MrPunch
Joined Jul 2005
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Reviews8
MrPunch's rating
Don't be one of them. Don't be one of the stupid people. Don't rent or buy or watch this film. I suppose there are worse films, but very few spring to mind.
The entire premise assumes you were born yesterday and remain ignorant of human behavior or common sense. I'd go on about the plot or the performances, but it's just one contrivance after another that leaves the viewer frustrated and angry at the characters (ALL of them) not to mention the director.
By the end you don't care who lives or dies, as long as it ENDS.
There are a lot of ways to spend your time. Don't waste it here!
The entire premise assumes you were born yesterday and remain ignorant of human behavior or common sense. I'd go on about the plot or the performances, but it's just one contrivance after another that leaves the viewer frustrated and angry at the characters (ALL of them) not to mention the director.
By the end you don't care who lives or dies, as long as it ENDS.
There are a lot of ways to spend your time. Don't waste it here!
OK, I saw this in the theaters when it came out and I don't know why. I haven't seen it since, but I ended up on this page because I found myself thinking about this film - again I don't know why. But the fact that I remember it speaks volumes.
Comedy is hard - much harder than any drama. Doing it right makes it seem easy, but doing it wrong ... is there anything worse than a bad comedy? Steve Martin, pay attention, you are falling in this category again for some reason.
Elvira Mistress Of The Dark must have done it right for me to remember this movie fondly. Done at a quick pace, with tongue in cheek and knowing it isn't the Philedelphia Story, it entertains from start to finish. Brain Donors is another that fits right in this category (sans most of the gratuitous boob jokes).
One point of contention - the ending. It seems the writers/director had no idea how to finish a comedy. The ending tries to be a love story, somewhat undermining the quirky fast-paced dialogue up to that point. Then there is the "tassle" scene. Whereas this has to be seen (male opinion), it is so over the top and out of place it's like a shock. One more rewrite for the ending was needed.
This is not comedy genius like Spinal Tap or The Producers or The Holy Grail. But if you don't try to dissect it and just let the puns and sappy fun come to you, you'll laugh, I guarantee it.
Comedy is hard - much harder than any drama. Doing it right makes it seem easy, but doing it wrong ... is there anything worse than a bad comedy? Steve Martin, pay attention, you are falling in this category again for some reason.
Elvira Mistress Of The Dark must have done it right for me to remember this movie fondly. Done at a quick pace, with tongue in cheek and knowing it isn't the Philedelphia Story, it entertains from start to finish. Brain Donors is another that fits right in this category (sans most of the gratuitous boob jokes).
One point of contention - the ending. It seems the writers/director had no idea how to finish a comedy. The ending tries to be a love story, somewhat undermining the quirky fast-paced dialogue up to that point. Then there is the "tassle" scene. Whereas this has to be seen (male opinion), it is so over the top and out of place it's like a shock. One more rewrite for the ending was needed.
This is not comedy genius like Spinal Tap or The Producers or The Holy Grail. But if you don't try to dissect it and just let the puns and sappy fun come to you, you'll laugh, I guarantee it.
From a Shakespearean Comedy point of view, this film is unbeatable. Beautifully shot, wonderfully acted, brilliantly conceived. It's hard to be critical of any part of this marvelous film.
I use this film, along with Julie Taymor's "Titus", to introduce people to Shakespeare. Yes, there are two problems - one short but necessary stretch that is too wordy, and the final humiliation scene of Malvolio that is played too seriously - but the film wins every other moment.
I continue to marvel at Ben Kingsley. Here he plays Feste as if he is watching the play unfold with you, even has he participates in it. His whimsy is palpable, and you can't take your eyes off him. His songs might be the high point of the film.
No, you won't believe the plot. I don't think Shakespeare ever thought someone would believe it. It's a comedy. Just go along with it, let it charm you. You won't be disappointed. I give it a 9.8, but have to round up to 10. What a lovely film!
I use this film, along with Julie Taymor's "Titus", to introduce people to Shakespeare. Yes, there are two problems - one short but necessary stretch that is too wordy, and the final humiliation scene of Malvolio that is played too seriously - but the film wins every other moment.
I continue to marvel at Ben Kingsley. Here he plays Feste as if he is watching the play unfold with you, even has he participates in it. His whimsy is palpable, and you can't take your eyes off him. His songs might be the high point of the film.
No, you won't believe the plot. I don't think Shakespeare ever thought someone would believe it. It's a comedy. Just go along with it, let it charm you. You won't be disappointed. I give it a 9.8, but have to round up to 10. What a lovely film!