Cast
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Tony Danza
as Doug Simpson
Catherine Hicks
as Janet Pearson
Wallace Shawn
as Dr. Fishbinder
Dick O'Neill
as Mr. Pearson
Ami Dolenz
as Katie Simpson
Laura Mooney
as Bonnie Simpson
Derek McGrath
as Jeff
Dana Ashbrook
as Joey
Matthew Perry
as Timothy
Lance Wilson-White
as Richard
Michael Alaimo
as Baggage Handler
Marcie Barkin
as Doug's Secretary
Diana Barrows
as Lisa
Jan Bina
as Harpist
Michael Bower
as Kid at Beach
Crew
Director
- Stan Dragoti
Writer
- Michael J. Nathanson
- Seth Winston
Producer
- Stephen Deutsch
Reviews
Wuchak
_**Laugh with it, don’t psychoanalyze it**_
A widower (Tony Danza) manages a radio station and takes care of his two girls. As he’s away on business, his girlfriend (Catherine Hicks) gives his nerdy 15 year-old daughter (Ami Dolenz) a makeover. When the dad returns home his daughter is no longer a girl, but a blossoming woman who’s attracting males left and right. Wallace Shawn plays a successful psychologist.
"She’s Out of Control" (1989) is a coming of age dramedy that pokes fun at several things: The loving father who’s overly concerned about his daughter’s honor, a girl’s discovery of her womanly powers, self-help authors who supposedly have everything figured out, and the challenging relationship between the daughter’s boyfriend and her father .
The title isn’t “false advertising” because everything’s told from the perspective of the protagonist, which is Danza’s character. To HIM, she is out of control. Speaking of Danza, he has John Ritter’s likable charm and easily carries the movie.
Dolenz was 18 during shooting and is serviceable as the title character, but she got better in such roles as she aged, as witnessed in “Pumpkinhead II: Blood Wings” (1993). The film would’ve been more successful if they casted a more iconic 80’s actress in the role (although I’m glad Molly Ringwald didn’t play the part, probably because she was too old by 1988 when the film was shot). On the other side of the gender spectrum, Dana Ashbrook stands out as rockin’ loner Joey.
The main reason I was interested in seeing this flick was because Siskel & Ebert tore it to pieces on their show. Gene even said he considered quitting his job because of it. Seriously? It’s a cute high school comedy focusing on a father’s amusing travails, not frickin’ “Gandhi.” Meanwhile, in Ebert’s review, he laughably psychoanalyzed the dad’s attitude toward his daughter as “perverse,” “sick” and “sexual.” Really? All movies exaggerate reality to some degree, especially farces like this one. ALL fathers of nubile daughters can relate to his situation to some degree, even though it’s amusingly EXAGGERATED.
The movie runs 1 hour, 30 minutes, and was shot in the Los Angeles area (South Pasadena, Malibu, Huntington Park, Downey, Oxnard and Hollywood).
GRADE: B-
Dec 2, 2020
Thematic Analysis
She's Out of Control represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Romance cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Stan Dragoti brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1989, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of She's Out of Control took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 97 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 151 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 53 unique compositions.
- The costume department created over 478 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The film contains approximately 1333 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1989, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While She's Out of Control shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Her Best Move, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, She's Out of Control offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Queen for a Day and Love, Simon explore similar territory, She's Out of Control stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 14, 1989
- Runtime: 1h 37m
- Revenue: $12,065,892
