Inside Moves (1980)

You won't be disappointed!

Fantastic!

This is a tender, generous movie that likes its characters and presents them as real people, full of flaws and strengths.

The first must-see film of the year.

Roary (John Savage) jumps out of a highrise in a suicide attempt. He barely survives and ends up as a cripple in a poor Oakland neighborhood. He starts going to a local bar where Jerry Maxwell (David Morse) is the friendly bartender. It's a place where regulars gather and play cards. Jerry is a Warriors fan bringing Roary to a game. Jerry challenges player Alvin Martin in an one-on-one game and almost wins. The bar is in danger of closing and Roary buy it. Jerry is frustrated with flighty girlfriend Anne and his inability to get an operation to fix his leg. Lucius beats up Jerry and Anne goes off with him. Alvin Martin gets a $3 million contract and offers to lend money for Jerry's operation. Roary falls for waitress Louise (Diana Scarwid).Richard Donner directs this movie of a man regaining his life. John Savage is a solid base. David Morse shines in a something more than a supporting role. The story can ramble on a little because there is no set direction for the plot. It has that 70s feel of an undefined life course. There are some solid performances not just from the two men and Scarwid.

Inside Moves stars John Savage as Rory a young man who is left partially crippled after a failed suicide attempt whilst undergoing rehabilitation he hang's out at max's bar which is all full of lovable characters some of which are also disabled, the bar is run by Jerry played by David Morse in his debut When Jerry the bartender suddenly finds himself playing basketball for the Golden State Warriors, Rory and the rest of the bar regulars hope his success will provide a lift to their sagging spirits. Inside Moves is an undeniable gem of a film which is now getting another chance of recognition through it's special DVD release

I remember seeing this movie on for the lst time on cable TV about 20 years ago. I think I have seen 2 times since then. This movie is hard to find, and if you come across it, stop and watch it. The acting is great. The story centers on friendship developed between John Savage's character (a bitter failed suicide) and the people who work and hang out in a neighborhood bar in Oakland. What I liked about this movie is that it had a great mix of gently funny moments, great human insight, and touching moments without being sappy.All the performances were very good but John Savage stole the show. With some fine supporting work by David Morse of St. Elsewhere fame, and Diana Scarwid of "Mommie Dearest" fame. Also great work by an excellent crew of character actors. This is a human interest drama devoid of special effects....how refreshing.

I saw this movie when we first got cable in the early 80's. It really got my attention with the jarring beginning, and the subsequent treatment of the initial character and the bar acquaintances who soon become his support and "family". Great ensemble cast, great soundtrack( I have it on LP), great story. You'll recognize several faces of character actors and some who went on to the small screen for bigger parts. The story doesn't protect the viewer from the ugliness of the characters' lives, though it does let us see the joy and hope the have in the less-than-ideal lives they must live. Some might classify the ending as "hokey", but I prefer to see it as "satisfying".