Cast: Jackie Chan, Richard Norton, Gary Daniels, Joey Wang, Kumiko Goto, Ching My Yau, Leon Lai, Paul Sinn, Ken Lo, Tzui-Pin Wei
A self-indulgent private investigator winds up on a cruise ship full of rich patrons, gorgeous women, murderous terrorists, and scarce food.
This film comes across more as a cartoon with the requisite sound effects and visual effects with over-the-top comic antics even fantasy sequences that at times are supposed to be sexy, but come across as silly.
As it is way more comedic than his usual films.
At least the camera barely stays still for any elongated scenes or pieces of time, though it outdoes shots for so-called style.
The film feels like an indulgent 1980s fantasy film grounded in reality where the second half plays like the movie under siege, but there are plenty of comedic antics. In both parts
The problem with the film comes from the heart of the film, which is that Jackie Chan’s character is a great detective who seems very clumsy, daydreams a lot, and always seems to be after sexy women. He is helping to take care of his partner’s daughter. At first, it’s like they have more of an uncle-niece relationship at times, it seems like she wants to make him jealous by going on vacation with a cousin so that it may be a romance on her part towards him, but he also seems to show a certain jealousy when other men are interested in her and this seems to be part of the romantic comedy elements were a force of the movie.
it’s made all the more inappropriate seeming as the girl he is taking care of looks like a teenager as well as the girl whose case he is working and he is noticeably older than both of them so seeing him try to romance them in certain scenes feels very uncomfortable.
The film feels more trashy than the star’s usual fare. They will try to maintain innocence and say it’s all in good fun as it is a stupid comedy that’s more physical and less action and more stunts action. There is also more comedy and less stunt work.
There is no nudity but fixated on the female costar’s cleavage and body, and finding funny things to do with them and come across more as character traits than an actual character. As there are many scenes where he seems, the female characters are groped for comedic effect that comes across as a little bit more exploitative.
It also makes life seem cheap. As there is tons of abuse towards women played off more as comedic. This is horrible especially when the Supporting female characters here are actually more fun and funny than the main actor.
The film is a screwball comedy without a good script. Even the villains henchman here seem to be wearing uniforms that look like costumes left over from V: THE MINISERIES.
Again, at the halfway point, this movie turns into Under Siege, the dyslexic version. The second half of the film is better than the first half.
This seems like a role less significant for Jackie Chan as it seems or feels like almost anyone could have played it because of physical and comedic skills were why he was called and offered him a chance to play an actual role outside of his usual persona.
It’s fascinating how ridiculous this film is especially anytime. Visual effects are used that feel more like a live-action comic book.
It has strange bits of humor like a scene that has a street fighter-themed fight with various characters playing the video game characters. Do video game antics and sound effects. That comes across more as a parody.
Cast: Julia Lester, Antonia Gentry, Kenny Ridwan, Jordan Buhat, JT Neal, Zion Moreno, Terry Hu, John Michael Higgins, Chelsea Handler, Arianna Rivas, Emery Kelly
“Prom Dates” follows best friends Jess and Hannah, who made a pact at 13 to have the perfect senior prom. Despite the impending changes that college will bring over the next four years, the two are committed to honoring their prom pact. But with only 24 hours left before the big event, everything falls apart when they break up with each of their dates. Jess and Hannah are left with one night to find new dates and live out their middle-school fantasies.
Automatically other films will come to mind while you watch this film most likely BOOKSMART. as it has a kind of similar structure of seemingly two days and one wild night in between with two best friends seemingly on a mission that they are united in, but slowly reveal their insecurities and problems they separate goes in their own direction.
Booksmart is probably a better well-made version of the story. This film is the more over-the-top gross wacky, comedic brand that is actually pretty fun and funny. This might be considered a low-rent version, but it is still enjoyable.
It comes across as more sexual also while having an open-minded pro-LGBTQ plus characters throughout. With a wild night of partying, booze, drugs, and sex in between yet, the film never becomes too exploitive and still manages to be over the edge and funny.
The two leads are great Antonia Gentry is the more conventional pretty girl who for some odd reason always comes across as desperate, even though she should be in control and Julia Lester as her best friend, the kind of tomboy lesbian who gets all the best physical comedy scenes also more of the gross humor, but becomes the most identifiable character throughout.
