Why Do Fools Fall In Love
Seen it?1998 | 116 min | Drama, Romance
Weeknight Watchearly ratingWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
With middling reviews (52% on Rotten Tomatoes) and soft box office, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Tailor-made for anyone who likes watching an argument won and music lovers. The best scenes are battles fought with words. Fans of Dancer in the Dark or Jungle Fever should feel right at home. The music is woven into the story, not just laid on top.
- The mood
- Warm and romantic.
- The pace
- Character-first and patient, at 1 hr 56 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- Skip it if you need something light and fast tonight.
In the mid-80s, three women (each with an attorney) arrive at the office of New York entertainment manager, Morris Levy. One is an L.A. singer, formerly of the Platters; one is a petty thief from Philly; one teaches school in a small Georgia town. Each claims to be the widow of long-dead doo-wop singer-songwriter Frankie Lyman, and each wants years of royalties due to his estate, money Levy has never shared. During an ensuing civil trial, flashbacks tell the story of each one's life with Lyman, a boyish, high-pitched, dynamic performer, lost to heroin. Slowly, the three wives establish their own bond.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
52% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$12 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 88K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Dancer in the Dark
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Sunday Safe BetAnother drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Gregory Nava
- Larenz TateFrankie Lymon
- Halle BerryZola Taylor
- Vivica A. FoxElizabeth 'Mickey' Waters
- Lela RochonEmira Eagle
- Pamela ReedJudge Lambrey
- Clifton PowellLawrence Roberts
- Paul MazurskyMorris Levy
- Miguel A. Núñez Jr.Young Little Richard
- James GleasonStage Manager
- Ben VereenRichard Barrett