Richard Dreyfuss in "The Buddy System" 1984 Movie Review

A cautious single mom and a frustrated writer dance around the prospect of getting together in this romantic comedy. Caustic, difficult Emily (Susan Sarandon) lives with her potty-mouthed son, Tim (Wil Wheaton), and her obnoxiously bossy mother (Jean Stapleton).

Her social life consists of afternoon dalliances with a total cad. When part-time writer/inventor and full-time school security guard Joe (Richard Dreyfuss) passes up the chance to turn Tim in for not meeting the school's residency requirements, a paranoid Emily accuses him of masterminding a blackmail scheme.

Unbeknownst to Emily, though, the friendless, fatherless Tim strikes up an unlikely friendship with Joe. Eventually, against her better judgement, so does Emily herself. But when one of Joe's inventions begins to take off, his sadistic ex-girlfriend, Carrie (Nancy Allen), shows up to spoil things.

Genres: Drama

MPAA Rating: PG

Run Time: 110 minutes

Studio: Fox Home Entertainment

Produced By: 20th Century Fox

Starring: Richard Dreyfuss, Susan Sarandon, Jean Stapleton, Nancy Allen Wil Wheaton

Directed by: Glenn Jordan

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• The
• Buddy
• System
• Richard
• Dreyfuss
• Susan
• Sarandon
• Jean
• Stapleton
• Nancy
• Allen
• Wil
• Wheaton

[BigDowntown]

I mean it's not THAT bad. In fact, there are some humorous moments between Nancy Allen and Richard Dreyfus & some authentic moments between Susan Sarandon and Jean Stapleton, as her mother.

[DreyfussFan]

Couldn't agree with you more! I loved this movie and these guys ripped it so bad. I know they are movie critics and have their opinions but I have to dissagree with them on this one!

[BethanyRose211]

its meant to be a romantic comedy? not just a comedy. i love it.

[Dana888dana]

I found this movie to be quite entertaining and romantic! Better than a lot of movies coming out nowdays! What about that silly one with Mel Gibson and a stuffed beaver for Pete's sake??????? The critics got it wrong on this movie - all acting was great, good music, funny moments, and Jean Stapleton did a great job!!! Richard Dreyfus was appealing too!

[squiffydoodle]

I love this movie, it's so sweet with little Wil Wheaton and how he gets mad at Joe for hurting his mom

[louisa1832]

Aside from the foul-mouthed kid, I liked this movie. (Of course, I haven't seen it in a quarter of a century. ...) Dreyfuss looks wonderful in it. He's so handsome; I wish he had never covered his face with whiskers.