The Main Event (1979) User Reviews (24)

Makes Me Smile

[slokes · 6/10 · 8 August 2010]

The real bout in this movie may be between Barbra Streisand's talent and Babs' ego. Can the often-inspiring light comedienne of "What's Up Doc" and "Funny Girl" overcome La Streisand's need to be the center of every scene?

It's a reunion flick between Streisand and "Doc" co-star Ryan O'Neal. She's perfume magnate Hillary Kramer, undone by an embezzling accountant. He's Kid Natural, a former prize fighter who represents Hillary's one asset, if only she can get him in the ring. He'd rather stick to his new career as a driving instructor.

"Do you want my body on your head for the rest of your life?" he asks her.

More than boxing, sex is the main event of the film, from the opening shots of Streisand working out in spandex leotards to the charged byplay between the stars. She teases her ex-husband with pelvic thrusts and dances around the ring with Kid in short-shorts and a halter top with no bra. This is distracting to some extent but helps arouse the movie's one undeniable asset: The chemistry between O'Neal and Streisand.

For an actor made entirely of wood, O'Neal is surprisingly spry and able, taking pratfalls, playing shamelessly off his good looks, and trying to get out of the deal with Hillary by clenching his fists and telling her of his vow to "never again use these, these messengers of death." He lives in a giant glove by a freeway which advertises his driving instructions in neon. He proudly claims it an investment made with Hillary's money.

For her part, Streisand is clearly the more dominant partner in a way she wasn't in "Doc". The movie starts and ends with a big close-up on her, and the boxing part of the story is shortchanged in order to keep her in the frame as much as possible. Howard Zieff directs this as a vanity project, since that's what it is, with soft lighting playing up her russet locks at every opportunity.

But Streisand justifies the spotlight by playing to Hillary's weaknesses as much as her strengths. Hillary has no clue about boxing, but doesn't let that stop her. After the Kid is dinged up in one early match, she announces a new plan: "Better fights with nicer people".

Another early scene of Kramer running her perfume business has her deliver a line that seems a playful nod at Streisand's own famously imperious rep: "I want you to go away to a very quiet place, let your brilliant and creative minds blossom with original ideas, and then bring me back exactly what I'm talking about." It might not be as funny delivered by someone else, but that's a benefit to having Barbra on the job.

There's enough general funniness like that to overcome the defects of too much Barbra and an ending that literally throws in the towel rather than resolves the romantic tension between Hillary and Kid in a fun yet convincing manner. Also on the plus side, you have Whitman Mayo as Kid's cagey manager and one great theme song, a molten disco masterpiece which Barbra sings with all the relish of Shirley Bassey pouncing on "Goldfinger". I think it made the film such a success in 1979, more than the critical notices of the time which were horrible.

So score this one talent over ego, if by points rather than knockout. "The Main Event" is no classic, but it's good enough to make me smile all these years later.

Loved it when I was a kid

[mcmcormick · 6/10 · 10 February 2022]

I don't know why but I thoroughly enjoyed this watching it as a child. Now looking at it as an adult I liked it a little less. The humor still stands up but the action parts look sloppy and unreal. Plot was great I just felt characters weren't built up enough and needed more fight scenes to see how the fighter develops skill wise. It's just too bad because it could have been a great film.

Gotta love that tax dodge

[bkoganbing · 6/10 · 5 September 2016]

I have to ask how do you get a job like Ryan O'Neal had. Imagine a promising fighter who injures his hand and doesn't box for four years. But he and trainer Whitman Mayo live on the arm and just show up and hang out at a gym for with all their living expenses paid and are on salary. It's all because perfume tycoon Barbra Streisand is using this as one of many tax dodges set up by her manager.

But said manager has up and fled the country taking his clients assets except for O'Neal. So now O'Neal has to fight in earnest because Barbra is broke and the gravy train is over. Barbra having nothing else to do becomes O'Neal's manager.

Like that old line about 'Ginger Rogers running the Brooklyn Dodgers' from Hollywood Hotel that sums up the comedy in The Main Event which is what Streisand and O'Neal are striving for. She's just a fish out of water. But dare I say it because Barbra hates him, but her character shows a Trump like ability to garner free publicity. And ballyhoo is an integral part of boxing.

