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.

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!

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!"

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.