mike48128 It's a cute movie but not really a classic, but then neither is "What's Up Doc?" in my book. Both are fun, silly comedies. There is a certain amount of "sexual tension" real or imagined between O'Neil and Streisand. Ryan plays "Kid Natural" Scanlon, a down-on-his-luck washed up small time boxer. Some brief (but not frontal) nudity and horseplay in the locker room scenes and Bab's exercise class. Otherwise, quite tame in spite of some of the situations, including a bedroom encounter. Some mildly salty language and a very annoying performance by Patti D'Arbanville as Ryan's crass and tough girlfriend with "smoker's cough" are my reasons for marking down this film to an "8". Is it realistic? No. A perfume company would not own a boxer's contract, even as a tax shelter. However, Ryan's boxing scenes have a look of authenticity to them and he doesn't appear to be using a stunt double. Of course nobody would "throw in the towel" on purpose during a boxing match to disqualify the winner for such a silly reason as "true love". That's what makes this both a comedy and a fantasy. Barbra is in the best shape of her life and looks absolutely fantastic. It's funny enough that you don't have to be a fan of hers to enjoy it, but it helps if you like professional boxing or wrestling. The only notable song is the title track sung by (who else?) Barbra; so it's not a musical. This little movie made tons of money at the box office and in rentals. Apparently, it has been forgotten about, over the years.

Brian T. Whitlock (GOWBTW) Boxing is a all-time sport that requires speed and strength, in "The Main Event", it also requires support. Barbrs Streisand has been on a role in acting just like her singing career. She plays Hillary Kramer, a successful perfume businesswoman who one day finds herself without a single thin dime. Her accountant robbed her blind and headed for South America with her fortune. In order to start over, she has to become one thing she never dreamed of: Boxing Premoter. She drives out to meet Kid Natural(Ryan O'Neal) a former champ, who is now a driving instructor. He gets to go back into the ring with a help of some friends, and he's once again ready to rumble. The movie got a great cast, some boxers I've never heard of, Whitman Mayo never lost his touch after "Sanford and Son". He seems to be the most level-headed character in the movie, unlike his TV character Grady. Very classical and a true gem, Babs is best!4 out of 5 stars!

Jonathon Dabell The Main Event tries to capture some of the flavour of those old '30s comedies in which the main characters were fast-talking, argumentative types who ultimately fell in love with other against all expectations. Barbra Streisand and Ryan O'Neal are re-teamed seven years on from their much-admired What's Up Doc? but this film isn't really from the same league. It is, however, moderately enjoyable and sharply written. Streisand plays Hilary Kramer, a successful business-woman who runs a perfume corporation. She discovers that her accountant has fled to South America with all her money and all her assets, leaving her ruined. However, the one contract that the accountant forgot to take with him is that of a boxer, Eddie "Kid Natural" Scanlon (Ryan O'Neal). Hilary threatens Kid Natural with breach of contract if he won't fight for her (even though he's barely been in the ring for goodness knows how many years). Eventually, Kid Natural agrees to box again but he turns out to be pretty useless. Undeterred, Hilary fixes up a lucrative fight with one of his old adversaries, but complications arise when she realises that she has actually fallen for him. Fans of Streisand will undoubtedly enjoy the film. For others, it's a bit irritating. She gets into the role with heart and soul, but her constant fast-talk, put downs and wise one-liners becomes very wearing if you're not an admirer. O'Neal is frustratingly laid-hack and seems to be playing his role with the minimum of effort, but he somehow just about gets across a likable enough performance. The situations and incidents that comprise the plot are nicely thought-out. The only moment which feels wrong is the ending, wherein Streisand does something really crazy to prove her love for O'Neal but what she does would, in actual fact, probably annoy the hell out of him, yet he takes it really well and it all seems somewhat unbelievable. Still, The Main Event is undemanding entertainment and you could do a lot worse.

MAX80 I echo the previous viewers comments. When released in 1979, THE MAIN EVENT was an immediate summer hit grossing $66 million in the US and $80 million around the world. The film was popular not only because it reunited the stars of the 1972 blockbuster WHAT'S UP, DOC?, but also because of it's light tone and old-fashioned fun.The story doesn't really matter, all you need to know is that the chemistry between the stars is fun and exciting and the screenplay gives them plenty of room to inhabit the screen. Streisand is as lovable as ever and O'Neal has rarely been more charming.As I said before: Good fun! 7/10.