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Ryan O'Neal, Shelley Long, Drew Barrymore, Sam Wanamaker, Allen Garfield ... see more see more... , Sharon Stone , Beverlee Reed , Carl Byrd , Hortensia Colorado , Jenny Gago , Wendy Gordon , David Graf , Eloise Hardt , Ildiko Jaid , Dana Kaminski , Kelly Lange , Ken Lerner , Larry Marko , Kim Marriner , Mark May , Irving Meyers , Annie Meyers-Shyer , Steven K. Miller , Richard Minchenberg , Stuart Pankin , David Paymer , Rex Reed (II) , Charlotte Stewart , Lorinne Vozoff , Steffen Zacharias , Luana Anders , William A. Fraker , Ida Random , Laura Campbell , Deborah Cody , Minnie Lindsay , Arlin Miller , David D'Arnal , Ken Gale , Gregory Hodal , Johna Stewart

In this human-scale drama/comedy, a pair of Beverly Hills parents, Albert (Ryan O'Neal) and Lucy (Shelley Long) first come together as a couple interested in writing (she) and teaching (he), but Alber... read more read more...t's life takes an upscale turn when he starts both writing and then directing in Hollywood. As he becomes successful, Lucy is forced to burrow into her own writing in self-defense, and after her book is well-received, she is compensated a little for Albert's lack of attention and philandering. After Hollywood and its well-known flaws are sketched out in the increasingly strained marriage, the story reaches its primary focus: Albert and Lucy's 9-year-old daughter Casey (Drew Barrymore) talks to a lawyer because she wants to sue her parents for divorce. She gets no hugs or affection, and precious little attention, and she would prefer to go live with the maid. Given the parents' celebrity, the case receives wide press -- and the family begins to reconsider where it is going and why. Although a bit long, especially in the first half which wanders off course a little, the story is engaging enough (especially for Hollywood buffs) to balance any weaknesses. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi

Flixster Users

48% liked it

5,423 ratings

Critics

58% liked it

12 critics

PG, 1 hr. 54 min.

Directed by: Charles Shyer

Release Date: September 28, 1984

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DVD Release Date: April 14, 2009

Stats: 116 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (116)

  • purplemegan
    September 18, 2011
    purplemegan
    Love this! I wish kids really did take their parents to court for neglect.
  • ajv2688
    January 18, 2011
    ajv2688
    This fantastic drama gives you a new look on divorced families. It has a great cast, and it's also a bit funny too. I love it, and I highly recommend it.
  • thmtsang
    December 29, 2007
    thmtsang
    Movie about a little girl who sued her parents for divorce. Drew is very sweet.
  • MovieGuruDude72
    August 7, 2007
    MovieGuruDude72
    Was I the only one who thought this movie was annoying as hell? Yeah, we know Drew's parents tried to bilk her out of her E.T. millions. She's a big star now. Big deal.
  • jeffman52001
    April 17, 2007
    jeffman52001
    A very interesting film about a failed marriage and a girl who sues for divorce. Drew Barrymore, Ryan O'Neal and Shelley Long are great in this classic 1984 drama film.
  • madelineschulman
    November 22, 2006
    madelineschulman
    There is a scene where the car which Ryan O'Neal and Shelley Long are driving in is stolen. Instead of calling the police, they stand there and argue about wholse fault it is. Then there was a scene where Sharon Stone sang offkey while filming a movie within the movie, and ever... read moreyone acted as though there was no such thing as post production looping. What a stupid movie!

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Critic Reviews

Kyle Smith
April 29, 2009
Kyle Smith, KyleSmithOnline.com

There is a marvelous balance in that we have an equal rooting interest in each of the main characters. It isn't a mere satire. Full Review

Kevin Carr
April 28, 2009
Kevin Carr, 7M Pictures

I had much more sympathy for the child in the film and, sadly, she takes a back seat. Full Review

Jason McKiernan
April 23, 2009
Jason McKiernan, Filmcritic.com

We like these people even as they sink further and further into a black hole, and we root for their sensible, level-headed, uncommonly mature daughter to set them straight. Full Review

Pablo Villaca
February 22, 2004
Pablo Villaca, Cinema em Cena

Buscando as lágrimas ou o riso do espectador de forma maniqueísta, o filme chega a se confundir, tentando fazer graça com o sofrimento de uma criança.

March 26, 2009
Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

Roger Ebert
October 23, 2004
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Janet Maslin
August 30, 2004
Janet Maslin, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Dave Kehr
January 1, 2000
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

Click to read the article Full Review

Chuck O'Leary
August 31, 2005
Chuck O'Leary, Fantastica Daily

No review available.

Emanuel Levy
June 27, 2005
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

No review available.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Irreconcilable Differences Trivia

  • In what movie did Drew Barrymore play a child divorcing her Beverly Hill parents?  Answer »
  • What was the name of the book that Shelley Long's character writes in Irreconcilable Differences?  Answer »
  • What movie was Jodie Foster NOT in?   Answer »
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