I went in expecting Popeye to be more or less like the cartoons, except in live-action. What I got left me sorely disappointed.The soundtrack was very terrible. If I see the 'music and lyrics by' credit in a movie, you better make the songs worth it. As it turns out, the songs weren't memorable at all, and Olive Oyl's vocals in particular were fairly bad. If a cast member can't sing, don't make them do it. Save it for the ones who can, or better yet, compose a normal soundtrack and call it a day. Nilsson dropped the ball hard in this area. As the movie went on, I kept waiting for Popeye or someone to kick the story into high gear, but it never happened. Instead, I got something that felt like it was traveling at a snail's pace while providing very little humor along the way. By the time I reached the last 30 minutes, I was only halfheartedly paying attention. I remember something about Pappy sailing after Bluto with Popeye and friends, and the final battle in the cave, but I didn't get any satisfaction from seeing Popeye triumph. I just wanted to see the credits roll so I could add it to my checklist.Finally, Robin Williams did a decent job as Popeye, and his mutterings were amusing at times. Duvall was somewhat annoying as Olive Oyl, but did look the part, so good for her. The other cast members weren't anything special, but I suppose they played their roles well enough.I'm sure there are people who like the movie, but it just didn't do anything for me.

To start I want to say that I Marginally liked this film in 1980. Before 1978's Richard Donner's "Superman" there weren't too many comic/cartoon adaptations out there so we really didn't know what to expect from comic book movies. In Robert Altman's "Popeye" the audience didn't get that Altman was trying to make a cartoon come alive without animation. Robin Williams performance was spectacular as was Ray Walston's and Shelly Duvall. People didn't think it should have been a musical and that the music didn't work and critics trashed it so the stars and director disowned this film.Tim Burton's "Batman" in 1989 started to set the tone for what comic book movies should be but then the comic book themed movies fell apart with the rest of the Batman franchise until Christopher Nolan and Joss Whedon gave comic book movies a new direction.Now that there are comic book/cartoon movies out about every other month it would be great for younger viewers to revisit this film, I now find it delightful and hate to use the term "ahead of its time" but it really was!The only hard part now it that most younger viewers probably don't know who Popeye the Sailor man is and its too bad that Robin Williams is gone because a new film with him as Poop deck Pappy would be a lot of fun!

Popeye (Robin Williams) lands in Sweet Haven by the Sea, looking for his longlost papa. But, oh, this town is not friendly. There's a tax for almost everything, including setting foot in the village limits. Nevertheless, Popeye stays and gets a room in a boarding house run by Mrs. Oyl. The room is nothing to write home about yet there is an added attraction. Mrs. O has a daughter, Olive (Shelly Duvall) who is a skinny lass but pleasing to Popeye. Yet, horrors, she is to marry the town's bully, er, commissioner, Bluto. The only thing positive that Olive can sing about Bluto is he is large. Before long, Popeye wins her over, especially when they rescue a baby in a basket, Sweet Pea, and try to stay out of Bluto's way. At this point, Popeye REFUSES SPINACH so, despite his large arms, he can't best Bluto. After finding his wayfaring papa (Ray Walston) he learns some secrets that may help win Olive for himself. Even if there are octopuses circling in the waters! This unique movie may not be for all but its quirky delights and rapid-fire lines will entertain those who like it original. Watch Popeye mutter Au reservoir and you can double over with laughs. Yes, Williams is great and captures Popeye's essence well. Duvall is even better, she was made to play Olive and her voice resemblance to the cartoon character is uncanny. Walston, Paul Dooley and all the rest are fine support. Then, too, the scenery, which was captured on Malta, is wonderfully offbeat while costumes, songs from Niellson, a clever script by Jules Ffiefer and a one-of-a-kind direction by Robert Altman add up to something wacky and fun. If you want to walk to a different beat for a couple of hours, this one is for you.

POPEYE was Robin Williams' first starring role in a feature film, and he inhabits the character perfectly. This movie, more than any other that I can remember, is the best example of a live action cartoon, in the best sense of the term. Watching it was like a cartoon come to life. It was truly wonderful and extremely funny to watch characters behaving as if they were in one, from their movement to the way they spoke. And none exemplify this better than Robin Williams in the title role, who channels his unbridled comic talent into a completely dedicated performance which is equally hilarious and touching. The story is fairly simple, though. Popeye rows into the town of Sweethaven looking for his 'Pap.' While there, he (and the audience) find out about how messed up that town really is. They have an absurd amount of taxes, and everyone is kept in fear of a mysterious Commodore and Captain Bluto, who run the town. He also meets Olive Oyl, played (at times screechingly) by Shelley Duvall (who also fits her role perfectly). This film is also a musical, and there several catchy numbers which have the capacity to stick in your head if you aren't careful. If I have any complaints, it's that Shelley Duvall isn't as good a singer as she is an actress, but nothing she does really ruins the picture. The biggest flaw in the film is direction the narrative takes about two thirds of the way through. I also thought that Bluto wasn't really given his due as a character. Still, for Robin Williams fans this will be essential viewing. It's a wacky, manic experience that demands to be seen.