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Visitors Review

TxMike 2013-05-10 04:11:09

Lightweight fluff of a love story with Michael J Fox and Helen Slater.

"The Secret of My Success" was made right in the middle of the "Back to theFuture" period, and capitalizes on Fox's popularity in film and on TV. Heplays a young executive-wannabee who can only get a job in the mailroomwhere his uncle is the boss, but he takes the opportunity to secure anoffice, a secretary, and act like an executive under an assumed name. Quick-change of clothes in the elevator is a running theme.Helen Slater, cute blonde who I liked so much in "Supergirl", played theserious young executive that Fox ends up chasing, and catching. There alsois a running thread of his uncle's wife trying to seduce him. At the climax,during merger talks, Fox exposes his uncle, the "aunt" becomes boss, and Foxand Slater are heroes. Silly premise, silly ending, but it is all in funanyway. I give it a "7" of 10 for amusing entertainment, but not a very highseven.

2013-05-09 08:38:56

Any side fun

Producers know better what this story is about-is it a parody on American opportunities concentrated absurdly on NYC establishment or just a realm of possibilities Kansas young opportunistic professional deploys with all his endings actively while climbing a corporate leader an uncle helped him to clinch to, through bedrooms of uncle's wife and mistress up to vacating a top post own uncle was working at for himself? It is nice movie in any case.

blanche-2 2013-05-02 09:55:16

no so secret

"The Secret of My Success" is an 1987 film directed by Herb Ross andstarring Michael J. Fox, Helen Slater, Margaret Whitton, RichardJordan, and John Pankow.Fox plays Brantley Foster, a Kansas boy who moves to New York City tomake it big, only to find out it's harder than he imagined. He has afew false starts he's the victim of budget cuts on the first day of hisnew job; in one interview, he's told he has no experience; afterbeefing up his resume, on his next interview, he's told he's not aminority.Finally he calls a shirttail relative, Uncle Howard (Jordan), whosename he got from his mother, and gets a job in the mail room. He startsreading reports and memos to learn the business. Noticing an officejust emptied by a fired employee, he takes it over and calls himselfCarlton Whitfield, and does this Superman changing thing in theelevator from his mail room clothes to his suit, and back again. Soonenough, his crush on an executive (Slater), the hankering Howard's wife(Whitton) has for him, and his double identity collide.Amusing film, with Fox's charm driving this somewhat typical '80s lookat big business. One of the people reviewing it on this site suggestedit's not so crazy to believe someone from the mail room could pose asan executive. As someone who has worked in big business, I have toagree. There is so little real communication and so muchdepartmentalizing that at least for a time, it would be possible. Andcould this person be smarter than the actual executives? No doubt.Enjoyable if not hilarious, with some good performances, particularlyby Fox, Pankow, Whitton, and Carol Ann Susi as Jean, "Carlton's"secretary.

2013-05-01 19:39:28

Happy movie with Michael J. Fox

A great fun loving movie and Michael J. Fox is great in this old movie

2013-04-22 22:58:26

Michael J. Fox's performance makes up for some big holes

It has dawned on me that I have probably used "The Secret of My Succe$s" as an example in class more than just about any other film ever made. Part of the reason is that most students have seen this film, so I am likely to get nods of recognition more than if I mention "Battleship Potemkin" or "Citizen Kane." This 1987 comedy tells the story of Brantley Foster (Michael J. Fox), who heads from his family's farm in Kansas to the Big Apple to put his business degree to use, but all he can get is a job in the mail room of a firm owned by a distant uncle (Richard Jordan). Brantley comes up with a short cut but there comes a moment when he has to step up to the plate and impress a group of potential investors with a brilliant idea. We see Brantley explain but his idea to an enthralled group of rich businessmen, but...WE HEAR NOTHING. The script by Jim Cash & Jack Epps, Jr. and AJ Carothers ("and" does not mean the same thing as "&" in Hollywood) could not come up with anything good enough to carry the scene so they just turned up the music and figured if we had enjoyed the movie to that point and if we liked Michael J. Fox then we would just buy this and proceed to the happy ending.Contrast this with the movie that might be the one I mention second most in class, "The Karate Kid," and the great scene where Mr. Miyagi explains to Daniel-san that "sand the floor" means a whole lot than he ever imagined. That is the sort of scene that makes an entire movie, and "The Secret of My Success" has a big hole where that scene should be. There are more holes in this film, which allow Brantley to create the persona of Carlton Whitfield, a young executive in a previous empty office (being in the mailroom has its advantages in such a scheme) and provide a fairy godmother in the person of his Aunt Vera (Margaret Whitton). Meanwhile, Brantley (or Whitfield, depending on your perspective), is interested in Christy Wills (Helen Slater), who is introduced in the most erotic display of drinking from a water fountain in the history of American cinema. This is Michael J. Fox's movie and his engaging performance forgives most of the film's faults in this mindless comedy (mindless in that you will like the film if you mind the holes in it less). Actually, I was amazed to really see how many stupid things happen in "The Secret of My Succe$s," but I still like Fox's performance. If nothing else, this film is a reminder that Fox was a gifted physical comedien. The world of business does not come out looking well, but then it is hard to find too many movies in the past twenty years that make you think kindly towards big business.

