Having It All (1982)

Having It All is the kind of sprightly, feather-light romantic comedy that knows exactly how silly its premise is—and dares its cast to sell it with sheer charm. Dyan Cannon rises to the challenge beautifully, giving the film a bright, buoyant center that keeps the tone playful and surprisingly warm, even as the situation teeters on farce. As a TV-movie time capsule of early-’80s style and comedic timing, it’s an easy, feel-good watch that moves with a breezy confidence and never asks you to take it too seriously. If you’re craving grounded realism, this won’t be your pick—but if you want an enjoyable, good-natured romp powered by an “everyone’s in on the joke” ensemble, it’s a delightful little treat.

Having It All wants to be a cheeky, high-concept romantic farce about a woman juggling two marriages on opposite coasts, aiming for breezy TV-movie scandal with a wink. The problem is it often plays like a single joke stretched thin, with broad, sitcommy setups that don’t build into sharper comedy and a pace that can feel oddly inert for something this outrageous. Some of the humor veers into curiously vulgar territory without earning it, which can make the tone feel less “naughty fun” and more “trying too hard.” If you like lightweight, old-school TV rom-coms and can tolerate repetition, it may pass the time, but if you’re looking for clever farce, believable romance, or even consistent energy, this probably isn’t for you.