March 29, 2004
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The Ladykillers
Haven’t reviewed a film in a while. Got persuaded to see the modern version of the wonderful Alec Guinness film, this time starring Tom Hanks, an actor of great talent and likeability. I wouldn’t have thought to see it on my own because in the trailers Hanks looked so, well, slimy. And unfortunately, I found the entire film, well, slimy. For starters, there was a great deal of over-the-top foul language (which I would expect in a gangster drama, but not in a cheeky comedy). The other characters were not only poor caricatures, but in my opinion, offensive and in bad taste. There were even “poop” jokes in the form of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. So, while I can forgive Hanks a misstep like this, I must say that all you have to do is watch the classic original version of this film (which you would probably have to check out at your local branch library) with its wonderful English character actors (including the great Peter Sellers) to see how this movie could have been done. The friend I accompanied to the movie seemed to think it was quite funny. Hmmm……
Deep Thought: I don’t pretend to have all the answers. I don’t pretend to even know what the questions are. Hey, where am I?
Today I am grateful for: Richard Clarke
Comments (9)
Dh wants to see that film… but I kind of had the impression from the previews that it was a bit “over the top” … your review doesn’t surprise me. I was already figuring on passing on it. You confirmed my suspicions. :-/ One forgives Hanks this miss-step, but certainly hopes he doesn’t trip again, no? Ah well. Thanks for the heads-up.
I can’t imagine anyone wanting to remake such a great movie. Sometimes it’s best to leave well enough alone.
It would be interesting for a younger audience to discover the original (and other Guinness classics, like “The Man in the White Suit,” or ”The Lavender Hill Mob”)–he had much too much talent to be known only as Obi-Wan Kenobi.
–Scott
Ah, I’m sorry to hear that it doesn’t live up. I was wondering about the source of the R rating… now I know.
There really are very few truly humorous movies out there any more. None of it is subtle humor; they all want to hit us over the head with inane, childish humor. It’s sad.
That’s surprising that someone of Hank’s caliber would be in a movie like that. I don’t understand why scatalogical humor is supposed to be so funny. Most people outgrow that by the time they are 12, why is it so prevalent in movies?
I recently read a memoir by Alec Guiness called “My Name Escapes Me” which was wonderful. His self depreciating humor & ancedotes were a joy to read.
That is a BEAUTIFUL new pic of you!
I absolutely adore Peter Sellers. I will definitely see the original. And from reading your commenters, I will have to check out other Alec Guiness movies. I had no idea. I hate to call myself part of the younger generation (due to my ignorance of Alec in anything but Star Wars), but I guess I am, even though I’m thirtysomething.
I wasn’t impressed with the Tom Hanks film trailers, but Joel Siegel on Good Morning America said that this movie was so hysterical that he was crying, and since it’s a Coen brothers movie, I kind of feel obligated to see it. But THANK YOU for your opinion.
Check back and give your review.
Oh well, that’s good to know. I have a friend who is also a Coen brothers fan and we were gonna go see it. shucks.
i have yet to hear anything good about this film from anyone who has actually seen it. how sad, based on the original and some other works by the Coen…