Starting Over
Performance & Direction: Starting Over Review
Last updated: February 15, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Starting Over (1979) 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 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?
Story & Plot Summary: Starting Over
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1979, Starting Over is a Comedy, Romance film directed by Alan J. Pakula. 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 Burt Reynolds.
Ending Explained: Starting Over
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Alan J. Pakula, 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 involving Burt Reynolds, 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 Burt Reynolds or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Box Office Collection: Starting Over
| 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.
Top Cast: Starting Over
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Where to Watch Starting Over Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoStarting Over Parents Guide & Age Rating
1979 AdvisoryWondering about Starting Over age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Starting Over is 105 minutes (1h 45m). 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, Starting Over is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1979 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Starting Over worth watching?
Starting Over 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 Starting Over parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Starting Over identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Starting Over?
The total duration of Starting Over is 105 minutes, which is approximately 1h 45m long.
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movieMx Verified
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.