Throughout the film, they run into challenges, but failures that do help define the night and them, and truly show the resilience of the characters.
Even though the ending is a little unexpected and offers a few little twists that one didn’t see coming, but still makes the film worthwhile and feels a little more realistic and its depiction.
A subplot that involves one of the character’s brother and a secret hook-up or romance is needed to help flesh out his character, but also just seems tacked on and unnecessary.
I can definitely give the film points for having a diverse cast. even having comedian Chelsea Handler in an unnecessary cameo role that helps add star power to the film, but at least gives parental representative throughout other than the principal played by John Michael Higgins.
The main characters’ parents are largely absent throughout the film, which also seemingly gives them room to really have no boundaries as there is no nagging looking for them or wondering where they are, which is one of the only parts of the film that might feel a little bit unrealistic parts of the film that it tries to present.
This is definitely a modern film, but it kind of feels like a throwback, it doesn’t offend, but it also seems like the film isn’t afraid to for a scene to work.
It’s definitely worth checking out as you will definitely have a laugh with this coming-of-age film, but it’s not necessarily things you haven’t seen before.
Cast: Brooke Shields, Benjamin Bratt, Miranda Cosgrove, Sean Teale, Chad Michael Murray, Rachael Harris, Michael McDonald, Wilson Cruz, Tasneek Roc, Dalip Sondhi
Lana’s daughter Emma returns from London and announces that she’s getting married next month. Things become more complicated when Lana learns that the man who stole Emma’s heart is the son of the man who broke her years ago.
This is pretty much romance novel, a romantic comedy for an older audience as it shows. It’s never too late to find love.
This tale starts out seeming like it’s for a younger audience. It slowly reveals itself to be more of a romance for the parents or the Older Crowd.
It’s nice to see many familiar faces amongst the cast who are clearly enjoying themselves. so that you can’t help but feel comfortable with the cast and characters. The film still feels a bit slight but then again I’m not the audience for this film.
follow the formula of romantic comedies, seemingly to be aimed at older characters. I don’t know if it’s because feels like the air of Romantic comedy came and went and while there is an audience for it, it’s only the audience that was a fan of those movies in the 90s and 2000s, who are around the age of the characters in this movie?
Watching this film, you’re not going to see this for the filmmaking or the script you know what exactly is going to happen so you just sit there and wait for it or see how it’s going to happen on this beautiful foreign island with beautiful characters surrounded by nothing but opulence and money so that it is a fantasy come true.
The characters might seem ungrateful and annoying as mishaps happen throughout. As this is a film nothing offensive really happens and it feels like a more cinematic hallmark movie. As it has various cultures throughout and representation of most.
That is all positivity and hope and the problems that are brought up. Seems so minor that you wonder why the characters are making mountains out of molehills.
this is a pretty simple film and I believe you will enjoy it as long as you go with it and you will know if you’re a fan just by either watching the trailer or reading the synopsis because what you see is what you get with this movie.
Directed by Mark Waters, who also made the original MEAN GIRLS movie. He knows the territory. He knows the genre and he makes everything pretty and everyone looks amazing.
Cast: Britt Robertson, Nico Santos, Ty Simpkins, Cierra Ramirez, Jamie Pressly, Holland Roden, Zach Scheerer, Paul Soter, Emma Holzer, Carlos Alazraqui, Jonathan Lipnicki, Wendie Malick
To save her job, a young lawyer must go undercover, enrolling as a freshman at her old alma mater, in order to resuscitate the well-being of her Boss’ terribly awkward teenage son.
This film does have similarities to the recent Jennifer Lawrence starring movie NO HARD FEELINGS” wow that one was certainly raunchy yet had a certain innocence. This one tries to be dirty but still comes out kind of more teen-friendly.
Have no idea whether this film came first or no hard feelings came first if one copied the other, though both films are very different. This one feels a little more generic. it’s like the no-frills brand. It feels like a carbon copy with no flare. It feels like it should be trying but it’s not and it really needs help.
While the film does have its risky parts in trying to give a full version of a little bit of the party lifestyle of college. I was a bit shocked, considering who the audience for this film seems to be that it went to certain lengths. it still stays in certain perimeters that feel like it will most audiences.
