It is difficult to review "movies of childhood" - on the one hand, in the memory preserved delight from seeing it two decades ago; on the other hand, you know that you have changed and what was once so loved, now may be disappointing. Moreover, if you've read devastating criticism on IMDb or Rotten Tomatoes and paid attention to the movie's low rating and its failure at the box office, you'll seriously doubt the wisdom of messing up your vivid impressions of childhood.But here you have some free time, and while not expecting anything special, except for the romantic comedy with still young Baldwin and Basinger, you launch The Marrying Man.Then unexpectedly in addition to the fun romantic story, you find clever humour and excellent Neil Simon's dialogues, psychologically credible analysis of relationships' problems, beautiful songs from the 1950s performed by Kim and perfectly conveyed elegance of the "golden age."Although "The Marrying Man" in its own is a fairy-tale (probably because of this you've fell in love with this movie as a child), it is absolutely not for children. The movie's fabulousness, imperceptibly "catchy" to many is apparently equally repulsive to others. This fabulousness manifested not only in the glamorous beauty of Baldwin-Basinger pair, but also in the inescapable optimistic narrative, desire and ability of the main protagonists to forgive and to give each other more and more chances despite appearing would be hopelessly damaged relationships. Of course, in real life it seems unreal. And if it happens, it is extremely rare. But many would like to believe in a fabulous chance to correct the irreparable: to return passion, which was extinguished in the routine of life, to restore marriage, ruined by husband's workaholism and negligence, to start over and fall into another flaw when husband loses his self-esteem, when recriminations and resentment for lost opportunities seem insurmountable, still to forgive and to try again from the scratch, taking into account all the experienced mistakes - with mutual respect, love and support. And characters are giving these forgiveness and new opportunities to each other - a fairy tale, in which you secretly want to believe.In this fairy tale with beautiful people, great music, stylish atmosphere, clever dialogues, good humour and adult problems, protagonists, despite all of life's disasters and deep resentment, still eager to find mutual support and love, friends remain loyal, and the story's ending, as a reward for all experienced, is optimistic. The Marrying Man is a good movie for those who have not forgotten how to believe in the beautiful fairy tales.10 out of 10

This is the movie where Alec Balwin and Kim Baisinger fall in love, FOR REAL! Their chemistry is potent and obvious... and they were married shortly after!Yes, it's very funny in places, a tribute to human emotional insanity under the influence of love... and OH so true.Largely, to my mind, because of the REAL emotions between the main characters (they WEREN'T acting) it was fantastic. Alec is the quintessential male victim of love - totally illogical and totally devoted to the female who's totally seduced him. And she comes to believe a man willing to die for her is better than the meal ticket she's got in the mob guy... to everyone's detriment.Watch it again, people, appreciating it's relation to actual history...

An excellent romantic comedy. Kim Basinger is superb in the role of a cabaret singer. She is gorgeous, immediate, and really puts over a song. She radiates true star quality and the staging of the songs is stunning. The screenplay is fresh and funny, and creates a delightful artificial reality that is validated by the emotional truths it conveys. Alec Baldwin is appealing and natural. Elizabeth Shue is perfectly cast in a subsidiary role and delivers with conviction. Minuses are the supporting four Baldwin buddies and major lapses in mise en scene. A touching, funny, and underrated movie. If, like me, you've passed by the video box for eons, turned off by the Art Disco graphic design, take a deep breath and give it a try.

This movie is a great a movie, especially when you don't know what the crap it's about before you watch it. I really liked this movie because it really gets you feeling as if you've been in a love hate relationship for three years when all you've been doing is watching a movie for two hours. And these two actors are great, the fact that they liked each other in real life adds to the passion they are supposed to feel.I'm tired of watching movies where people get divorced that seem so perfect for each other and in the back of your mind you think they should get back with each other, but in the occasion they do get back together, it suddenly seems like the problems they had befor disappeares, that usually makes it unrealistic. Thats why this movie is perfect, you want them to get together, which they do, and they still address the problems from before making this a superb movie. Since in my opinion Notting Hill his the best romantic comedy to ever be made and since this movie is only one notch bellow that that makes this a good movie. Maybe the reason I also liked this movie is because it mostly takes place in California which is where I live and love. But even if I lived in Australia I would still like this movie.