octavalvehandle I remember being very impressed with "Simon" when I saw it on a cable. But that was more than 20 years ago. What I remember was that the humor was clever and offbeat. It wasn't goofy, just weird and fun. There is a similarity to Woody Allen's "Sleeper" and I would also place film like "The President's Analyst" in the this category. Whether it was funny or not, I don't recall. But it doesn't really matter. There are many comedies that are extremely entertaining but not necessarily laugh-out-loud funny.Of all the films that are not available on DVD, this is near the top of my want list (along with another Alan Arkin film, "The Seven Percent Solution". I'm curious to see what I'd think of it now. The 9 star vote I've given it is based on my memory. Hopefully, when I see it again, it will hold up.

Richard I love this film. A wonderful, madcap vehicle for Alan Arkin (who is brilliant), with exquisite cameos by Pendleton, Shawn, Gwynne and Kahn. Zany, but not slapstick. More than enough wit. If you're a fan of Arkin or any of the supporting cast, you'll enjoy it.It's not on par with Woody Allen or Mel Brooks' best, but certainly better than their passable mediocre efforts. Also some fun social commentary.I was working as a theater usher when this movie was released. Curiously (to me, anyway), I watch more than a few folks leave the theater before the film's end, saying the movie was awful.So, obviously not everyone's cup of tea. But I remain a fan.

Grozniak If you haven't seen this you are missing out on a real gem. It was an underground cult hit upon release, then vanished into obscurity. This is a clever, truly brilliant film and it's a true crime that it hasn't been released on DVD. One of Arkin's best performances, up there with Seven Percent Solution. A bizarre film that can appeal to all fans of Woody Allen films, Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman TV show, etc. One highlight is the reference to the old TV program, Celebrity Bowling, which of course itself was one of the most bizarre things ever to hit TV screens. Worth the price of admission for that joke alone! Attention producers: DVD required asap please!

mushrom This movie is a true classic. I would compare it with Dr. Strangelove or A Clockwork Orange.**POSSIBLE SPOILER** This is not a true spoiler, but may give away some parts of the plot. Simon is a college professor who wants to be special. He plays around with sensory deprevation in an attempt to find his "inner self". A bunch of think-tank scientists convince him that he is an alien with unexpected results.He soon goes beyond them, and releases a "stupid gas" on them and escapes. Fred Gwynn makes a great role as the General in charge of recapturing him.He then goes and contacts a cult that worships TV and uses their ability to take over satelite transmission to create his own "fourth network" (remember in 1980 there were only 3).This is a great movie if you want to relax. Alan Arkin and Madeline Kahn are excellent, along with the rest of the cast.