Sorry, Nia. I'm a fan....but this movie falls pretty flat. The comedy writing is contrived and predictable. There were some laugh out loud moments. But they were too few and far between. Most of the characters are cardboard cut-outs. They are unbelievable and obnoxious. And the story? Well, we've seen it a million times before. Richard Dreyfuss is the HIGHLIGHT of this film. It is in scenes with Nia and Dreyfuss that the movie shines. The scene at the beach was so brief but so powerful...Dreyfuss makes the most of those brief moments. The scenery,however,is fantastic! To see the ruins of Greece on the big screen...what a treat. Overall, I felt this movie was trying way too hard to be funny....much like the tour guide in the movie. Wait for it to come out on video.
Reviews
5 Reviews
Running Scared
(1986)
After 20 years "Running Scared" isn't running on empty....
19 February 2006
The story centers on two Chicago cops, Hines and Crystal, who, after too many years on the job, are burned out and questioning their own mortality. They are forced by their Captain to take time off to regroup and end up in Key West, Florida. After spending nearly two weeks in the sun filled, bikini paradise, the two decide to retire their positions and open a bar in the Keys. They only need to live out two more weeks on the job. That's when things get interesting. The duo are drawn back into the fast-paced violent streets to bring down their long-time nemesis and Chicago drug dealer, Gonzales (Jimmy Smits). Will they survive the two weeks and make it back to the Keys or will the Windy City save two of Chicago's finest from themselves? This movie remains a benchmark for all "Buddy Cop Movies' ever made or ever to be made. The dialog, much of which was improvised, between Hines and Crystal is fast, funny and simply brilliant. Many lines from the movie have been embedded into our everyday language and you too will be quoting this movie for years to come. "Ooooh Noooooo" Hines and Crystal have a chemistry which has never been equaled. The only flaw in this production was that the two never had the time or opportunity to make a sequel.
Skin Deep
(1989)
Atypical Blake Edwards' Comedy showcases John Ritter in top form!
3 June 2002
John Ritter plays a familiar Blake Edward's character who is at the same time a pathetic but intelligent man who is losing everything to his vices. In this case, Zach is a successful author who is hitting rock bottom due to alcoholism and his non-stop womanizing. John Ritter's physical comedy is hilarious yet he portrays this pathetic character with great sensitivity. You watch as this man slowly and painfully spirals down and the women who try to help redeem him slowly get dragged down with him. But Edwards is a master at allowing us to laugh-out-loud at his slow and quiet self destruction. Who will ever forget the....glow-in-the-dark duel? or the body builder? or how about the morning after in the guest room? The slow ride to rock bottom made his redemption all the more sweet. I was pleasantly surprised at how "deep" this movie truly is. If you are looking for the slapstick of pure Clouseau, this is not your movie. I suspect most of those who disliked this movie were seeking that exact Blake Edwards formula comedy. However, he surprised us all with the kind of depth that belies the title.
The Philadelphia Story
(1940)
Sophisticated and classic comedy!!!
2 June 2001
A truly spectacular film that moves gracefully throughout the lives of several people of differing social class to create a smart and insightful comedy. The dialogue always brings me to the edge of my seat as I listen attentively to the fast-paced, cutting banter of Grant, Hepburn and Stewart. Tracy (Hepburn) is a young woman of "old money" about to marry a man who is "nouveau riche". Two working class stiffs (Stewart and Hussey) are reporters out to scoop this scandalous poor boy/rich girl story for a tabloid newspaper. When Tracy's first husband, C.K. Dexter Haven (Grant), returns to win back his bride.....the fun begins.
The chemistry between Hepburn and her two leading co-stars (Grant and Stewart) is palpable. Hepburn gives the performance of her career in a once in a lifetime role. The character of Tracy is vibrant and smart, with a unique sarcastic flair. C.K. Dexter Haven is dashing, witty and touchingly vulnerable. Grant is brilliant. Hussey and Stewart are equally great in their roles as the "every day man and woman" who have somehow managed to work their way to center stage to the social event of the year.
Through it all, you will laugh at this delightful mix of people and recognize yourself in a little of each one of them. A delightful social commentary!
Fun, fun, fun. If you enjoy great dialogue......you'll love this movie.
The chemistry between Hepburn and her two leading co-stars (Grant and Stewart) is palpable. Hepburn gives the performance of her career in a once in a lifetime role. The character of Tracy is vibrant and smart, with a unique sarcastic flair. C.K. Dexter Haven is dashing, witty and touchingly vulnerable. Grant is brilliant. Hussey and Stewart are equally great in their roles as the "every day man and woman" who have somehow managed to work their way to center stage to the social event of the year.
Through it all, you will laugh at this delightful mix of people and recognize yourself in a little of each one of them. A delightful social commentary!
Fun, fun, fun. If you enjoy great dialogue......you'll love this movie.
The Best Years of Our Lives
(1946)
The ravages of war don't end on the battlefield.
25 April 2001
I watch this movie every time it plays on TV. A simply brilliant film. Three men return home from war and try to return to civilian life with great difficulty. All three led opposite lives during the war (Executive Banker became an army corporal, a soda jerk became an Air Force Captain and the High School Football hero loses both his arms in battle)and now each must reconstruct his life and connect with a new reality. The homes they return to, with grown children and independent, working women along with a depressed economy, only add to the strife. It's the scenes just off camera and the unspoken dialog which resonates the most loudly, however. The awkward intimacy of Frederich March and Myrna Loy and his struggle to return to his place as leader (both at home and at work) are heartbreaking.
Dana Andrews is riveting as the handsome, decorated Captain who struggles to keep his life together without the uniform.
The film is filled with honest characters and each is portrayed by a gifted actor.
This film, however, took on a whole other level after seeing, "Saving Private Ryan." The reality and magnitude of what these men lived through for love and country......and obviously it didn't end on the battlefield.
This is an essential for any collection.
Dana Andrews is riveting as the handsome, decorated Captain who struggles to keep his life together without the uniform.
The film is filled with honest characters and each is portrayed by a gifted actor.
This film, however, took on a whole other level after seeing, "Saving Private Ryan." The reality and magnitude of what these men lived through for love and country......and obviously it didn't end on the battlefield.
This is an essential for any collection.
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