2013-04-22 07:06:58

Great story.

This review is from: The Secret of My Success (DVD) Michael J. Fox is great in it. Love it. Saw at least 10x. Not for everyone. Can watch over and over.

2013-04-17 02:22:49

Marty McFly plus Supergirl equal love!!!

I really was smitten with this comedy, and it is now marked as one of my all-time favorite films! Helen and Michael have really good chemistry together as Chrissy Wells and Brantly Foster(a.k.a. Carlton Whitfield)! First Michael is definately smitten by her when he first meets her at the water fountain, and then he grows fond of her more as they go out together! If I had to pick a favorite scene, it would be when they share their first kiss on the boat! True magic right there! It's too bad they didn't make a sequal to this, it would have been great to see the both of them again!

ylopez4-1 2013-04-16 12:13:37

great movie

This has to be one of MJF, best movies he is so beautiful in it, ithink i fell in love with him there, i love the comedy, the double rolei though he was amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All the other characters weregreat, i love Helen slater she was cool, and i felt she has greatchemistry with him........The aunt was hilarious, and came across verylikable........ I just remembered watching this when i was like 6, andthinking Michael J. Fox was the hottest!!!! I still do and extremelypersonable, charming talented actor what can I say about him he isterrific!!!!! I guess if I had to pick my all favorite movie of hiswould be, The Secret of My Success and back to the future.....

2013-04-14 13:55:14

Good clean fun & laughs

This review is from: The Secret of My Success (Amazon Instant Video) A good plot that really could have happened in the 80s. Fox I dont think ever did a movie that the whole family of any age couldn't sit down and watch. One scene is a little perverted but can be passed over as "they took a nap". other than that I loved it, and have for 30 years.

2013-04-14 06:11:58

Fun, fun, and more fun

This is a classic 80's film. It's charming and fun for the whole family. Michael J. Fox does a great job as does his supporting cast. This is no epic movie, no special effects wizard, just a good old fashioned comedy about a man and the search for his dreams. Everyone should see it once. I'd reccommend it to anyone. It's clean and fun. THE PLOTLINE: Brantley Foster from Kansas travels off to the big city of New York after college graduation. He seeks a career in big business. After finally landing a job in the mail room of his uncle's billion dollar corporation, he decides to assume the identity of a big whig in the office to prove his worth and show his uncle he's capable of making great decisions and being an asset to the company. Brantley soon discovers that working two jobs at the same time takes it's toll. It's a classic Clark Kent/Superman situation. After a few key twists and turns, Brantley finds the 'secret' to his success in life. COMEDY.

tfrizzell 2013-04-12 05:41:09

Pure Michael J. Fox.

Fair little film that capitalized on Michael J. Fox's vast popularity on"Family Ties" to sell a lot of movie tickets, but that is about all thatwasreally accomplished. Fox stars as a small-time kid from Kansas who hashopesof making it big in New York. Fox's uncanny ability to pose as twodifferentpeople will propel him to the top of the business world in near recordtime.A likeable cast and a somewhat intelligent screenplay keeps the filmgoing,but there is nothing really above average here. 2.5 out of 5 stars.

liberalgems 2013-04-11 13:08:30

A Comedy With A Conscience!

The Secret Of My Success shows what someone with a backbone couldaccomplish under the most difficult of circumstances. What the MathewJ. Fox character tries to prevent in the film actually happened in reallife to my father's multi-billion dollar corporation back in the1980's! As a result, he, and tens of thousands of other people losttheir jobs! Too bad they didn't have someone like the Michael J. Foxcharacter attending their boardroom meetings! It might of saved a lotof people much grief!Beside the interesting story, the chemistry between the actors wasfantastic! The soundtrack was one of the very few that's memorable. Thesexual situations were plentiful and quite humorous! Parts ofConnecticut look exactly like they were portrayed in the film! (Yes,there is a lot of mind-boggling wealth hidden down secluded countryroads!) The Secret Of My Success is definitely a home run, and one ofmy all-time favorite comedies!

