Performance & Direction: Finnegan Begin Again Review
Last updated: February 15, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Finnegan Begin Again (1985) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Finnegan Begin Again features a noteworthy lineup led by Mary Tyler Moore . Supported by the likes of Robert Preston and Sam Waterston , 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?
Story & Plot Summary: Finnegan Begin Again
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1985, Finnegan Begin Again is a Comedy, Drama, Romance, TV Movie film directed by Joan Micklin Silver. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Mary Tyler Moore.
Ending Explained: Finnegan Begin Again
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Joan Micklin Silver, Finnegan Begin Again concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Mary Tyler Moore, 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 Finnegan Begin Again reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Finnegan Begin Again?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Mary Tyler Moore or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Top Cast: Finnegan Begin Again
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Finnegan Begin Again Parents Guide & Age Rating
1985 AdvisoryWondering about Finnegan Begin Again age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Finnegan Begin Again is 115 minutes (1h 55m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.3/10, and global performance metrics, Finnegan Begin Again is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1985 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Finnegan Begin Again worth watching?
Finnegan Begin Again is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.3/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Finnegan Begin Again parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Finnegan Begin Again identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Finnegan Begin Again?
The total duration of Finnegan Begin Again is 115 minutes, which is approximately 1h 55m long.
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Critic Reviews for Finnegan Begin Again
This is one of my favorite movies, ever since I first watched it on HBO decades ago. I write this not knowing if anyone will even be able to see the movie, as it is quite rare. I saw old VHS copies selling for almost $30. Yikes. It is a movie you can watch with just about anyone and not worry about offending. Robert Preston plays a former investigative reporter whose career has entered the doldrums as he reaches retirement age. He takes over a column with advice to the lovelorn, but his advice is basically for them to snap out of it and stay with their spouses. The truth is not romantic, though, and the incoming letters dwindle, threatening to end his new career. He meets Mary Tyler Moore's character and in a way, becomes one of those lovelorn persons himself, which allows him to be more gentle in his advice. That is just one part of the plot, however, as mostly the story revolves around these two characters as they get to know each other and help each other bring their respective messy lives in order. The movie is an intelligent romantic comedy, both funny and mildly dramatic, with interesting lesser characters, especially featuring a superb performance by the actress who plays Preston's ailing wife. Do watch it if you get the opportunity, though as I described above, I'm not sure when you'll get the chance!.
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This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.










