December 13, 1985
Historical Comedy, Crime Comedy
DVD
B-
So, I sort of remember this movie from the time, in that I remember what a critical and commercial failure it was and how I didn't see it in the theater partly because of that, and partly because I thought I'd have to go three times for all the endings, and that seemed like a rip-off. So I caught it on cable, maybe all at once, maybe in bits and pieces. I liked it and vaguely remembered it, but I haven't watched it in, oh, I'm going to say thirty years.
It would probably be a C+ without its game (pun intended) and very recognizable (to me) cast. (I have to omit Kellye Nakahara, but I was delighted to see her outside of M*A*S*H.) The story does drag a bit, especially during the "splitting up in pairs" part, but there's enough amusement and, yes, intrigue that it mostly held my interest throughout. I also like the use of 1954-appropriate songs, like "Sh-Boom," and the bit of political satire. Note that this is sort of the second movie I've reviewed where Michael McKean plays gay, unless you count ending #3.
John Landis co-wrote the story and this was Jonathan Lynn's first directorial gig (seven years before the much more acclaimed My Cousin Vinny).
