Bye Bye Love (1995)

A lot of fun.

Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.

Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.

The movie really just wants to entertain people.

Dave (Matthew Modine), Vic (Randy Quaid), and Donny (Paul Reiser) are a trio of friends and divorced fathers. Dave has a beautiful new young girlfriend named Kim (Maria Pitillo) but still sports a wandering eye. Vic, whose soul was definitely bruised by his ex-wife, is just agreeing to go on a blind date with Lucille (Janeane Garofalo). As for Donny (Paul Reiser), he is also having severe trouble moving on, holding his former wife in high esteem, even though she has remarried. All of the men have children that they love deeply and who fall into their custody at the appropriate times. Yet, meeting their former mates at such places as McDonald's, in order to exchange their children, still gives everyone a pang of hurt. Will Dave learn to commit himself to one woman? Will Vic let go of his resentments and take a chance on a new love? And will Donny realize his ex is never coming back and give himself permission to love someone else, even if it is Dave's former wife (Amy Brenneman)? As for the kids, will they be able to weather their parents divorce, too? This is a truthful and touching film about divorce in modern America. Yes, it is very common now, making life complicated, especially when children are involved. But, even so, it is not the end of the world, as all of the men, women, and kids discover in this movie. All of the actors are wonderful, with Quaid, especially, giving an extremely humorous and thoughtful performance. Special mention should also go to Garofalo for her drop-dead-funny, neurotic-yet-lovable portrayal of a divorcée. Then, too, the California setting is lovely, the costumes very well chosen, and the production values quite high. Most of all, the script is funny, original, and brutally honest. If you have been down the divorce highway, you should definitely make time for this film. It will help heal wounds with its laughs and sensitivity. But, even if you just want to find a film that will let you "yuck it up", this one is a terrific choice.

I really enjoyed Bye Bye Love. While many films have been done to death about divorced families and the trials and tribulations of their ex-spouses and kids, Bye Bye Love creates a very realistic chemistry of bickering couples, couples who still love each other, and single dads who have trouble dealing with divorce in multi-dimensional ways.It's all there: The day planning, the little league games, the dates, where everything that can go wrong often does go wrong. Mix all of this with the loud kids and spouses! Many people can deal with these issues in their own dysfunctional families. Watch for the best scene in the movie, where one of the Dad's has a "Date from Hell" at an Italian restaurant! Some critics and reviews have negatively discussed how the film personifies McDonald's as an "ad endorsement" for the fast-food chain. But, I didn't see this at all. Many people of divorced families will often meet at a fast food place for lunch or dinner to talk about their issues with their spouses and kids. Another element to the realism of the movie.The only minor downfall is that the ending is a little too pat and preachy with the "Just love your kids" routine. But there are many strong subplots and situations that anyone going through a divorce can understand. I recommend this movie. You might find something in it if you are going through a divorce, especially with kids involved, that you can relate to it in your own life. I always made a point to watch Bye Bye Love whenever it is on. Now I can watch the movie anytime I want. I own the DVD, and learn something new from the movie after each subsequent viewing.

Randy Quaid at his comedic best, not to mention emotional roller coaster performances by Matthew Modine, Paul Riser, Janene Garafalo and Eliza Dushku. Quickly ranking in my top ten comedies. In addition, the heartfelt performances of the actors who portray the good, bad and ugly of divorce and all it brings to the proverbial table. This movie should be mandatory for anyone considering divorce.Also, Eliza Dushku's first very good performance should be noted as she is to become one of Hollywood's leading ladies in the near future.

A look at modern day divorced American single fathers and their attachment to McDonalds! It has some sincere and funny moments that make it worth the while but as always, when Hollywood gets to close to the truth, it turns to a TV soap style of resolution.