This is not a film you really watch for artistic quality it’s more of a feel-good movie that simply gets to the point it’s very predictable, but it entertains fully throughout.
Lead actress Britt Robertson is one of those actresses who always seems to play in these films. She always seems to be the lead and films that are OK, but not good, and usually, She’s one of the best things in them, but then when she’s in more of a studio film, she usually is in a supporting role and she shines. Even as she just can’t seem to find the right material that would truly make her a star that would. At least she’s solid in everything that she appears in.
Just like actor, Nico Torres always seems to play the wildly, gay, best friend, in all of these Netflix-branded films. I mean it works and he has one of the most hilarious scenes in the film. though, I wouldn’t mind seeing him play. A different role shows a bit of range, but get where you fit in.
This film does have or commits to a cliché, While I admire it for being risqué to a certain extent it also has this plot point where the romantic rival for the girl who the nice guy likes and has chemistry with is always a jerk, but the film doesn’t even try to make the jerk nuanced. He’s just bad news from frame one, so you don’t see any of the charms that made the girl fall for him in the first place and maybe only shows the side when he’s not around her or when there is a rival. it would be one thing if the film at least was truthful and maybe she sees attitude-wise why this guy doesn’t work and maybe even personality but she’s just attracted to him and is trying to find something deeper than that to justify her dating and staying.
This happens all the time in high school in movies and even regular rom-coms when the guy is just attracted to a girl more physically and stays around even though eventually wises up, I just wonder why in these types of movies when the girl is dating a jerk it is always unexplainable other than looks why she stayed with him in the first place.
Even the montage makeover scene does not come off as fun, but kind of lame as it just seems like they just dress him more plaid than before. It also doesn’t help. The only thing that seems to be wrong with the man she’s here to make over is that he’s awkward and shy, but he has boy-good looks and looks way too old to be a college student like most of the cast.
It is particularly funny in scenes when all the college students remark on the age of the two lead characters, even though they look about the same age themselves none of them college age.
While most of the film’s material is generic it stays entertaining and the cast truly tries to liven it up. They give it their all you just wish that there was a film to match that energy and skill maybe some stronger jokes too. Even the third act feels so ridiculous.
Lucy and Jane have been best friends their entire lives. Only when Lucy embarks on a personal journey, will she face a test of her friendship, and her sense of self, on a path she may not be entirely ready to take.
Strangely, this film was delayed as it was finished in 2022 and Dakota Johnson filmed this movie back to back with THE LOST DAUGHTER & CHA-CHA REAL SMOOTH in which she gave acclaimed performances in the two other films here maybe this is where she started to feel fatigued as her performance here seems to falter in comparison to the other two. as this film only became available in 2024 HBO Max, bought it right out of Sundance and then waited two years to finally release it.
This film is pretty simple as you pretty much know what’s going to happen along the way you’re just wondering what kind of presentation you’re going to get.
One can appreciate that it deals with the situation more realistically, Where it takes big decisions, and instead of presenting them as that. It more tackles them a little more subtle and a little more minute detail.
That is the thing the film has going for it. The two protagonists, unfortunately, are a bit annoying as the one character by Dakota Johnson can’t seem to make any decisions in her life, and once she makes a big dramatic one she is still so wishy-washy her best friend winningly played by Sonoya Mizuno is the hipster who has a successful career who pretty much has taken care of her most of her life and now that a big changes land to separate the other is jealous. It seems that the other one is leaving and the more successful one finally realizes they don’t necessarily need the other person as they have all these other things going for them the date for the move comes more challenges come her way once she realizes who truly has always been there for her who truly is her friend.
Another aspect, I can appreciate about the film is that while it does deal with a character discovering their homosexuality, the film doesn’t become only about that or you know, finding love and romance, it shows the In and out of dating as a queer person. Also, what looks to be a love match could just be a hookup and Sometimes might just be looking for a good time or experimental.
Along the way, the film throws in quirky characters not so much situations, but weird reactions to situations. That makes it more like a movie or even just a story where little light touches are made to enhance the more dramatic or even comedic storylines.