Taking up where they left off from What's Up Doc, Streisand and O'Neal have a well meshed chemistry. Have to also give big kudos to James Gregory as the Mike Jacobs like fight promoter who knows box office when he sees it.

Funniest scenes in the film are at O'Neal's training camp where Barbra is trying very hard to fit into this most masculine of worlds. Not an easy fit by any means.

The Main Event is a fun film, the only comedy I can recall about boxing.

Screwball romantic comedy, irritating if you're not a Streisand fan but probably quite enjoyable if you are.

[barnabyrudge · 9 January 2004]

The Main Event tries to capture some of the flavour of those old '30s comedies in which the main characters were fast-talking, argumentative types who ultimately fell in love with other against all expectations. Barbra Streisand and Ryan O'Neal are re-teamed seven years on from their much-admired What's Up Doc? but this film isn't really from the same league. It is, however, moderately enjoyable and sharply written.

Streisand plays Hilary Kramer, a successful business-woman who runs a perfume corporation. She discovers that her accountant has fled to South America with all her money and all her assets, leaving her ruined. However, the one contract that the accountant forgot to take with him is that of a boxer, Eddie "Kid Natural" Scanlon (Ryan O'Neal). Hilary threatens Kid Natural with breach of contract if he won't fight for her (even though he's barely been in the ring for goodness knows how many years). Eventually, Kid Natural agrees to box again but he turns out to be pretty useless. Undeterred, Hilary fixes up a lucrative fight with one of his old adversaries, but complications arise when she realises that she has actually fallen for him.

Fans of Streisand will undoubtedly enjoy the film. For others, it's a bit irritating. She gets into the role with heart and soul, but her constant fast-talk, put downs and wise one-liners becomes very wearing if you're not an admirer. O'Neal is frustratingly laid-hack and seems to be playing his role with the minimum of effort, but he somehow just about gets across a likable enough performance. The situations and incidents that comprise the plot are nicely thought-out. The only moment which feels wrong is the ending, wherein Streisand does something really crazy to prove her love for O'Neal but what she does would, in actual fact, probably annoy the hell out of him, yet he takes it really well and it all seems somewhat unbelievable. Still, The Main Event is undemanding entertainment and you could do a lot worse.

Hard on the ears

[moonspinner55 · 4/10 · 28 May 2001]

Exceptionally brassy, brawling comedy set mostly in the boxing ring. Barbra Streisand is a perfume executive with the #1 nose for business ("It's the kind of scent a man can give to a woman, a woman can give to a man, a man can give to a man, a woman can give to a woman, have I left anybody out?"). Unfortunately, she's been embezzled against and has lost all her finances, except the contract to a boxer who no longer boxes (he just spends her money). Streisand and Ryan O'Neal eke out some laughs from the groaning dialogue (a really bad joke regarding Patti D'Arbanville's threat to meddling Streisand is the most offensive). The plot coasts along on the amiable chemistry between the leads, though all they seem to do here is argue. It bottoms out in the final stretch, ending with an extremely weak climax which got boos from the theater audience I saw this with in 1979. Barbra looks pretty sexy though and--braless in T-shirts and showing lots o' leg in her short-shorts--don't think she doesn't want us to notice. *1/2 from ****

The Chemistry is Still There...

[ijonesiii · 7/10 · 23 December 2005]

1979's THE MAIN EVENT was a lame attempt to rekindle the chemistry that Barbra Streisand and Ryan O'Neal created in WHAT'S UP, DOC?, in an attempt to make lightning strike twice at the box office. Well, the chemistry between the stars is still evident, but the story just does not do them justice this time. Streisand plays Hillary Kramer, a cosmetics tycoon who learns that her accountant as absconded with everything she owns and the only thing she has been left with is the contract of a washed-up ex-boxer (O'Neal). So to recoup her money, she makes him start boxing again and becomes his manager. Streisand works very hard to make her character likable but it is a struggle and O'Neal is just miscast as a boxer. He just doesn't look or act like a boxer. It's not boring, but both stars have been seen to better advantage. The best thing about this movie is the powerhouse theme song that Barbra sings over the closing credits. It is an absolute "Wow!"