2013-04-09 17:40:51

Die Yuppie Scum was never so appealing

Fresh from his success in the first Back To The Future movie, Michael J Fox had a slot in film history starring in movies about yuppies. It was a natural transition from his role as the stiff necked Alex Keaton on Family Ties that he would grow up and become a yuppie. It was the roaring 80s, and New York had become a yuppie metropolis. Michael J Fox plays Brantley, a fresh faced Kansas farmboy who has come to the big city to seek his fortune. Getting a tip from his parents that his uncle in a bigwig at a corporation in New York, he hopes to get a job there. His uncle barely acknowledges him and gives him a job in the mailroom. His dreams are squelched of having a suit, a fancy car, and a yuppie lifestyle. While working in the mailroom, Brantley starts to fish through the company mail and reads their memos. Deciding that he has something to say and can make a difference, he adopts a new persona of Carter, simply dresses like "A Suit", and gives himself a job there to change things. Couple that with some smutty humor, trying to lead a double life without certain people finding out, and toppling corporate greeds and it was quite appealing.His Aunt Vera's lust for him wasn't very hot. She was more like a shark in how she pounced on him at every opportunity. Helen Slater, post Supergirl, plays a stiff Suit who is also trying to claw her way to the top. While she is fridged and formidable towards Brantley's advances, she is having an affair with the boss / Brantley's uncle. It makes for a bunch of near misses and smutty humor.This was probably the funniest yuppie movie I'd ever seen. The main characters while trying to present a professional appearence and be good at their jobs, are actually sneaky, void of morals to be having affairs with other people's spouses, and ousting the capitalist pigs of the upper tiers of the company. But they don't replace them with people who are more concerned about corporate ethics and doing good things for the people, they replace them with themselves. They stop having their affairs, divorce their spouses and run off with the people they're having their affairs with. When Brantley is found out he doesn't apologize for leading a double life, he only afirms how much smarter and more crafty he was than everyone else to have pulled this stunt. He was a lovable yuppie scum.

sagei 2013-04-09 01:00:27

Memorles.

Saw this recently and was overwhelmed by them.Movies, music etc are made for general consumption and yet manage tohave incredibly personal meaning. Become an inseparable part of youwithout you even realizing it.First saw this as a kid. Good music. Story that any kid would want tobelieve.Liked Michael and he was good as ever but he barely registered.Slender, elegant blonde walked onto the screen.Heart stopped.Started again.And the world had changed.Helen Slater was in it.Knew she would never set eyes on me and could not love her less. Couldnot forget her either.She is now a pale shadow of her young self. As am I. They say there is no such thing as ghosts but movies have magic. Aslight and shadow danced on screen, just for a moment a beautiful girland a boy who loved her flickered to life once again.That time is long lost, as are those people. But not that love.Just wanted some record of it other than my memory.Wish them well.Thank you.

2013-03-25 08:44:04

Great 80s movie!

Michael J. Fox is energy embodied in this movie. It's a role that was made for him. This movie has some cheesy scenes that are quite 1980s-esque, but you'll probably enjoy them. This is a great comedy to watch when you're looking for something light and funny. 1980s or MJF fans should not miss this one!

2013-03-24 22:46:50

1980's Corporate America at its best!

If there's anyone out there who wonders what 1980's corporate America felt like, dressed like, and acted like, this is the movie for you! My favorite parts include: working out in the "executive gym", the "I have so much work to do" attitude of the executive lounge, and of course, Fox's midnight symphony conducting. This movie pulls the lead in TNT staples over the Beastmaster trilogy.

modius 2013-03-19 06:49:22

bow-bow-chick, chick-chika..bow-bow...

Ah the 80s. The clothes, the hair, the music...the movies...and the clothes(yes, I know I mentioned them twice). This flick is a standard Michael J Foxvechile. But it is totally enjoyable.A few jokes and skits make it easy viewing. There aren't laugh-out scenesand the ending might be a bit too confusing for those who didn't go toHarvard Uni - but still.Wonderful music ripped straight from Jaws right through to Ferris Beyer'sDay Off and the obligitary "Oh Yeah" tune that seemed to stalk every moviefrom the 80s.A slice of the 80s.Overall: 4/10

goya-4 2013-03-18 20:05:39

Fox and a good ending are this films secret.

Michael J Fox stars as a country boy who moves to the city and gets a job ina big corporation mailroom. Later he impersonates a top exec in order to winover a woman exec not known for her friendly manner..Things get complicated when Fox has to keep up both personas..then there ishis aunt! ..A feel good entertaining movie about a little guy making it to thetop..snappy with an addicting final half hour that is the best part of thefilm. Fox does excellent work with a so so script at best.. on a scale ofone to ten...7

MarieGabrielle 2013-03-17 16:18:21

Looking back now...

this film is dated, and hardly amusing. Imagine if they re-did a filmlike this, with young MBA's stepping on toes(and bodies) to work atEnron, and having the audience empathize with THEM?.While Michael J. Fox had a nice niche with his yuppie, Republicancorporate ladder climbing; the times are a-changing. Even the MOSTsympathetic and talented actor would have a hard sell with this storytoday.Of course, at the time "Wall Street", "Baby Boom" and other similarthemes were exploding, in the mid to late 80's. That was when many ofus had just finished college, and looked eagerly toward that NYcorporate job and all the promises of security it would fulfill. Thiswas before Enron and Tom DeLay, and the barrage of other scandals wehave now witnessed in the U.S.If you desire 80's nostalgia, better to watch "Pretty in Pink" or "WallStreet". Even "The Boost" with James S. Woods, had a valid messagewhich has endured the test of time. Nothing lasts forever, especiallyconspicuous consumption and greed. Correction: it still exists, but Ireally don't think audiences find it funny anymore. 5/10

2013-03-17 09:26:52

A great movie!

This is a great exemple of what happens to the business today, the movie itself is great, with the image of the "white knight" American who save the corporation. I in a academic point of view find the concept hysterical, even more if you look at corporation today! We might need more Brantly Foster around.Anyway Micheal J. Fox Rules!