Is Starting Over Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Starting Over is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 105 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Starting Over Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1979, Starting Over emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Romance domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of After divorcing his ambitious singer wife, a middle-aged man begins a new relationship with a teacher. Unlike standard genre fare, Starting Over attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Starting Over features a noteworthy lineup led by Burt Reynolds . Supported by the likes of Jill Clayburgh and Candice Bergen , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Starting Over (1979) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Starting Over Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Starting Over is a Comedy, Romance film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Starting Over Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Starting Over concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Starting Over reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Starting Over?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Starting Over Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $10.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $35.6M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Starting Over Budget
The estimated production budget for Starting Over is $10.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of Starting Over
- Burt Reynolds – Phil Potter
- Jill Clayburgh – Marilyn Holmburg
- Candice Bergen – Jessica Potter
- Charles Durning – Michael "Mickey" Potter
- Frances Sternhagen – Marva Potter
Top Highlights
Burt ReynoldsPhil Potter
Jill ClayburghMarilyn Holmburg
Candice BergenJessica Potter
Charles DurningMichael "Mickey" Potter
Frances SternhagenMarva Potter
Austin PendletonPaul
Mary Kay PlaceMarie
MacIntyre DixonDan Ryan
Jay O. SandersLarry
Charles KimbroughSalesman
Where to Watch Starting Over Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Starting Over is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.3/10, and global collection metrics, Starting Over stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1979 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Starting Over movie hit or flop?
Starting Over has received mixed reviews with a 6.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Starting Over worth watching?
Starting Over is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Starting Over online?
Starting Over may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Starting Over
How Starting Over Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Starting Over
No reviews found for this filter.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
