This film came and left the movie theaters, so I think I had seen it on HBO when it finally got there. But the fact that so few have written a review about this movie further underlines how few people have probably seen it. Which is a shame, because it's a very well-done, sensitive film, and a Best 10 film for 1980, at the very least. James Caan's performance is definitely against type, and he does a great job as the down-on-his-luck, blue-collar father who seemingly can't catch a break. Anyone who's expecting the macho character that he played in The Godfather or Rollerball will be very much surprised by this role. And the ending is so sweet and sensitive, if you're not choked up by it, then maybe you have ice water in your veins.My only criticism is the casting of Danny Aiello as the great lawyer who's going to help him out and waive his fee. As the owner of Sal's Pizzeria in "Do the Right Thing," he's believable. As a wealthy, high-end lawyer, he's not.

'Hide in Plain Sight' is a solid, functional, lean, and smoothly done film. It is 'no frills' in style, but that does not mean that it has a "tv movie of the week" vibe. The film does it's best to bring out the emotional pitch of the complex situation. In this, it largely succeeds. HIPS is not a glossy, gorgeous film, with memorable cinematography--it is strongly blue-collar and gritty in its general feel. But it is focused and stays on-target for what it is trying to do. That's more than you can say for a lot of movies.I hadn't realized until now, that this flick was directed by Caan. This work does credit to his already great resume. He keeps a firm hand on the production and doesn't make any sophomoric mistakes. It is not a 'great' film but it is a good film --realistic--and doesn't disappoint.By the way, it's hard to overlook the relevancy of a plot like this, with current events the way they are, in the U.S. today. This film is particularly poignant and resonant for those of us concerned about American civil liberties.There is a great scene near the end where Caan makes his final stand against the government agencies he has fought throughout the film.

I thought the naturalism of the settings worked well for Caan. It's got that gritty 70's look. It's also interesting to see a film shot in Buffalo, NY during that period. The extras are good and some of the hairstyles and fashions are hysterical. I thought Caan did a good job considering this was the first and last movie he shot. Jill Eikenberry's acting is very natural. The climax is not exploitative and thus is believable. Not played very much on cable although the topic is timely, I forget which station I caught it on fairly recently. The character is played well by Caan and I identified with the working class element. I was also wondering why Hollywood never gave James Caan another directing job, was it because this fared poorly at the box office?

Now, I'm a big fan of car chases and big action, and I do love style for style's sake. But it's getting so it's hard to find anything but these things, even in a 'small' dramatic movie. This movie is quite genuine, it's got that 70's slower pace - a very natural build-up of the drama. James Caan's direction is clean and clever, and he plays that working class good man so well. The story is well handled, especially considering that it's based on true events, and without the overbearing score or dramatic character or situational embellishments that this film would have if it was made today. So refreshing.