Enter Laughing

Strident Jewish comedy based on the writer-director's own youthful experiences, which might have been more effectively strained by another hand. The talent is there, though.

Based on Reiner's semi-autobiographical novel and play, depicts the botched efforts of a Bronx-born schlump to become an actor. Worthwhile, but doesn't live up to the original.

Reiner's funny Broadway lark about a young Jewish boy from the Bronx who wants to be a star of stage 'n screen made a star out of Alan Arkin, but it didn't do the same for Santoni, who has neither the range nor the warmth to do justice to this meaty role. But Reiner's romp is still a funny vehicle and there are a lot of laughs along the way, especially from May and Gilford.