Baby It's You (1983)
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94% of critics liked it
(16 reviews) -
61% of users liked it
(384 ratings)
In the early 1960s, two very different New Jersey high schoolers share their first love in this bittersweet romantic drama, an early feature by writer/director John Sayles. Jill Rosen (Rosanna Arquette) is a sweet, overachieving Jewish girl heading for college to become an actor; "Sheik"… More In the early 1960s, two very different New Jersey high schoolers share their first love in this bittersweet romantic drama, an early feature by writer/director John Sayles. Jill Rosen (Rosanna Arquette) is a sweet, overachieving Jewish girl heading for college to become an actor; "Sheik" Capodilupo (Vincent Spano) is a mysterious, confident Italian guy who pushes his way into Jill's already busy life. Sheik successfully woos Jill, and the story follows their ups and downs as teenage romantics. While that introduction is lighter fare than most Sayles material, the film trails off into some unexpected plot developments, providing an original take on the "different sides of the track" genre. Sayles directs the high school scenes with a combination of reminiscence and reality, balancing the excitement of cars and the prom with the heartache, anxiety, and classwork that goes along with it. The movie is injected with a mostly 1960s soundtrack, yet the videocassette lists that "some music has been changed" for home video -- the note apparently refers to four Bruce Springsteen cuts. Matthew Modine and Tracy Pollan appear in small parts, and Robert Downey Jr. also has a tiny role. This was the fiercely independent Sayles' first film to be made with a major studio (Paramount), and he claims it will be his last, as he lost final editing control. ~ Norm Schrager, Rovi
- Directed By
- John Sayles
- Genres
- Drama, Art House & International, Comedy
R,
- In Theaters
- Feb 4, 1983 Wide
- Studio
- Paramount Pictures
Critic Reviews
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, Time Out
Arquette and Spano hit exactly the right note.
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Janet Maslin, New York Times
A labor of love for everyone involved.
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Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
As a filmmaker, Sayles still seems more likable than incisive or original, but it's a likability with a certain brilliance.
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Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Rosanna Arquette has a way about her.
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Fernando F. Croce, CinePassion
A patchy romance but tough-minded and full of vividly smudged emotions
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
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Cast
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Rosanna Arquette
as Jill
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Vincent Spano
as Sheik
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Joanna Merlin
as Mrs. Rosen
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Jack Davidson
as Dr. Rosen
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Nick Ferrari
as Mr. Capadilupo
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Dolores Messina
as Mrs. Capadilupo
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Leora Dana
as Miss Vernon
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William Joseph Raymond
as Mr. Ripeppi
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Sam McMurray
as Mr. mcManus
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Liane Alexandra Curtis
as Jody
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Claudia Sherman
as Beth
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Marta Kober
as Debra
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Rachel Dretzin
as Shelly
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Susan Derendorf
as Chris
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Caroline Aaron
as Waitress
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Phil Brock
as Biff
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Robert Downey Jr.
as Stewart
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Robin Johnson
as Joann
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Donnie Kehr
as Barry
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Gary McCleery
as Rat
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Matthew Modine
as Steve
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Tracy Pollan
as Leslie
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Fisher Stevens
as Stage Manager
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Frank Vincent
as Vinnie
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Julie Philips
as Karen
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Frank Zagarino
as Lew
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Richard Kantor
as Curtis
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Michael E. Knight
as Philip
