this is a classic 80s flick, and a one of a kind from that period. i remember seeing this in high school and being blown away. seeing it today brings back memories of the effect it had on me then; and little of it to do with the "plot", but with the sleepy, dreamy atmosphere the film builds, the beautiful view Jake sees through his telescope (not the dancer either, but the home!), etc. I always wanted to see a revamped rear window type thriller, and this let me see at least an attempt at it through an 80s lens in LA/Bev Hills. I thought that was cool. I did feel sympathy for Jake - somebody said he's the weak willed everyman's character and he is that. Didn't like the end, too bad it had to dissolve into stupidity. Still a very good quirky 80s movie.
Favorite scenes of mine - when Jake follows Gloria shopping (the whole scene), and when he finally meets up with her on the beach, after chasing down the purse snatcher. I would definitely go through what Jake did to have a 1 minute fling with a former Miss USA.