Popeye (1980, rewatch): Shelley Duvall is well worth the watch

Popeye, 1980, directed by Robert Altman, Paramount Pictures blu-ray (2020), 3 stars.

This was Robin Williams' second film, his first in a starring role, made just as he was becoming a cultural superstar with "Mork & Mindy." He was a great choice for Popeye, especially in the way he could perfectly mimic the cartoon character's distinctive mumble.

I remember running to the theater to see this movie, being a big Robin Williams fan at the time and having spent countless hours in my childhood watching Popeye cartoon after Popeye cartoon. I don't remember being disappointed in the movie, but neither do I remember being all that thrilled with it.

Fast-forward 44 years and some change, and I was fairly impressed, at least for awhile. I found the live-action replication of the old cartoons brilliant, and I did get a kick out of the musical-theater approach. The set design was fantastic, and the choreography was a blast.

The big problem became apparent about 40 minutes in. This was a weak-ass script. It wasn't long, 40 minutes or so, before the joke wore out and this movie became a slog.

There were some high points through the final couple of acts. Every time Shelley Duvall was onscreen as Olive Oyl, my happy heart jumped for joy. She was without a doubt the real star of this movie. Brilliant, brilliant performance. Brilliant, brilliant casting.

And Ray Walston as Poopdeck Pappy stole the show during a couple of long scenes as the final act began. The scene shared by Walston and Williams in which Popeye meets his Pappy was mesmerizing.

Overall, it's an uneven effort by Robert Altman, who directed this one as a hired hand. But there's more than enough reason to give Popeye a confident thumbs-up.

----------------------

Purchase at Amazon on DVD or blu-ray

(I am an Amazon affiliate, and your clicks help support this blog.)