The Secret of My Success (1987) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
The Secret of My Success (1987) is a classic comedy film directed by Herbert Ross, starring Michael J. Fox, Helen Slater, and Richard Jordan. The film is a delightful mix of comedy, romance, and business satire, featuring a young, ambitious protagonist navigating the corporate world with a humorous twist. Known for its engaging storyline and Fox’s charismatic performance, the film remains a beloved entry in the 1980s comedy genre.
In this review, we’ll explore the film’s plot, performances, themes, and where to watch The Secret of My Success online in the U.S.
Plot Summary: A Corporate Comedy
The Secret of My Success follows Brantley Foster (Michael J. Fox), a young and idealistic college graduate who moves to New York City to make his mark in the business world. Upon arriving, he quickly discovers that landing a job in the competitive corporate environment is more challenging than he anticipated.
Key plot points include:
- Brantley’s Ambitions: Brantley secures a low-level job at a large corporation but soon realizes that the position does not offer the career advancement he desires. Determined to succeed, he hatches a plan to climb the corporate ladder.
- Assuming a New Identity: To achieve his goals, Brantley adopts the alias of his wealthy uncle, Howard, who is a successful businessman. Under this new identity, he maneuvers through the company’s ranks, navigating office politics and corporate intrigue.
- Romantic Entanglements: Alongside his business schemes, Brantley becomes romantically involved with Christy (Helen Slater), a woman who works at the company. Their relationship adds a layer of romance and comedic complications to the story.
- Corporate Machinations: As Brantley becomes more involved in corporate affairs, he encounters various challenges and conflicts, including clashes with the company’s executives and a rival businessman (Richard Jordan). The film’s humor often derives from these comedic corporate scenarios.
The film combines business satire with romantic comedy, offering a lighthearted yet insightful look at ambition and success.
Performances: Fox, Slater, and Jordan
The film features strong performances from its lead actors:
- Michael J. Fox: Fox delivers a charismatic and energetic performance as Brantley Foster. His comedic timing and charm are central to the film’s appeal, making his character’s journey through the corporate world both entertaining and engaging.
- Helen Slater: Slater plays Christy, Brantley’s love interest. Her performance adds a romantic and heartfelt dimension to the story. Slater’s chemistry with Fox enhances the film’s romantic subplot.
- Richard Jordan: Jordan portrays the antagonist, a rival businessman who creates obstacles for Brantley. His performance adds a touch of drama and tension to the film, complementing the comedic elements.
The chemistry between the actors contributes to the film’s overall charm and humor.
Themes: Ambition, Identity, and Success
The Secret of My Success explores several key themes:
- Ambition and Success: The film delves into the theme of ambition, showcasing Brantley’s drive to achieve success and climb the corporate ladder. It provides a humorous yet insightful look at the lengths people will go to in pursuit of their career goals.
- Identity and Deception: Brantley’s adoption of a new identity reflects the theme of deception and the role it plays in achieving success. The film explores how altering one’s persona can impact personal and professional relationships.
- Romantic Relationships: The romantic subplot between Brantley and Christy adds depth to the story, highlighting the intersection of personal and professional life.
These themes are interwoven into the film’s plot, providing a mix of comedy and commentary on the corporate world.
Direction and Cinematography: Classic 80s Style
Herbert Ross’s direction and the film’s cinematography reflect its 1980s setting:
- Direction: Ross’s direction ensures a fast-paced and entertaining narrative, balancing humor and romance with business satire. His approach maintains the film’s comedic and engaging tone.
- Cinematography: The cinematography by Andrew Laszlo captures the film’s vibrant and stylish 1980s aesthetic. The visual style complements the film’s comedic and romantic elements.
The combination of direction and cinematography creates a classic and enjoyable film experience.
Where to Watch The Secret of My Success Online
If you’re interested in watching The Secret of My Success, here are the available streaming and rental options in the U.S.:
Streaming Services
- Amazon Prime Video: The Secret of My Success is available to stream for Amazon Prime subscribers.
- Hulu: The film is available to stream on Hulu for subscribers.
Rental and Purchase Options
- Amazon Video: The Secret of My Success can be rented or purchased on Amazon Video. Rental prices start at $3.99, with purchase options available for $12.99.
- Google Play Movies & TV: The film is available for rent or purchase on Google Play. Rental prices start at $3.99, with purchases available for $12.99.
- Apple iTunes: The Secret of My Success can be rented at $3.99 or purchased at $12.99 on iTunes.
- Vudu: The film is available for rent or purchase on Vudu, with similar pricing to other platforms.
Why You Should Watch The Secret of My Success (1987)
The Secret of My Success offers a charming and humorous look at ambition and corporate life, with Michael J. Fox delivering a standout performance. The film’s blend of comedy, romance, and business satire makes it a classic 1980s comedy that remains enjoyable and relevant.
If you appreciate films that combine humor with insights into the corporate world and personal ambition, The Secret of My Success is a film worth watching. Its engaging storyline and charismatic performances make it a memorable entry in the comedy genre.
Final Thoughts
The Secret of My Success combines comedy, romance, and business satire to create an entertaining and classic 1980s film. With effective direction, strong performances, and a humorous take on ambition and identity, it offers a satisfying and enjoyable viewing experience.
Ready for a classic 80s comedy? Stream The Secret of My Success on Amazon Prime Video or Hulu, or explore rental and purchase options to enjoy this delightful film.
