soap. You can feel that sitcom precision here – the tight pacing, the focus on character interplay within confined spaces (mostly the Parks' increasingly chaotic house), and the emphasis on landing Simon’s expertly crafted punchlines. It doesn’t have flashy directorial flourishes, but Sandrich understands precisely how to frame the comedic action and let his actors cook. The dialogue is pure Simon: witty, sharp, and perfectly tailored to each character's voice. It’s the kind of script where even minor characters, like the unflappable butler Chester (played wonderfully by Robert Guillaume, later of Benson fame), get memorable lines.
Filmed largely around affluent Los Angeles neighborhoods like Brentwood, the movie has that slightly glossy, comfortable early 80s look. It wasn't a gargantuan blockbuster ($44 million domestic gross on an $11 million budget was solid, but not record-breaking), but it found a long and happy life on VHS and cable, becoming a beloved comfort watch for many. It's the kind of film that felt made for repeat viewings on a fuzzy CRT, where you could savor Grodin’s reactions or catch a line you missed the first time.
### Still Seems Like Good Times?
Watching Seems Like Old Times today is like slipping into a warm, familiar blanket. Sure, the premise is light, and it lacks the cynical edge or gross-out humor that often defines modern comedies. But its charm is infectious and enduring. The humor comes from character and situation, expertly delivered by a trio of stars at the height of their powers, working from a script by one of America’s comedy legends. It’s witty, fast-paced, and genuinely funny without ever feeling mean-spirited. It perfectly captures that early 80s blend of sophistication and silliness.
Rating: 8/10
Justification: This rating reflects the film's exceptional comedic performances, particularly Grodin's standout turn, Neil Simon's razor-sharp script, and the undeniable chemistry of its leads. While not groundbreaking cinema, it's a near-perfect execution of a classic screwball farce structure, delivering consistent laughs and enduring charm. It loses a couple of points perhaps for its relatively light stakes and reliance on familiar tropes, but what it does, it does brilliantly.
Final Thought: In an era before comedy often meant crude shocks or complex deconstructions, Seems Like Old Times reminds us of the pure joy of watching talented people trade witty barbs in absurd situations. It’s a VHS-era comfort food classic that still tastes delicious.