With Jim Sabatini

Mr. Saturday Night

Rated: R For language.
Reviewed by: Chris
Release date: September 23, 1992	Released by: Columbia Pictures

Billy Crystal stars as a bitter Jewish stand up comic, Buddy Young, Jr., who looks back on his 50-year career.

His brother Stan (David Paymer -City Slickers), manages him through his ups and down as he plays the Catskills, has a hit TV show and eventually ends up playing in old age homes and bowling alleys.

Every time Buddy is successful, he self-destructs. He's loud, abrasive and mistreats the people who care about him the most, especially Stan.

Besides co-writing, along with Babaloo Mandel and Lowell Ganz, Crystal also produces and directs.

The on-stage comedy is okay, but the best lines are the bantering between Buddy and Stan. The brothers' relationship is bittersweet and the writing is terrific.

Crystal's acting is great, he's fast talking and self-absorbed, taking on the role of an unlikable character with enthusiasm. But his make-up job needed some work, the older he got, the more purple his lips appeared, until at the end, Billy looks like he just finished a grape popsicle.

Julie Warner (Doc Hollywood) as Buddy's loving wife is good, as is Helen Hunt as his agent, but David Paymer steals the show, his acting is fabulous, a sensitive, sweet guy who stays in the background and breaks your heart.

You'll laugh and you'll cry, but mostly you'll be entertained by this funny, sweet story of unconditional brotherly love.