A limp and average boxing comedy about a bankrupt executive who inherits a washed-up boxer

[ma-cortes · 5/10 · 12 October 2022]

Hillary Kramer (Barbra Streisand) is a successful Perfume magnate . She awakes one morning to find that her accountant has robbed her and left for South America. The bankrupt entrepreneur attempts to recoup some of her losses by getting a hapless boxer (Ryan O'Neal) she picked up as a tax loss back into the ring and she goads him into resuming his career , an idea her protégé isn't fond of . Desperate and more than a little smitten , she badgers and bullies him back into the ring .Going through all of her remaining assets she attempts to train the old boxer, purchased as a tax write off. She unfortunately decides to take the veteran boxer , but things go wrong . A Glove Story !

Lame , silly and derivative screwball comedy desperate to suggest chemistry that both of them : Streisand and O'Neal got in the really successful ¨What 's up Doc ?¨ by Peter Bogdanovich . Being second of two star collaborations of actors Ryan O'Neal and Barbra Streisand who previously had a publicized romance . The picture attempted to reunite unsucessfully the famous stars , getting gross enough at the box office , but far from the hit What's up Doc ? . Lots of fruitless romantic yearning and Barbra Streisand usually screaming and yelling. Barbra Streisand gives a sympathetic acting as a wacky and bankrupt cosmetic executive who must depend on on the career of washed-up boxer to rebuild her fortune. Streisand sings the catching title song that went on the top-of-the-pops charts , the tune was also nominated for the Best Original Song Motion Picture at the Golden Globe Awards . While Ryan O'Neal comes off slightly better than Barbra at times , but only because his shouting is not as abrasive as hers . They are very well accompanied by a good cast , such as : Paul Sand, Whitman Mayo , Patti D'Arbanville , Richard Lawson , Ernie Hudson , Art Evans and the ordinary secondary James Gregory .

The motion picture was regularly directed by Howard Zieff . Before going into the movies, he was responsible for many memorable advertising campaigns. Noted for their innovative casting , he used to cast young unknowns with decidedly ethnic, un-Hollywood features, including Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman and Richard Dreyfuss. Zieff was a notorious director and producer, a comedy expert , specially known for Slither (1973) , Hearts of the West (1975) ,House Calls (1978); Private Benjamin (1980) , My Girl (1991) , My Girl 2 (1994) , Unfaithfully Yours (1984) , The Dream Team (1989) and this Main Event (1979). Rating : 5.5/10 , mediocre but passable .This movie will put to sleep the hard way. Only for Barbra Streisand and Ryan O'Neal fans .

High rating, but not necessarily for reasons one would expect

[terrywatt375 · 7/10 · 16 November 2023]

It should be said that perhaps more so than many other superstars, Barbra Streisand tends to elicit a binary reaction, in that most people are either totally ga-ga over her or simply can't stand her. I noticed this reaction became more pronounced after Streisand publicly affiliated herself with the Democratic Party in the early 1990s and started giving the odd political speech here and there.

Well, I came of age long before Streisand's public embrace of limousine liberalism. Even before Streisand began crafting 'important', Oscar-craving films such as Yentl and The Prince Of Tides. Nope. The Streisand I grew up knowing was still largely thought of as a nice Jewish girl from Brooklyn whom most thought was a better singer than an actress, and she hadn't quite yet become the iconic 'Babs' and back then wasn't above criticism.

To be sure, Streisand had a lot of success as an actress with a slate of one hit after another right out of the gate. By the mid-1970's she was at a career high. Right around then is where the hubris - the belief that she could do no wrong - began to really set in. Her take on A Star Is Born followed shortly after, a film that was overblown in every respect: a celluloid paean to the wonder and fabulousness of everything that was Babs...fabulous to the point where it was blind to how cheesy and narcissistic the whole venture was. And even THEN Streisand still managed to pull off a massive commercial success and craft a hit with the soundtrack tune Evergreen.

Thus, on from A Star Is Born we find our way to 1979's romantic comedy, The Main Event.