The characters are supposed to be likable, but at least for this critic, I found them more annoying than anything, by the end. It only enhances that there for one another or one seems more like a mother and the other child, and even when one character comes to realize her sexuality, even then she goes into it so wishy-washy that at first, you believe the film is going to be her realizing she’s in love with her best friend and how her best friend deals with it but instead it’s just they are having midlife crisis, reaching different milestones. Though out of the two I could stand Mizuno’s character the most. When her character experiences a downfall, it is more truly felt and surprising.
the successful one feels more like he could’ve been a gay best friend type character as he seems to be there to drop in and tell a few jokes disappear and only adds drama for one scene when he decides conveniently to tell his girlfriend that he’s probably not going to move with her.
this phone just wasn’t for me. You have to be in the right mood and have the right amount of patience to watch this film, but it’s not horrible. It just wasn’t that great.
The film does offer some prime California background and locations that all look modern and meditatively beautiful.
Cast: Dan Bucatinsky, Richard Ruccolo, Adam Goldberg, Sasha Alexander, Lisa Kudrow, Andrea Martin, Joanna Kerns, Christina Ricci, Michael Harris, Doris Roberts
While the flame of Jackie and Brett’s attraction intensifies, Eli and Tom, the unlikely pair they attempt to bring together, appear destined to spiral out of love rather than make any sort of progress toward becoming a genuine couple.
I can remember seeing bits and pieces of this film before I don’t know if I’ve ever watched it from beginning to end, but now that I have watched it from beginning to end, I have quite a few thoughts and things to say
The way this film is edited for some odd reason. The cuts seem to be perfectly made for a TV movie, which shows you how deep the film gets.
This is ironic, considering this is a gay romantic comedy that has a couple in it that I am guessing helps certain audience, members or allies feel a bit more comfortable in the film or seems to want to parity or be irony of how gay relationships are in straight, romantic comedies where they’re given Very little to do except either be support Relief or help set up the main couple and get them back together in general.
Hear the Straights portrayed by Sasha Alexander and Adam Goldberg feels so predictable in their own way and stereotypical playing the straights or the street best friends of the couple at the heart of it seems to be intentional
This film is filled with irony as it either condemns or criticizes, other gay romantic comedies at the time that are more mainstream while itself being kind of light when it comes to the material that at least gets deeper into the characterization and sex lives of its gay characters
Maybe, because it takes place in Los Angeles major city it seems like none of the films is all that controversial everybody accepts everybody for who they are. There is no prejudice, which is nice as it has a positive supportive message while working that is obviously taking place in the 90s, maybe early 2000s and all of the culture of that time is on full display if it had been made modern-day and at that time it would be accused of over saturation of a time. Because this is totally a time capsule, including the leads and the situation they find themselves in OK because it’s supposed to be a comedy so it works within the perimeters. It doesn’t get too deep, but it is entertaining for what it is.
No color whatsoever like an Ally ship movie it’s written and produced by its star Dan Bucatinsky and a lot of the big-name members seem there to help fill out the cast list, but obviously seem here more for support or doing a favor someone associated with the film because it’s their roles are pretty much cameos as they are not too much to shine in except for maybe Lisa Kudrow And Andrea Martin, who seems to can’t help but be funny when she’s in a film or show, though she has a big role that most of the other big names and she ends up being the most memorable part of the movie. S they get the best material. Especially Doris Roberts’s monologue near the end
No, I am highly critical of the movie watching it through modernize. I’m sure at the time it made its Mark as it was one of the few mainstream, independent gay romantic films back when that was still considered either controversial taboo or strictly for the art housing oh, how the times come, even though the material feel so basic.
The only depth of the film seems to be in one character’s alcoholism, which is more dealt with in the background, than as a major part of the film.
Not to mention a bit of top culture in the form of the Planet of the apes obsession, which gives it a kind of Tarantino tint, and also just helps the geek culture
What are the problems with this film? Is that one character seems to of course, be the more manly and messed up character from years of alcoholism and his family, and not getting along with his parents, or as the other one more uptight, even though his parents have been nothing but supportive, and this is the usual character type in romantic movies, everybody, obviously everybody has a reason for why they are who they are but yet, once a couple seem to be attracted to each other and their basic personalities or even at their worst, but must go through before they can be happily together, which is probably the truest part of these films.
look everyone deserves love, but it’s not that interesting watching too such bland characters. Take their time and finally come together and get their issues in order to try and accept love and have a romance. it seems like you’re asking for much with this film and maybe it’s just me. I just really found these characters not that interesting.
