I don't blame any of the movie's shortcomings for that; I blame the reviewer
Lookit, it's not perfect by any stretch, but this point has been made in other words. It's a movie, not a documentary or film with pretentious aspirations or out to make some grand universal point. It's entertainment for us in many of the best ways.
It takes a title and subject from an instantly identifiable song, thereby setting us up for instant likeability as well as the action to come. It uses a script that (while it has holes) gives us a unique take on the "ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances" riff. It utilizes the comedic talents of Whoppi while giving her a chance to be a normal person as well, i.e. not a laugh riot from start to finish. It employs some of the other great comedians of the day (Carol Kane, Jon Lovitz, Annie Potts, Phil Hartman) and gives them a chance to show their skills without interfering in the plot.
If you're one who looks for the holes or shortcomings in a movie, you likely wouldn't enjoy this flick anyway. But if you're one who would take a date/spouse to a movie hoping to be entertained, just get that buttered popcorn, sit back and enjoy the ride.
By now (2014) it might seem a tad dated, but no more so than watching B&W movies from the 40s. Nonetheless, Whoopi et al grab our interest early and keep us enjoyed and laughing until the satisfying conclusion. What more do you want, hehe; Godfather II? Look forward to seeing it again.

I saw this in the theater when I was a kidmultiple times! I give it a 10!
Dammit Carol Sue, where is the vodka?!

I gave it a 9. I just love it!

First, i really like this movie. I guess the low rating is because it doesnt know what it wants to be an outright almost slapstick comedy ala the telephone booth scene, or a spy thriller where people actually get killed. You have to take it as the former for it to work at all. Entertaining film and Whoopie is as good as in Ghost. Should definitely rate a 7 no matter it's shortcomings. .

I've enjoyed it every time I've seen it! - 7

I only remember the critics were pretty much unanimous in panning this when it came out. Whoopi had just come off her Oscar nomination, and they felt she deserved better. However, it was still better than a lot of the crap Eddie Murphy was putting out at the time.
I also thought
Fatal Beauty
was good, and that earned even lower ratings.
"Well, for once the rich white man is in control!"
C. M. Burns

I noticed that rating a few minutes ago, and was shocked. Its a very good film, deserving of much higher than 5.3!
I myself rated it an 8. I hate most comedies especially modern ones, but this one and many from back in the '80s were fantastic.
"I'd say this cloud is Cumulo Nimbus."
"Didn't he discover America?"
"Penfold, shush."

I disagree - respectfully. The plot is messy, the characters' moves are not logical (for instance, the telephone booth sequence is just silly and in-credible).
Whoopi is of course over the top in a lot of her roles, but in this one there is no balance to the world.
"Burglar" suffers from this problem, as well, in my opinion. Her better madcap comedies include "Sister Act" (I only) and the film where she coaches he basketball team. And she has several times played dramatic roles well.
To date I've ranked more than 2,500 films and TV series on IMDb, and this one falls in the bottom 15% of my rankings. For madcap and screwball comedies this ranks only above some of the "beach blanket" movies, on my lists.
I mean, you can certainly have a different opinion.

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This movie is great! 5.3 rating makes no sense whatsoever.

the movie has that somethingat least 7 ist a funny movieloved to watch it:)
And so the lion fell in love with the lamb(Twilight)

I was actually expecting a 6.2 average. I gave it a 7: entertaining, but full of plot holes.

Me too! It's a mystery why it's rated so low. It's fun, full of quotable dialogue and great, funny perfs. And Carol Kane is just adorable in it !

I gave it an 8. While I feel it easily deserves a 7, I rated it 8 because I simply enjoy the movie over and over again.
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Online Reviews, Music, Ideas and Poetry

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I'll say! It's been one of my favorite "comfort" movies for years, one that I watch when I'm sick and want a good mindless laugh. It hasn't failed me yet, even after all these years.

I agree with you, I saw it this year for the first time and I thought it was amazing.
Oh Dear, what did I do to deserve a Heifers Only Hate Club
.