The Main Event basically feels like a package deal. It once again teams up Streisand with Ryan O'Neal, Streisand's co-star from the excellent screwball comedy of a decade earlier, What's Up Doc? On paper, doubtless the pairing seemed natural given that they already had a proven track record with their previous hit. Despite the critical drubbing 1976's A Star Is Born got, the film grossed $80 million on a $6 million budget and the soundtrack went #1 and went on to sell 15 million copies worldwide. Streisand agreed to sing another tune for The Main Event, so doubtless the production was already seeing the dollar signs before a single frame of film was shot.

The plot boils down to Streisand playing the owner of a perfume company which is bankrupted after her accountant flees to South America with all her money. One of the few assets she has left is a management contract with an inactive boxer (O'Neal) that was formerly used as a tax write-off. Streisand coerces O'Neal to step back into the ring and fight in the hopes of scoring a big payday, acting as his boxing manager and despite a largely contentious relationship between them gradually romance blooms.

The thing of it is, I'll readily concede that The Main Event is a dumb film in any number of ways. Streisand's character is pushy, self-absorbed and obnoxious far more often than she is charmingly funny and has a seemingly endless wardrobe which she is determined to wear every piece of throughout the flick. All the origins of the rom-com genre are here, from the initial 'meet cute' to the predictable 'against all odds they end up falling for each other' conclusion. I mean, the ending was never in doubt for a moment. Far as the humor goes, virtually nothing by way of lol comedic moments. It's all...mildly cute fluff. Topped off with Streisand singing the main theme song, a nod to the disco trend that had peaked and was just beginning to wane when the movie hit theaters. And even though The Main Event wasn't nearly as successful as A Star Is Born in commercial terms, (The Main Event) still managed to squeak out $42 million on a $5 million budget, with the theme song single hitting number 3 on the charts and selling a million copies!

Even though I would have as recently as a decade ago eviscerated this movie as a case of being timely rather than timeless and deservedly forgotten, well...I kinda like it. Not in spite of the smarmy vanity project nature of the production, or because it was a romantic comedy that was lightweight when it came to both the romance and the laughs, or because the theme song was a lame attempt by Streisand to channel the disco diva success of Donna Summer late in the day when the disco fad had been overexposed and was waning but it's rather precisely BECAUSE of those things that make watching The Main Event today a breezy little trip back in time, watching a harmless little rom com ditty of no particular purpose from the late 1970's. Cinematic junk food, to be sure, but even though I thoroughly enjoy a gourmet meal once in a blue moon I still crave a McDonald's hamburger.

Cute and harmless

[HotToastyRag · 5/10 · 15 June 2018]

Reuniting seven years after What's Up, Doc?, Barbra Streisand and Ryan O'Neal play a boxer and manager in the aptly titled The Main Event. If you're having trouble picturing Barbra as a boxing manager, don't worry. She only takes that job as a last-ditch effort to get her money back after losing her fortune, and she isn't supposed to know the ropes-no pun intended.

Of course, since this is a comedy, Ryan and Barbra fall in love while she's training him. It's a classic case of love-at-first-hate for the pair, so if you like that sort of banter, you'll probably like this classic '70s romantic comedy. This one wasn't my favorite; I liked their first film together better, but it's not the worst movie in the world. I'm just more a realist when it comes to romance. I can't imagine falling for anyone I've initially hated.

This Story About The Sweet Science Lacks Chemistry

[atlasmb · 7/10 · 5 December 2023]

This comedy pairs Ryan O'Neal's easy-going affability with Barbra Streisand's neurotic persona. O'Neal plays Eddie "Kid Natural" Scanlon, a boxer who was such a prodigious pugilist that now he just gives driving lessons. Streisand is Hillary Kramer, a former business magnate whose only remaining asset is a contractual interest in The Kid's career.

In this fish-out-of-water story, Hillary joins the fight game to reactivate Eddie's training, hoping he can turn a profit in the ring. She almost seems to be channeling Woody Allen with her character's tics and nervous patter. In essence, she is the comic and O'Neal is her straight man.

Color me mildly amused by the humor, and somewhat disappointed by the chemistry between the two stars. In the same way, "Funny Girl" lacked chemistry, compared to "A Star is Born" and "The Way We Were", which convince the viewer that the stars are so attracted they can't help themselves.

