Plot Summary : Stuart must save his family from themselves and his dwindling cable access show.
Cast:
Al Franken. Stuart Smalley.
Laura San Giacomo. Julia.
Vincent D'Onofrio. Donnie.
Shirley Knight. Stuart's mom.
Harris Yulin. Stuart's dad.
and Julia Sweeny.
Critic Comments
"***1/2 Stars. Surprisingly smart adaptation. . . The particular triumph of "Stuart Saves His Family" is a script that is sophisticated at a time when American screenwriting is getting dumber and dumber. Yes, Stuart is a parody of the self-help movement, but there are kernels of wisdom. The millions of Americans who are involved in 12-step programs will probably find big laughs and some succor in Stuart's journey.
Gene Siskel, Chicage Tribune
"*** Stars. Exceedingly clever and very sharp."
John Petrakis, Chicage Tribune
"*** Stars. His (Franken's) segments were some of the funniest moments in the recent checkered history of SNL. The beauty of STUART SAVES HIS FAMILY, written by Al Franken and directed by Harold Ramis, is that it's somehow true to Stuart at the same time it sees the humor in him. The movie is also unobtrusively wise about the real nature of the problems in Stuart's family, and doesn't offer easy solutions or a phony happy ending. I not only enjoyed Stuart Smalley, doggone it, I LIKED him!
Rodger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times