"Only the Lonely" is actually a very interesting film, featuring on a procession of lonely people. As much as the Roy Orbison title song sums up the plot, so would "Eleanor Rigby" ... "All the lonely people, where do they all come from? All the lonely people, where do they all belong?" Through Candy's terrific performance (by far, the best of his all-too-short career), we find out that Danny is actually a very good guy - a hard worker who himself sacrificed so his younger brother could go to law school, a dutiful son who, even 25 years later, still feels regrets over his father's inabilities to make it big in business. In short, a big lug who would be a great catch for a girl like Teresa. Ally Sheedy also does a fine job with Teresa. I have read reviews describing this character as "muted," "inconspicuous" and "apologetic," which I think totally miss the point, which is actually explained in a scene early in the movie. I think Sheedy actually nailed this character trait very well. She's pretty, neither drop-dead gorgeous nor an ugly duckling. Later, we learn a little more about her dreams and aspirations and of course we realize she and Danny are perfect for each other, if only they can figure it out and find their way around Rose.The story is pleasant and worth your money, Candy & O'Hara work well together (who would have thought she would outlive him!) but the real power of the film is her interaction with Anthony Quinn. Classic film buffs like myself will get a real charge out of Quinn once again pursuing O'Hara, but this time without an Errol Flynn as a rival. That sub plot is at least as interesting as the main one and for my money is better. It is classic Maureen O'Hara, the strong woman who is chased by the strong man and frankly is a great contrast to the the exact opposite situation between Candy & Sheedy. Maybe with this movie it can teach you a few things to say & do so your ending will come out happy just like the movie!! Overall rating: 8 out of 10.

'Only the Lonely' is an okay film, that rides on the late/great John Candy's undeniable talent. The talented actor, pitches in a likable performance, that dominates the film. 'Only the Lonely' Synopsis: A Chicago cop must balance loyalty to his overbearing mother and a relationship with a shy funeral home worker.Besides Candy's likable performance, 'Only the Lonely' also manages to get in some cute/funny moments. The characters are nicely written & the Screenplay overall, has some niceness to it. But, the slow-pace as well as the length, needed some serious persuasion. The pace is slow & the film is lengthy by at least 15-minutes. Chris Columbus's Direction is fair. Cinematography is standard. Editing isn't crisp.Performance-Wise: Candy is the life of 'Only the Lonely'. Maureen O'Hara is theatrical. Ally Sheedy is cute. Anthony Quinn & James Belushi appear in brief roles.On the whole, 'Only the Lonely' is a yet another example of how great an actor John Candy was.

John Candy, Maureen O'Hara, Ally Sheedy, James Belushi and Anthony Quinn star in Chris Columbus' 1991 romantic comedy-drama. Danny (Candy) is an Irish Chicago cop who lives with his widow mother, Rose (O'Hara) and is always worried about her. He soon meets Theresa (Sheedy), a cosmetologist who works and lives at her father's funeral home. Danny and Theresa start falling for each other until Rose hangs in his mind making him feel guilty. After Danny and Theresa drift apart, Danny tries to win her back by being his own man and standing up to his mother. Belushi plays Danny's partner & friend, Sal and Quinn is Danny's next-door neighbor, Nick who's in love with Rose. This is a great romance film that's one of John's best, I really miss him and recommend this.

John Candy's "brother" states that Theresa is "plain." Is he freaking' BLIND!? She is BEAUTIFUL!! And SO sweet! I would marry Theresa in a heartbeat! I melt every time I see her! And she looks SO beautiful in that blue dress when Candy and O'Hara meet her for dinner! Gorgeous!! Small breasts? Who cares?, the size of a woman's breasts does not matter to me in the least. she is BEAUTIFUL! Great movie. I watch it over and over again. Here we go again with the "ten line" requirement! This is so ridiculous! I have already said everything that I need to say. Why does this site REQUIRE unnecessary wordiness? If I can say what is necessary in one to four lines why is more than that required? Doesn't make sense to me, does anyone else agree?