What's Up Doc Dupe

[akoaytao1234 · 4/10 · 26 December 2023]

When a perfume maker is forced out of her business due to some bad decision, she is forced on the corner and try to recoup the remains of her fortune. There she meets a flailing boxer known as Kid Natural, whom she helped as sort of a charity. With a clause of him needing to fight a few times to get his money, she puts her bets in and try to get him on a fight and maybe make her money back

This film feels like a What's Up Doc even much more convoluted and less funny. Again, similar to What's Up Doc, it tries to recreate the screwball vibes BUT the overall product ultimately felt dated and stilted. I also think both O'Neal and Streisand does have chemistry but something about their chemistry feels familial by nature rather than actually loving.

Also, the script for this one is not particularly great.

Streisand character motivations and action is such a weirdly presented. There's a weird pretense that they will have a relationship even though most of their relationship is transactional at best. Nothing about their relationship is built up so that the viewer at least could see why we should root for them. It just happens. Also, a weird narcissism hound's her character, where everyone really loves her and want her. She tries to be about her BUT it never really reach a charming or grounded level that say Bringing UP Baby does.

A very weird film. Worth a watch but not recommended.

A fun movie with great chemistry between the two stars

[robb_772 · 8/10 · 20 April 2006]

This film was a major hit upon release in the summer of '79. With a budget seven-million-dollars, the film took in over $40 million at the domestic box office and became one of the top-ten grossers of the year. Unfortunately, it has since been written off by many fans and critics alike as one of Streisand's weakest film efforts. As for myself, I believe THE MAIN EVENT manages to be likable, funny, and entertaining. Even though we've seen the same story a thousand times before, THE MAIN EVENT is very enjoyable while it's playing.

The scenes are all set up very well, the one-liners are funny ("I said celebrate, not fornicate "), and Streisand and O'Neal give off a strong sexual charge between them on screen. The film also features a very strong supporting cast, with Paul Sand, Whitman Mayo, and Patti D'Arbanville turning in terrific performances. Unfairly mangled by most critics and many viewers (many of whom need to learn how to loosen up), the film is complete fun from start to finish. Ignore all of the naysayers, THE MAIN EVENT stands one of my favorite romantic comedies.

A fairly so-so boxing comedy

[Red-Barracuda · 6/10 · 22 November 2013]

The Main Event is a good example of a film that was a very successful blockbuster on initial release making loads of money but that nowadays has almost been completely forgotten. I can only surmise that this is because (a) it's a film very much of its time and (b) despite being popular it probably wasn't actually that good. It's about a successful perfume executive who is left penniless when her business partner disappears with all her money. All she has left is a contract with a has-been boxer who has been living in a giant boxing glove house, living off her cash hand-outs. She makes him get back in the ring to try to earn her back some money but, as is the way, romance follows…

After Rocky went supernova at the box office in 1976, boxing films were in fashion in the later part of the decade. I guess that partially explains the plot of this one. It may also explain somewhat why the storyline is pretty lame, as the whole boxing plot-line feels strangely negligible like they have basically shoe-horned it in because it was popular at the time. This means that for a sports movie it really is very hard getting involved in the action. It's very difficult to really care about who wins, etc. The main event, as it were, really is the re-uniting of Barbra Streisand and Ryan O'Neal for the first time since What's Up Doc? It has to be said though that this pales pretty significantly in comparison to that film. While it does adopt a similar silly tone, it doesn't have as good a plot, characters or script; while director Howard Zieff is no Peter Bogdanovich. And it may be superficial to say but the fashions and hairstyles of 1979 were fairly atrocious compared to 1972 – compare how Streisand looks in both films if you need proof. Those big perms sure were popular in the disco age for some reason that's for sure! Anyway, the film itself is entertaining enough, despite being pretty underwhelming. Streisand and O'Neal are always good to watch and they try to make the most of what they've got, even if it isn't really a lot. It all winds up with an ending that is quite poorly thought out, although the film has been so silly beforehand that it doesn't really damage it as much as it should.

struggles to be a rom-com

[SnoopyStyle · 5/10 · 4 December 2023]

Perfume tycoon Hillary Kramer (Barbra Streisand) loses everything when her business manager embezzles and escapes with all the money. All she has left is a tax write-off contract with retired boxer Eddie 'Kid Natural' Scanlon (Ryan O'Neal). She needs him to start earning again, but he's not willing.

