Irreconcilable Differences (1984)

58% of critics liked it
(12 reviews)
48% of users liked it
(5,423 ratings)

In this human-scale drama/comedy, a pair of Beverly Hills parents, Albert (Ryan O'Neal) and Lucy (Shelley Long) first come together as a couple interested in writing (she) and teaching (he), but Albert's life takes an upscale turn when he starts both writing and then directing in Hollywood. As he… More In this human-scale drama/comedy, a pair of Beverly Hills parents, Albert (Ryan O'Neal) and Lucy (Shelley Long) first come together as a couple interested in writing (she) and teaching (he), but Albert's life takes an upscale turn when he starts both writing and then directing in Hollywood. As he becomes successful, Lucy is forced to burrow into her own writing in self-defense, and after her book is well-received, she is compensated a little for Albert's lack of attention and philandering. After Hollywood and its well-known flaws are sketched out in the increasingly strained marriage, the story reaches its primary focus: Albert and Lucy's 9-year-old daughter Casey (Drew Barrymore) talks to a lawyer because she wants to sue her parents for divorce. She gets no hugs or affection, and precious little attention, and she would prefer to go live with the maid. Given the parents' celebrity, the case receives wide press -- and the family begins to reconsider where it is going and why. Although a bit long, especially in the first half which wanders off course a little, the story is engaging enough (especially for Hollywood buffs) to balance any weaknesses. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 54 min.
Directed By: Charles Shyer
Genres: Drama, Kids & Family, Comedy

In Theaters: Sep 28, 1984 Wide
On DVD: Apr 14, 2009
Studio: Video Treasures

Critic Reviews

Kyle Smith, KyleSmithOnline.com
There is a marvelous balance in that we have an equal rooting interest in each of the main characters. It isn't a mere satire.
Kevin Carr, 7M Pictures
I had much more sympathy for the child in the film and, sadly, she takes a back seat.
Jason McKiernan, Filmcritic.com
We like these people even as they sink further and further into a black hole, and we root for their sensible, level-headed, uncommonly mature daughter to set them straight.
Pablo Villaca, Cinema em Cena
Buscando as lágrimas ou o riso do espectador de forma maniqueísta, o filme chega a se confundir, tentando fazer graça com o sofrimento de uma criança.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Megan S

Love this! I wish kids really did take their parents to court for neglect.
AJ V

This fantastic drama gives you a new look on divorced families. It has a great cast, and it's also a bit funny too. I love it, and I highly recommend it.
Candy R

Movie about a little girl who sued her parents for divorce. Drew is very sweet.

Cast

            Ryan O'Neal as Albert Brodsky

            Shelley Long as Lucy Van Patten Brodsky

            Drew Barrymore as Casey Brodsky

            Sam Wanamaker as David Kessler

            Allen Garfield as Phil Hanner

            Sharon Stone as Blake Chandler

            Beverlee Reed as Dotty Chandler

            Carl Byrd as Sound Man

            Hortensia Colorado as Maria Hernandez

            Jenny Gago as Tracy

            Wendy Gordon as Reporter

            David Graf as Bink

            Eloise Hardt as Elaine Kessler

            Ildiko Jaid as Whispering Woman

            Dana Kaminski as Woman in Dress Shop

            Kelly Lange as Anchorwoman

            Ken Lerner as Doctor

            Larry Marko as Court Clerk

            Kim Marriner as Reporter

            Mark May as Reporter

            Irving Meyers as Man in Bar

            Annie Meyers-Shyer as Little Girl in Crowd

            Steven K. Miller as Reporter

            Richard Minchenberg as Howard Kay

            Stuart Pankin as Ronnie

            David Paymer as Alan Slusier

            Rex Reed (II) as Entertainment Editor

            Charlotte Stewart as Sally

            Lorinne Vozoff as Judge Shalack

            Steffen Zacharias as Man at Party

            Luana Anders as Atlanta Widow

            William A. Fraker as Gabrielle Cinematographer

            Ida Random as Woman at Party

            Laura Campbell as Uptight Woman

            Deborah Cody as Reporter

            Minnie Lindsay as Inez

            Arlin Miller as Radio Newscaster

            David D'Arnal as Waiter

            Ken Gale as Reporter

            Gregory Hodal as Atlanta Preacher

            Johna Stewart as Little Casey
See full cast