Unaccountably derided on release (Leonard Maltin: "BOMB", Dave Kehr: "Goes horribly wrong"), this always-amusing but never hilarious comedy still isn't the long lost gem I'd hoped. More than anything, it feels like a dry run for Seinfeld: a digressive, increasingly complicated narrative, progressed by small character actions; loud argumentative Jewish characters; and the occasional coincidence to perk things up. Kehr also called it "shrill and frenetic", but that's part of the charm; like a lot of comic universes, this one is perpetually out of control, and Arkin (who also stars) deals with it with his usual deadpan anger. He gets good, if high-pitched, performances from his cast, even the minor characters, but like one might expect from an actor directing, the visuals are secondary. Solid script by Robert Klane, who scripted Where's Momma?, which I haven't seen, but I suspect is similar. However, if a movie full of George Costanzas, Mr. Costanzas, and Mrs. Costanzas sounds unbearable, avoid.
Where we saw it: tv | We deign to rate it: outta 100Where'd you find this? I had to trade for it.
Posted by: Steve at December 8, 2004 05:47 PMIt's showing on Fox Movie Channel. Should I bother TiVoing it?
Posted by: Scott at December 8, 2004 06:52 PMYeah, what Scott said. Steve: I guess you already got it, then? Cuz I'm dubbing a copy. (For my mom. This was one of my mom's favorite movies when I was a kid, and that was the only reason I noticed it when fishing for TiVo movies.)
Scott: I'd say... nah. Not the lost masterpiece they'd have you believe on imdb, not the total disaster the critics believe. Of course, comedies are always better with an audience, but I never guffawed the way I do with something like Arrested Development or Venture Brothers, just lightly chuckled.
Posted by: kza at December 8, 2004 07:00 PMI would like to get the copy of "Fire Sale" form you, me and my wife first saw this movie at its release, we love it. The odds of it being released to video are slim and none, let me know if I can get it from you
Ron
Hello folks nice blog youre running
Posted by: lolita at January 19, 2005 06:00 PMHave been looking for this movie for years. Would love to be able to have a copy and have not been able to find it anywhere. Can you furnish me with information on how I can receive a copy. I would be ever so grateful. I can not receive it over the internet. A copy would have to be mailed to me.
Posted by: carole solarz at January 26, 2005 07:56 AMHave been looking for this movie for years. Would love to be able to have a copy and have not been able to find it anywhere. Can you furnish me with information on how I can receive a copy. I would be ever so grateful.
Posted by: jack wirth at February 1, 2005 05:07 AMI would love to get a copy of this movie somewhere. It holds much significance for my husband and me. When we were dating we saw it three time in a row because it made us laugh so hard. We STILL talk about it and no one (even those our own AGE) know what we're talking about. We just had our 27th anniversary and I would love to surprise my husband with a copy.
Posted by: Lisa at March 25, 2005 10:09 AMI've also been looking for this movie as it was a favorite of my aunt. Can you tell me where and hoew to get it?? Thanks
Posted by: Barbara Quinn at May 15, 2005 05:51 AMI, too, have been looking for a copy of "Fire Sale" for a long time. I heard that it was on Fox Movie Channel recently but when I search for a new showing date, Fox hasn't head of it. Anyone, please help.
Don
Posted by: Don at May 30, 2005 03:55 PMHow can I get a copy of this hysterical movie? Even our local video place that usually has copies of EVERYTHING can't get it. It's out of copywright, they said. If anyone knows of a showing on TV, PLMK. Or, if anyone who has a copy can make one for me, I'd gladly pay for a DVD or VHS copy. Thanks!
Posted by: Jane at June 27, 2005 06:32 AMWhere do I get this movie - please someone tell me - I need to see it again.
Posted by: Paul at July 13, 2005 02:06 PMI would love to find this movie and buy it. If any one can help me with this I would be very appreciative. Thanks
Posted by: Linda Dixon at August 15, 2005 10:20 AMI WOULD LIKE TO BUY A COPY OF THE MOVIE "FIRE SALE" IF ANYONE KNOWS HOW I CAN DO THAT, PLEASE
LET ME KNOW.
PHIL
I would love to get a copy of this movie. It is without a dought the funniest movie i have ever seen! It is really special to me because my husband and i went to see it in the theater when it came out. We stopped at a restaurant on the way home and sat there laughing for two hours afterward. He passed away in "87 and i remember it as one of our best times together.I have also searched for years for it. I can not receive it over internet. Would appreciate any help in finding it.
Posted by: Ann at December 1, 2005 05:01 PMI would love to get a copy of this movie. It is without a dought the funniest movie i have ever seen! It is really special to me because my husband and i went to see it in the theater when it came out. We stopped at a restaurant on the way home and sat there laughing for two hours afterward. He passed away in "87 and i remember it as one of our best times together.I have also searched for years for it. I can not receive it over internet. Would appreciate any help in finding it.
Posted by: Ann at December 1, 2005 05:09 PMI would also love to get a copy as a gift for my brother in law for Xmas. If anyone can tell me how, I'd be very grateful.
ED
Posted by: Ed at December 13, 2005 08:42 AMI would love to get a copy of "Fire Sale" for my Mom. She, my Dad & I watched this movie on TV way back when I was in high school and loved it. I've been looking for years to get a copy for my Mom. If anyone can help me out, I'd sure appreciate it!
Posted by: Kelly at January 13, 2006 08:06 AMI saw this movie with my family many years ago and we STILL talk about it. How can I get a copy of this movie????? If I could get my family together and surprise them with Fire Sale it would be awesome! If anyone could help me find a copy somehow I would appreciate it very, very much!
Posted by: Lynne at May 1, 2006 08:07 AMI just got it on Ebay!! Do a search under "Fire Sale" and scroll down carefully. I got the DVD, I know there are one or two others for sale - plus the guy who sold it to me may re-list other copies. Hope this helps - I've been searching for it for years - and just tried Ebay today - I was in shock!
Janis
Posted by: Janis at June 2, 2006 04:43 PM