BootDigest Such a frustrating disappointment

Smartorhypo Highly Overrated But Still Good

Acensbart Excellent but underrated film

Billy Ollie Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

mark.waltz Liza Minnelli's Maevis has shuffled off to Buffalo from Broadway where she once stood right next to Bob Fosse. If that in-joke may be off-putting for people aware of Minnelli's real-life connection with her "Cabaret" director (who she worked with on more than one occasion), it is only because they can't separate the real Minnelli from the character she plays. Yes, Liza has the practically the same hair-do she had in "Arthur", and when you are as famous as she is, it is difficult to separate her from the legend. But take that away, and you have a "Let's put on a show!" comedy with songs that is as fresh and far from the style of films made the same year and very similar to the great musicals of the golden age of Hollywood.She is a dance teacher who specializes in training novices, and here, she has some of the greatest theater talents around. Jane Krakowski, Andrea Martin, Ellen Greene, Bill Irwin, Julie Walters, Carol Woods, Sheila McCarthy among them, not to mention the great Shelley Winters as the very cantankerous piano player. It is her ambition to get these clumsy tappers ready for a big show she's been asked to participate in, and if the results are somewhat predictable, it certainly is a lot of fun.Yes, Liza's talent is way too big just to be a dance teacher in Buffalo, but why deny Liza's billion fans the chance to see her in her first big movie in years. Unfortunately, the big wigs at Paramount were very leery of this movie's chance at success, and it only had minimal release, mostly in big cities where they knew they'd at least get the gay audience to rush to see her. She builds the dancers from the ground up and the results are triumphant for her and the pupils as the big day nears. Of course, the first show they do still shows them as awkward but there's a lavish finale where top hats, canes and sequins take over and Liza gets to sing, too! So put aside your cynicism, break out your own tap shoes, and you too will be steppin' out with Judy's baby.

marymorrissey of course 'Cabaret' can do the same but anyway I really really liked this film a lot and it made me admire Liza because of its subversive message, its exhortation to the folks in the audience to get off of their arses and do something why don't you. Even though there is a big scene that goes to show that there is only one Liza - that amateurs will never replace professionals - yet the film demonstrates in an affecting way how amateur artists frequently bring something quite special to what they do - that sometimes at a most essential level the distinction between a "real" artist and someone just making art or trying to, if you want, is quite irrelevant. I haven't really seen any of the old "let's put on a show" movies. I once remember seeing part of "strike up the band" and thought it was rather dada and anyway it didn't appear to be about amateurism, it appeared to be totally about Judy and Mickey, period. "Stepping Out" is not 2 young virtuosos hopped up on amphetamines on parade!I just loved Liza's performance in this film, every little move she made, Liza, you touched me! Yes, she seemed very genuine I would characterize the performance as "wise". Mavis/Liza. Mavis!!? What of it!Reading other reviews I'm realizing I saw this film so long ago. Heck I'd forgotten about groovy gal Shelley Winters and the other performers. I only remembered that Bill Irwin was in it. Oh Liza, I think it's time for me to watch this one again. I could believe Davis Gest might have extorted sex from the bodyguard who is suing Liza only the bodyguard is probably so dumb he thought DG was Liza! As Gilda said, "Disaster to the wench!" but let's at least have him show his face in the newspapers. I really wonder, who's the victim here!?I'm glad some people gave this movie the maximum stars they could.

rollo_tomaso Lewis Gilbert finds more magic with Julie Walters who is brilliant in her bit. Liza Minelli is terrific and everybody is having a grand old time in one of the best movies nobody's ever heard of. This is by no means a great or important film, but it is marvelously enjoyable entertainment from beginning to end in a true ensemble piece. If you are in the video store and just want to feel good, rent this film.

Sheila-12 Often incorrectly classified as a musical, "Stepping Out" is actually a delightful comedy-drama with an excellent ensemble cast. British playwright Richard Harris has Americanized his script and added more detailed plot developments for this film version. It's suitable for the whole family, and definitely worth renting (some night when you don't feel like "Stepping Out"). Everyone is bound to have a favorite in the cast, whether it's Liza herself, veteran actress Shelley Winters, comedian Bill Irwin, or "Ally McBeal's" Jane Krakowski. All turn in hilariously touching performances -- and yes, there is a song-and-dance number at the end, for all you Liza fans! Once you've watched, you'll want everyone to see "Stepping Out"!