This tries to be a rom-com and that's most of its problem. The couple needs a meet-cute, but there isn't much cute in their meet. She is seeing dollar signs and he is being blackmailed. It's fine that they hate each other to start. This love-hate relationship really struggles with the love part. I don't buy it. The movie stumbles whenever it becomes a romance.

A Good Time!

[MAX80 · 3 November 1999]

I echo the previous viewers comments. When released in 1979, THE MAIN EVENT was an immediate summer hit grossing $66 million in the US and $80 million around the world. The film was popular not only because it reunited the stars of the 1972 blockbuster WHAT'S UP, DOC?, but also because of it's light tone and old-fashioned fun.

The story doesn't really matter, all you need to know is that the chemistry between the stars is fun and exciting and the screenplay gives them plenty of room to inhabit the screen. Streisand is as lovable as ever and O'Neal has rarely been more charming.

As I said before: Good fun! 7/10.

Barbra Streisand is a knockout!

[GOWBTW · 9/10 · 8 August 2008]

Boxing is a all-time sport that requires speed and strength, in "The Main Event", it also requires support. Barbrs Streisand has been on a role in acting just like her singing career. She plays Hillary Kramer, a successful perfume businesswoman who one day finds herself without a single thin dime. Her accountant robbed her blind and headed for South America with her fortune. In order to start over, she has to become one thing she never dreamed of: Boxing Premoter. She drives out to meet Kid Natural(Ryan O'Neal) a former champ, who is now a driving instructor. He gets to go back into the ring with a help of some friends, and he's once again ready to rumble. The movie got a great cast, some boxers I've never heard of, Whitman Mayo never lost his touch after "Sanford and Son". He seems to be the most level-headed character in the movie, unlike his TV character Grady. Very classical and a true gem, Babs is best!

4 out of 5 stars!

It's a Knockout!!

[bifboy69 · 14 January 2002]

For everyone who saw "What's Up, Doc?", starring both Miss Streisand and Mister O'Neal, this film is a real dandy. I love the way Babs just keeps talking and is SO high strung throughout the movie (but then again, when isn't she?) The chemistry between the two leads is very real and believable. This film does not set out to give you a huge statement, it is simply meant to make you laugh, have fun and love Babs, and that it certainly will. The end song "The Main Event/Fight" sung by Miss Streisand is a showstopper.

Cute Enough For A Split Decision

[jayraskin1 · 9/10 · 21 April 2010]

Unfortunately, this film suffers by comparison to "What's Up, Doc" which also starred Streisand and O'Neal. While it doesn't match the cleverness or zaniness of that film, it does move fast with enough clever lines and plot twists to keep us entertained. After "What's Up, Doc" and "The Owl and the Pussycat," this is the funniest straight comedy with Streisand.

Streisand says on the DVD commentary that she hates boxing and the movie is really a metaphor for a woman trying to make it in a man's world. That seems about right. Actually Ryan O'Neil was a boxing fan, so there is some authenticity to the boxing, at least as much as the "Rocky" movies.

William Mayo and Patti D'arbanville give nice support.

Everybody seems to be having fun making the movie. Just sit back and enjoy.

Incidentally, according to Barbara, it was the soundman who came up with the ending. It is quite a ridiculous ending, but it actually is a perfect ending.

