I re-watched this film recently because it was directed by Carl Reiner. I knew that I had seen it before on VHS, but I couldn't remember a thing about the plot - or even if I liked it or not. I assumed that I must have liked it, because Carl Reiner directed some of my favourite movies from the late 1970s and.early 1980s: The Jerk (1979), Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid (1982) and The Man with Two Brains (1983).
After rewatching 'Sibling Rivalry' I understood why I didn't remember any plot details; the film turned out to be utterly forgettable. It clocked in at not even 90 minutes and.it was bookended by a voice-over by Kirstie Alley at the beginning and the end, explaining the main plot points instead of showing them. Perhaps they should have given that task to Sam Elliott or another member of the promising cast (Carrie Fisher, Bill Pullman, Scott Bakula, Ed O'Neill). After all, Kirstie Alley's strongest asset isn't her voice...
The re-watch didn't give me a lot of enjoyment - but it DID make me realise something. The reason that I loved those 3 earlier 'Carl Reiner' films I mentioned might have been mostly due to the fact that they al had Steve Martin on top form in a starring role.
Ah well - live and learn...
After rewatching 'Sibling Rivalry' I understood why I didn't remember any plot details; the film turned out to be utterly forgettable. It clocked in at not even 90 minutes and.it was bookended by a voice-over by Kirstie Alley at the beginning and the end, explaining the main plot points instead of showing them. Perhaps they should have given that task to Sam Elliott or another member of the promising cast (Carrie Fisher, Bill Pullman, Scott Bakula, Ed O'Neill). After all, Kirstie Alley's strongest asset isn't her voice...
The re-watch didn't give me a lot of enjoyment - but it DID make me realise something. The reason that I loved those 3 earlier 'Carl Reiner' films I mentioned might have been mostly due to the fact that they al had Steve Martin on top form in a starring role.
Ah well - live and learn...