The film offers no real surprises, but at least it’s fun
Cast: Sophie Von Haselberg, Cricket Arrison, Reshma Gajjar
Sissy St. Claire graces the small screen for her first ever television special, an evening full of music and laughter, glamour, and entertainment. But Sissy’s live event quickly begins to curdle into a psychedelic nightmare.
This film is best not to know anything going in and discover before reading this write-up. As there are spoilers.
Now this film will probably be compared to the film, LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL, as they are similar somewhat in presentation. Only this film doesn’t show any of the behind-the-scenes action we just see the special as presented with no real backstory before or after. as both films are inspired by movies, such as DEATHWATCH.
this film is hard to exactly explain or identify. it takes place as a live TV special where the film stays in that perimeter for the remainder of the running time and it’s filmed in the same way
Though the special might be haunted or it might just be a collection of errors paired with the star, either overreacting or having a mental breakdown as she might be seeing things or the actual truth as we in the audience, wonder the same thing.
The Songs throughout are funny, but might also be autobiographical for the main character as throughout the special she seems to share a little bit too much with the audience over and overreact in the same way
The film is brilliant as it is not necessarily quite a thriller or a horror film yet it stays entertaining and is almost a one-woman show for the star played by Sophie Von Haselberg all in front of the camera as she seems to break down.
The lead actress and special is almost a Bette Midler type star Sophie Von Haselberg’s character resembles, but also mixed with Ilana Glazer.
The film gets darker and more unsettling as it goes along, especially when it comes to what are supposed to be skits
The film is an example of how the main character’s past still haunts her, and his manifesting which she talks about early in one of her pieces and one, on ones with the audience
Writer-Director, Amanda Kramer has made another one-of-a-kind film. This one is definitely a classic and not one to ever be forgotten.
As with most of her films, they are very inspired as she wears her influences on her sleeve, but she managed to make something so original and special with them that you can’t help but be amazed by the end.
The film definitely has a style. not to mention tons of imagination and obvious skill that went into the making and performing in this film.
The film is psychedelic at times before reason and not annoying. It’s as it shows. It has more of an artistic side. Even in its own strangeness.
Written By: Nick Gillespie, Matthew White and Brook Driver
Cinematography: Billy J. Jackson
Editor: Tom Longmore
Cast: Tom Meeten, Katherine Parkinson, Kris Marshall, Kevin Bishop, Johnny Vegas, Mandeep Dhillon, Steve Oram, Alice Lowe, Pippa Haywood
A weedy charity shop worker is set on winning the big national talent show. But when the actions of 5 selfish people cause him to miss his audition, he sets out to seek deathly revenge. It’s 1 lunch break and 5 spectacular murders.
This film comes across more of a comedy of errors with macabre violence.
The film is a crowd-pleaser that gets you to root for the character right from the beginning. He tries to murder the characters but they are usually done by themselves or some mistake they make In fleeing.
The characters are over the top cruel and mean. So you really feel no sympathy for them and the nastier they are the gorier their deaths. That is where the film offers its surprises, in how the deaths happen.
The film ends up strangely heartwarming. That seems to want to comment on the predatory nature of social media. Though the films feel good premise of social media justice feels a bit like bad timing. As more and more mentally ill people commit mass murder. Using it to show their handiwork and try to be immortalized in infamy.
The film comes across as the lead character Simple and sweet. Though with a dark side. The character is pure yet the film is cynical.
The film offers impressive practical special effects. Which is where it looks like most of the film’s budget comes from.
What seems like it will be a vigilante tale of revenge. As each character seems a bit off, It’s more a tale of karma and justice.
Cast: James Cagney, Olivia De Havilland, Rita Hayworth, Alan Hale, Jack Larson, George Tobias, Una O’Connor, George Reeves, Lucile Fairbanks, Edward McNamara, Helen Lynd
Biff Grimes is crazy about Virginia Brush, but his “pal” Hugo Barnstead marries her himself and makes Biff the fall guy for his shady dealings. Though Hugo seems to have everything Biff wants, Biff learns that having what one wants and wanting what one has can be two very different things.
