Rating: 
Summary: Utterly devoid of pretension
Review: Even today, some viewers may approach this film as something of a quaint novelty, and indeed, it represents a rather rare and interesting feat in that its two-hour running time revolves entirely around a conversation between two men. But the crucial distinction between those who adore this film and those who despise it lies in their perception of what "My Dinner with André" purports to be about: detractors see in the characters' bull-session-style monologues Malle's effort to broadcast some overwhelming statement on the nature of reality, while benefactors prefer to see an aim to capture two human beings, enrapt in conversation, who simply like to think and converse about life for nothing other than the sheer sake of it. In fact, the film achieves its success on a dimension far beyond the one inhabited by its stars, Wallace Shawn and André Gregory. It is not about metaphysical rumination in and of itself, but about the people who partake in this rumination and how it enriches their existence in general. The film's critics who label the screenplay "pretentious" seem to have been provoked into a personal philosophizing contest with the characters themselves, as if they're attacking fictional personages instead of the filmmakers who actually fleshed them out. By concentrating on what may only be the characters' intellectual inadequacies (certainly not Malle's), these viewers have blinded themselves to the textural richness of one of the most gracefully realized renditions of human dialogue ever committed to celluloid.
Rating: 
Summary: Pretentious existentialist twaddle
Review: I rented the film based on some vague rememberance of its critical acclaim without knowing anything about it. What a mistake. It got great notices because it was "different" and "daring", I suppose. But that doesn't mean it's GOOD! Andre Gregory comes off as an incredibly narcisstic bore. His ramblings sound like some recycled Sartre from an Intro to Philosophy class. At one point I wondered about his mental stability, when he talks about meeting the Greek god Pan in Scotland. Oh, really, Andre? The guys in the white coats will be here shortly, don't worry.This movie is amazing in its ability to numb the mind. I kept hoping that a point would be made. At one juncture, it looks like Shawn is going to challenge this guy's insufferable self-indulgence, but in the end he goes along for the ride and gets almost as ridiculous. In the end, the movie is filled with the elitist attitude that some artists have -- namely, that they are somehow able to "feel more" than us ordinary mortals. I find this in particular to be obnoxious and offensive. Shawn did play a Ferengi on "Star Trek:Deep Space Nine", so he at least is capable of fun. But only a masochist would think it was a good time to spend a dinner with Andre. Be forewarned!
Rating:
Summary: My Favorite Movie of All Time
Review: I saw this movie when it was out in theaters, when I was 15 years old. It was the best movie I had ever seen at the time, and it is still my favorite movie, bar none. I believe it changed my life by opening my mind to the possibilities inherent in group creativity. I have spent much of my life seeking the kind of exploration of self and life that Andre talks about in this film. The other character, although well played, is not someone I can identify with.
Rating:
Summary: One of the most thought provoking movies ever!
Review: This movie is definitely not for all, but the ones who appreciate it will never forget its power or influence on their lives. You know the story already-- two theater "veterans" who have enjoyed different levels of success meet for dinner, a prospect which Wally detests at first. In their subsequent conversation they really try to answer the meaning of life for each of them. I have seen this film a half a dozen times, and yet each time, I find that I don't remember any of the dialog, unlike some movies, which I can quote from the beginning. That is a tribute to the richness of the dialog and the fascinating "action" taking place in the mind, and believe me, there's plenty of action. Yes, the DVD is disappointing, but this is hardly a film which requires razor sharp graphics or DTS digital sound. Let's face it, it's just a conversation between a couple of unglamorous guys in a restaurant, but then again- it's not "just" that at all!
Rating:
Summary: An incredible book (& the movie was pretty good too)
Review: In this story, Andre Norton and Wallace Shawn talk about Nortons experiences over the previous few years of his life. After some bizarre, interesting and somewhat humorous stories, the two of them start to discuss some of the spiritual problems facing modern man including awareness of our surroundings and relating to other people. Seriously, the movie is great and you should watch it first. If you like thinking about some of the ideas in the film, you may want to get the screenplay because there are a few stories that didn't make it into the movie.
Rating:
Summary: Tedious
Review: This is a film which is basically a monologue of Andre Gregory, with Wallace Shawn making a brief speech at the end. Andre is a self indulgent bore, Shawn is sensible and a bit interesting although he probably seems so as he follows Andre. Malle the director apparently filmed a number of lunches between these two and then constructed a script which was a short of compilation of their ravings. The reality is of course that actors are not interesting people. They live their lives apart from the real world and have little knowledge about real things. That is in fact why script writers have been invented, because without them most actors are one anecdote wonders. The conversation is this epic do not relate to politics, to the state of the modern novel, to world problems, economics or the state of poetry. They relate to Andre talking endlessly about his search for self discovery. His spiritual quests and his soul searching. It is difficult to describe the pure tedium of listening to someone who is so self obsessed. Wallace Shawn towards the end tries to move the conversation more towards reality and he is like a breath of fresh air. This was a big hit in 1981 but it seems a Emperor has no clothes situation. Lots of people thought that it might have been some deep and wondeful conversation so they suffered through it. The reality of course that the discussions are not deep, just tedious. The sort of films that give the art houses a bad name.
Rating:
Summary: Greatest Play of the Modern Age
Review: Though this book is now 20 years old, it deals with some disturbing issues plaguing modern man. It may be even more relevant today than 20 years ago. Shawn's down to earth attitudes perfectly offset Gregory's ramblings, though his views are as valid as Shawn's. The evocative yet hard-nosed, direct dialog of the two characters is amazing, and will have you devouring it in one or two sittings, as it did me. If you like tough, yet thoughtful issues in your reading, get "My Dinner with Andre" pronto.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent think piece
Review: The acting is superb, dialogue insightful.
Rating:
Summary: Watch this when you ready to "change"
Review: This movie is a catalyst for people who are ready to break the bonds of living in a box. Boring and meaningless for conservative folks, this experiential film grabs those open to life and takes them for an intellectual ride that leaves you ready to take some new steps in life. If you are ready for "change", watch this film...if not, share it with someone who is!
Rating: 
Summary: MUCH HERALDED GIMMICK FILM
Review: "Wally" and "Andre" (played by Wallace Shawn and Andre Gregory), meet for dinner and conversation. Lesser players in the entertainment industry, both have enjoyed a modicum of off-Broadway success. Andre talks constantly about the strangest things you can imagine. He seems to be apologizing for his ego-centrism...trying to explain to Wally why he is the way he is. Andre describes a ritual burial, and how it made him come alive. How his sundrie misfortunes enriched him. And how his modest success has enabled him. Wally listens attentively, posing inquiries that further Andre's motives, and prompt even more soliloquies. Andre's studied rave is indeed captivating, but Wally seems to have heard it all before. The films high point comes half-way through when Andre tells the waiter to remove the vased flower from the table, "We don't need that". Hows that for great tension, and comic relief! I enjoyed it none-the-less. Andre's rap is pretty cool. Wally's "heard it before" response is keenly understated. And it's one of the few movies that succeeds in a real time presentation. But there was no sequel.
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