The only Streisand movie I watch

[pmtelefon · 8/10 · 17 December 2023]

I'm not really a fan of Barbra Streisand but I do like "The Main Event". It's a very funny movie. Streisand does a nice job and Ryan O'Neal is even better. Their supporting cast is also very good with the standout being Whitman Mayo. Mayo gets a lot of big laughs in this movie. "The Main Event" does stick around a little longer than it should have (it's about ten or fifteen minutes too long) but its not a deal breaker. I first saw this movie when it was in the theaters (Bellerose, NY). I've seen it quite a few times since then. It's the only Barbra Streisand movie that's worth watching a second time.

funny

[Vincentiu · 21 November 2013]

it is not impressive, interesting or remarkable. it is just a nice comedy who has in lead characters good actors far to give the role of their life. it is funny , with few crazy amusing scenes, almost fake but a not wrong choice for entertainment. so, not great expectations. in same measure, it has, in little measure, the flavor of old situation comedies and this fact saves the construction. a film like a childish game, it is inspired occasion to reflect to serious roles of Streisand and O Neal and to laugh at absurd parts. is it enough ? maybe not. but if you are disappointed, it is only your guilty. because The Main Event can be only funny. not serious, not important, only a childish game.

A Steamy Sequel to "What's Up Doc?" with Boxing Gloves

[mike48128 · 8/10 · 16 July 2013]

It's a cute movie but not really a classic, but then neither is "What's Up Doc?" in my book. Both are fun, silly comedies. There is a certain amount of "sexual tension" real or imagined between O'Neil and Streisand. Ryan plays "Kid Natural" Scanlon, a down-on-his-luck washed up small time boxer. Some brief (but not frontal) nudity and horseplay in the locker room scenes and Bab's exercise class. Otherwise, quite tame in spite of some of the situations, including a bedroom encounter. Some mildly salty language and a very annoying performance by Patti D'Arbanville as Ryan's crass and tough girlfriend with "smoker's cough" are my reasons for marking down this film to an "8". Is it realistic? No. A perfume company would not own a boxer's contract, even as a tax shelter. However, Ryan's boxing scenes have a look of authenticity to them and he doesn't appear to be using a stunt double. Of course nobody would "throw in the towel" on purpose during a boxing match to disqualify the winner for such a silly reason as "true love". That's what makes this both a comedy and a fantasy. Barbra is in the best shape of her life and looks absolutely fantastic. It's funny enough that you don't have to be a fan of hers to enjoy it, but it helps if you like professional boxing or wrestling. The only notable song is the title track sung by (who else?) Barbra; so it's not a musical. This little movie made tons of money at the box office and in rentals. Apparently, it has been forgotten about, over the years.

Barbra and Ryan are the Main Attraction

[amatodarryl · 9/10 · 16 April 2024]

"The Main Event" is a featherweight entertainment reminiscent of 40s romantic comedies with the added attraction of 70s male/female sensibilities. It is the lightest, happiest frolic you are likely to encounter as a frizzy red-haired, scantily clad Barbra Streisand takes on her "What's Up, Doc?" mate Ryan O'Neal. They make movie magic again. Successful perfume mogul (Barbra) is swindled by her accountant. Her response: "And he didn't leave a number in south America?" He did leave her a money-losing tax-shelter contract with Kid Natural (O'Neal), a boxer who hasn't fought in four years. They agree, upon conditions, to work out of their poverty together. Their bickering runs like NIagara Falls. They act frustratingly celibate for the longest time. Their relationship, after all, is supposed to be strictly business. At one theatrical preview, the audience laughed so loud and long that portions of continued conversation became inaudible! You won't have that problem at home.

A great dependable enjoyable film

[hldnchild · 8/10 · 29 December 2018]

Never lets me down. I love the chemistry between the main characters. It was their second film and they seem very comfortable, as I believed their characters. This movie is entertaining some start to finish! Bantering at its prime, not missing a beat! The formula is. It unique, the fun is! One of my faves to just "get lost in" and wished you moved in with themwhenthe movie ended.

Too loud!

[ar-89423 · 3 December 2023]

Noisy, strident, shrill...I can't imagine how anyone could give this thing a positive review. I can commend Streisand for one thing: the obvious attempt to revive the screwball comedy format so richly done in the 30s and 40s. But she's so loud and in-your-face that this film is an instant turn-off.

Instead, watch 1936's My Man Godfrey, and marvel at the luminous Carole Lombard in action. Or The Awful Truth, Bringing Up Baby, or His Girl Friday. Oh wait, they all starred Cary Grant. Ain't no Cary Grant in The Main Event. Not even close. And his co-stars: Irene Dunne, Katherine Hepburn, Rosalind Russell...now you're talkin.'

Thumbs WAY down.