One of the reasons why I love this film so much is I have never heard about this film before. Now while I am a film fan I can admit to having blind spots especially when it come to older black and white movies which to me are considered classics at times because of the time period in which they were made. A peek into a bygone era . Where certain roles were set up and portrayed but even back then knew that everyone was more than what they were told to play and more savvy than they let on.
This is truly the first James Cagney starring movie I have ever seen so while I have seen him in other films in smaller roles and heard about him. This is my first experience with him where I can see the talent and charms all on display. Even in playing someone not necessarily all that smart but watching him start to get the point and realize what and who is best for him.
It’s also fun discovering a film that was out there and many never mention that is practically an undiscovered gem. As it’s a film that while you can beleive the dramatic and romantic moments. It feels like everyone is having fun in and with their roles and one another. It’s heartfelt and entertaining. It’s a show but you take it with you once it’s done. Even though you know It’s not necessarily close to reality.
Part of this film’s charms is that it’s not a big story with high steaks, but more a character comedy that is charming and it’s own right Word not only the star shines, but the supporting characters help.
As the film is about romance and love, and what truly matters in it, so it is full, and we see its nurturing grace, with a note of the next stage, and never or rarely being disguised.
This was one of my first James Cagney films, and definitely my first James Cagney comedy, though not one of his more famous titles or not considered a classic amongst his other films. So far, it is one of my favorites of his, and truly shows he was a star who seemed to be able to do it all saying, dance act, he could be a hero or he could be a villain and quite scary.
This is only the third film of James Cagney that I have seen. I think I appreciate it because it’s not as talked about as his other films.
His performance, here is more as a romantic, and a man, with a quick temper, who threw out, seems to be taken advantage of by those around him yet never let his anger out on them but directed at Phantom threats and challenges whose ultimate goal is to become a dentist.
The way he plays it is genuinely his own as in most of his comedic performances it’s fast and he seems to get so worked up over nothing that the performance is grand, and half of it is watching his history as he gets himself more and more worked up, but gracefully, he also comes down or how much trouble his anger and fast-talking gets him into.
As he is such a force of nature that it seems like the film and characters, more or less revolve around him, and react only in this film, they all get their time to shine, even while he is huffing and puffing.
As the one person who truly does care for him, and looks out for him, he is oblivious to Eventually he wakes up and opens his eyes as he realizes what he has, or what he could lose.
The best thing for him was not getting what he wanted, as it also showed him what was important, which seemed to be the moral of the story.
The film has an earnest story and it’s quite simple but gets so much mileage out of it that it’s no shock that it’s the James Cagney of his films and the Director of the film Raoul Walsh also says it’s his favorite that he made.
The intentional comedy of his character being a hothead, yet always losing fights until it truly matters is a quality the film seems to try to introduce subtly. This also showcases that his character is not that smart, but is good with quips. Is that the character who ultimately is the villain of the story? Did his actions seem intentional, but always seem to take advantage of Cagney’s character or lead his character to ruin.
This also leads to one of the few problems of the film is that his other friend played by Jack Larson, is not that good-looking nor charismatic, So it’s hard to believe him as his rival as the only thing that he seems to have over Cagney is maybe a certain smoothness, which I guess is what works as it is obvious and is really the defining point of his character.
Later, it seems like he envies his friend’s life but eventually can see why it’s best. He didn’t get the girl and had the fate of his friend.
Rita Hayworth’s character is a gold digger but has a soft spot for James Cagney which is romantic, but troublesome as she is the one who has her husband get him a job that proves to be his undoing.
There is even a chance that the romance between him and Hayworth could have worked, but and wouldn’t have been ideal or true. She ultimately buries herself and her chances later in the film. She shows all the things in her character that his character doesn’t like in a woman, yet is more ravishing in her lead scenes physically, though always shows why her character and Cagneys could work especially early in the film when they go on a forced date.
