Release Date: 2 July 1980
Directed by: Jim Abraham, David Zucker, Jerry Zucker
Starring: Leslie Nielsen, Robert Hays, Julie Hagerty, Robert Stack, Peter Graves
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080339/
My Rating: (7/10) ★★★★★★★✩✩✩
I'm ashamed to say I'd never seen this movie before. The fact that it had been on my radar all my life is no excuse. I'll admit I dismissed it partially due to not understanding the appeal of Leslie Nielsen and also due to the love my parents and grandparents seemed to have for it. That made it an *old* film in my mind and my appreciation of comedy was far more in tune and sophisticated than theirs. So last night I watched it for the first time. And this morning I watched it for the second time. Genius!
I love so much what ZAZ did here by casting these serious actors of the genre in these satiric roles. That alone elevates the film and gives it this classic quality. I also understand Leslie Nielsen a bit more now than I used to and actually began to appreciate his deadpan delivery. Knowing he was not trying to be a comic actor helped a lot. The cameos were awesome, especially the cameos by Ethel Merman (in her last film) and Barbara Billingsley as a Jive talking middle aged woman.
I must admit though, much of the references do not stand the test of time. Though the gags still have impact, the social commentary they are making feels a little empty. That simply comes from being 32 years old and out of context.
ReplyDeleteI love so much what ZAZ did here by casting these serious actors of the genre in these satiric roles. That alone elevates the film and gives it this classic quality. I also understand Leslie Nielsen a bit more now than I used to and actually began to appreciate his deadpan delivery. Knowing he was not trying to be a comic actor helped a lot. The cameos were awesome, especially the cameos by Ethel Merman (in her last film) and Barbara Billingsley as a Jive talking middle aged woman.