Seems Like Old Times (1980)
After being falsely accused of robbing a bank, a writer seeks the help of his lawyer ex-wife to clear his name. However, hilarity ensues when he must hide from her husband, who’s throwing a party for law enforcement officials.
What people think about Seems Like Old Times
Seems Like Old Times is the kind of breezy, high-spirited comedy that reminds you how far sheer charm and timing can carry a movie, especially when it’s powered by Neil Simon’s crisp, crowd-pleasing wit. Chevy Chase and Goldie Hawn spark with that irresistible old-flame chemistry, turning every awkward encounter and near-miss into a little dance of romantic screwball energy. The vibe is light, fast, and playfully chaotic, building toward the kind of escalating social catastrophe where the jokes land because the characters feel human underneath the farce. If you’re allergic to broad, party-set misunderstandings and classic studio-era contrivances, it may feel a bit fluffy—but if you want a warm, funny, effortlessly watchable rom-com caper, this one earns its title.
Seems Like Old Times is aiming for a breezy, old-school farce where charming stars and romantic tension do most of the heavy lifting, and on that level it can be pleasantly watchable. The problem is it plays like a near-miss: the script leans on the same misunderstandings a bit too hard, the pacing feels uneven, and the ending can come off oddly muddled when it should be snapping shut with comic precision. The score also pushes the “this is funny” button so often it can start to feel like it’s doing the work the jokes aren’t. If you love 1970s/early-80s star-driven comedies and don’t mind something a little dated and strained, you’ll get some laughs; if you want sharp wit and tight plotting, this may test your patience.
Cast
Goldie HawnGlenda Parks
Chevy ChaseNick Gardenia
Charles GrodinIra Parks
Robert GuillaumeFred
Harold GouldJudge John Channing
George GrizzardGovernor
Yvonne WilderAurora De La Hoya
T.K. CarterChester
Judd OmenDex
Marc AlaimoBee Gee
Bill ZuckertGas Station Attendant
Jerry HouserGas Station Attendant
David HaskellPoliceman
Chris LemmonPoliceman- EEd GriffithPoliceman
Joseph RunningfoxThomas- RRay TraceyRobert
Fay HauserAnne
Crew
- Director
- Jay Sandrich
- Writers
- Neil Simon
- Producers
- Roger M. RothsteinRay Stark
- Music
- Marvin Hamlisch
- Cinematography
- David M. Walsh
- Editing
- Michael A. Stevenson
Details
- Released
- December 19, 1980
- Language
- English
- Studio
- Rastar Productions
- IMDb
- tt0081480