James Cagney and Olivia de Havilland’s chemistry is not the flashes they have so much chemistry and Rita Hayworth is truly his even in comedic scenes with her talking about her ideals and her strange flirtation with some Lothario (Played by Herbert Anderson, who played the father on the show DENNIS THE MENACE) who keeps winking and she can’t help winking at them with Chelsea her character is looking for love and excitement and is just as open to making the wrong decisions.
Though it’s hard to believe that she’s so passive when finding out we’re figuring out that her married friend Rita, Hayworth kissed James Cagney and the lights-out spaghetti scene.
It’s one of those stories where one finds the perfect partner with someone they weren’t really looking at or for and that other person falls for them anyway. Despite knowing they are a runner up. Though making their way to truly being number 1
Cagney’s character played by Alan Hale, is hilarious steals all of his scenes, and proves to have great chemistry with the star. As well as George Tobias, who plays his Greek friend, and who ends up being his only true friend, they are both hilarious.
The film’s more comedic scenes aren’t as physical but more verbal and witty. It is even lensed by legendary (not at the time) cinematographer James Wong Howe (THE THIN MAN, SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS)
It’s a comedy with dramatic moments, but a heart for romance.
Based on the play “Egy, Ketto, Harom” By: Ferenc Molnar
Cinematography: Daniel L. Fapp
Editor: Daniel Mendell
Cast: James Cagney, Horst Buchholz, Pamela Tiffin, Arlene Francis, Lilo Pulver, Howard St. John, Hanns Lothar, Leon Askin, Ralf Wolter, Karl Lieffen
C.R. “Mac” MacNamara is a high-ranking executive in the Coca-Cola company, assigned to the corporate office located in West Berlin. Mac’s dream are to climb the corporate ladder in the company to eventually become the head of Western European Coca-Cola Operations. One day, Mac receives a call from his boss, W.P. Hazeltine, to look after his 17-year-old socialite daughter, who is coming to West Berlin, while he is on a trip. Soon enough, Mac finds himself in the undesirable circumstances of trying to take care of this young whirlwind and manage all of the problems she causes.
The movie escaped me for many years as I missed seeing it and a recent Billy Wilder perspective at my local repertory theater. So finally getting to see this late Wilder movie was bittersweet even though I still have yet to see it on the big screen.
It’s a little more political than I expected. This film is still a joy only for the chaos that seems to be happening from the beginning to a comedic blizzard throughout. James Cagney’s character is the ringmaster. Who tries to keep it together and contained and usually bleeds into something else that causes another set of problems.
As there are contained scenes that are filled with farce and all kinds of comedy from slapstick to physical to wordplay. That involves ridiculous characters who seem over the top but become endearing.
As James Cagney’s character is trying to get a promotion wishes as well seem to be a crumbling marriage, a dysfunctional family, a mistress who is his secretary, and other foreign dignitaries. All at once and once he has to babysit your boss’s daughter, and she sneaks out because of all sorts of problems he has to clean them up, especially when his boss decides to make a surprise visit.
What are the interesting aspects that in all the people he tries to help even if it’s for selfish reasons. They always seem to battle against him even when it is for their own best interest.
It truly is a film of its time. Wilder has never shied away from more of the controversial subjects and is maybe a bit bawdy. As well, it seems quaint. Now I can only imagine at the time this film, caused a mini uproar over the decision and the behavior of some of its characters.
At certain points, it does get a little bit too silly for its own good especially when it comes to the character of Otto. Cool comes off as more annoying and might’ve inspired Archie Bunker and Meathead a bit over a decade later on the sitcom ALL IN THE FAMILY.
For me, the film is a laugh right as you’re just amazed that how much can go wrong and still work out not to mention how much how many plates can be spinning all at once in a scene and they may fall nothing ever seems to break and that is a perfect way to describe this film. There is so much going on, but you can easily follow it and it never truly lets you down.
It’s a shame that Cagney did not enjoy making this film, so much that he retired from acting after being in this movie and didn’t make another acting appearance until RAGTIME. which was his last role. It feels like we lost more performances From the man. Who is in top form here.
The film is fast-paced, and while there are all kinds of lunacy going on, if it were not for James Cagney‘s character being the ringmaster and handling all these disasters and trying to find an answer while putting out all these fires, the film truly would be lost.
Cut To The Chase 