Four Weddings and a Funeral

Four Weddings and a Funeral PosterGenre: Romance Comedy
Director: Mike Newell
Screenwriter: Richard Curtis

Rating: 95%
Year: 1994
Length: 1h 56m

Summary: a shy Englishman falls for a pretty American woman, whom he only meets at weddings and funerals.

Main Actors: Hugh Grant, Andie MacDowell, James Fleet, Simon Callow, John Hannah, Kristin Scott Thomas

Nice Bits

This lovely tale follows a group of British friends, mostly eccentric in their own ways, as they navigate various formal events. There’s some lovely contrast between English and American attitudes, and how they often fail to connect with each other.

This film was probably the break out role for Hugh Grant, although I’m not sure if he’s acting or just being himself. Either way, he makes a good poster boy for typical British bumbling indecisiveness. Even so, his self depreciating humour is thoroughly enjoyable.

This style of film is often predictable, and although the ending is hardly surprising, it does have a nice twist to surprise viewers. Ultimately, it’s a life affirming film that once again celebrates love. That might not be original, but it’s certainly worthwhile, in my opinion.

Nasty Bits

The funeral might upset some.

Naughty Bits

None

Cast and Crew: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109831/fullcredits

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-HeV8Z6iXc

Reviews: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/four_weddings_and_a_funeral/

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The Dinner Game (Le Diner de Cons)

the Dinner Game PosterGenre: Comedy
Director: Francis Veber
Screenwriter: Francis Veber

Rating: 73%
Year: 1999
Length: 1h 18m

Summary: A group of snobs bring so called idiots to dinner, in order to ridicule them. However, one bites back.

Main Actors: Jacques Villeret, Thierry Lhermitte, Francis Huster, Alexandra Vandernoot, Daniel Prévost

Nice Bits

This is one of four French comic masterpieces by Francis Veber, so if you can’t handle reading subtitles, make sure you get the version dubbed in English.

Tales of underdogs are often popular, and this is no exception. It’s great fun to watch the snobbish host get undone (hoist by his own petard?) by a idiot he invites for dinner, and it’s no more than he deserves. The idiot, although not smart, is a far nicer person.

He has absolutely no idea how his actions will bring his host back down to size, and it’s always amusing to watch as the penny finally drops. He apologises often and profusely, which only rubs it in further. His host is astounded at how quickly things fall apart.

Delightful complications show up in the form of the host’s wife, his girlfriend, the estranged ex friend whose woman he stole, and an unexpected visitor from the tax department. The interplay between this mixture adds greatly to the mishaps.

If you’ve seen the embarrassing American remake, please don’t judge the original, which is ten times as good. I watch it every year or two, as it never loses its appeal.

Nasty Bits

None.

Naughty Bits

None.

Cast and Crew: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119038/fullcredits

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkqKTtcp-WY

Reviews: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/dinner_game/

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Saving Grace

Saving Grace PosterGenre: Comedy
Director: Nigel Cole
Screenwriter: Mark Crowdy, Craig Ferguson

Rating: 63%
Year: 2000
Length: 1h 35m

Summary: A newly widowed middle aged woman grows dope to pay off her husband’s debts and save her home.

Main Actors: Brenda BlethynCraig Ferguson, Martin Clunes, Diana Quick, Bill Bailey, Tcheky Karyo

Nice Bits

I watched this again last night, and its charm remains strong. I’m not into stoner films, but this is a delightful contrast between the middle class middle aged heroine, if you’ll pardon the pun, and her desperate venture of growing hydroponic marijuana to save her home, after her hugely indebted husband dies, leaving her facing bankrupcy.

The small coastal town setting adds to the fun, with a delightful mix of strange characters. Doc Martin makes his first appearance here, although he’s far more charming and friendly than his latest incarnation in the successful TV series that’s so entertaining.

The central character has a mix of sweetness, humour and vulnerability, and it’s only natural that she’d consider this way out of her financial troubles. Again, it’s the remarkable combination of heart and humour that gets me every time.

Some of the scenes you might have seen before, but there’s a gentle innocence that comes with the laughs, largely due to the quiet rural English village in which the story is set.

Even if you’re staunchly against drug use, this little film is well worth seeing.

Nasty Bits

The film is about dope, so be warned!

Naughty Bits

Some exposed body parts now and then, but not in a sexual way.

Cast and Crew: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0195234/fullcredits

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-n8rHwtoEwo

Reviews: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1099492-saving_grace/

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Blow Dry

Blow Dry PosterGenre: Comedy Drama
Director: Paddy Breathnach
Screenwriter: Simon Beaufoy

Rating: 19%
Year: 2001
Length: 1h 31m

Summary: A separated family of hair dressers reunite when the British Championships come to town.

Main Actors: Alan Rickman, Natasha Richardson, Rachel Griffiths, Bill Nighy, Heidi Klum

Nice Bits

I never thought I’d want to watch a film about competitive hair dressing. What a surprise!

The critics really got this one wrong, perhaps because designers put two minor characters on the poster instead of the older main characters: the always superb Bill Nighy and Alan Rickman. The young audience probably wasn’t impressed to see who the real stars were.

It’s a shame, because the film is a wonderful combination of British humour and heart felt drama. It’s a clever comedy, dealing on the surface with revenge and competition, but at its core, it’s about relationships, forgiveness, and dealing with disappointment.

It also showcases a lesbian couple who aren’t on screen for titillation, and have real depth and caring in their relationship. How their history relates to the other characters is one of the ongoing sometimes hilarious complications, bruising male egos along the way.

Sure, it’s a little predictable, but I don’t mind one bit, because the characters (well, except for the youngsters) are so well played, and they deal with their heart ache with quick humour, instead of getting down and depressed.

There’s a sparkling witty rivalry between the lead males, and the two lead women very much hold their own as well. If you’re a fan of smart clever British humour, don’t miss it.

Nasty Bits

The lead female has cancer, which might upset some viewers. I found it beautifully portrayed, and it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the film.

Naughty Bits

A little tasteful nudity.

Cast and Crew: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0212380/fullcredits

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6yObNphIPE

Reviews: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1101191-blow_dry/

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Crocodile Dundee

Crocodile Dundee PosterGenre: Comedy Action Adventure
Director: Peter Faiman
Screenwriter: John Cornell, Ken Shadie, Paul Hogan

Rating: 89%
Year: 1986
Length: 1h 44m

Summary: A pretty American journalist pursuades an unsophisticated outback Aussie to visit New York City.

Main Actors: Paul Hogan, Linda Kozlowski, John Meillon, David Gulpilil

Nice Bits

This is one of the few Australian films written to appeal outside the country, and became a great success due to the friendly, humourous title character, played by local comedian Paul Hogan. His gentle but strong nature carried the whole film.

Much of the laughter came from his relocation from the one kangaroo outback town of Walkabout Creek across the world to New York City, where his innocence appealed to the world weary locals, and also got him into trouble now and then.

The contrast between Aussie and American ways of doing things provided much mirth, along with city/country differences, even though the story itself was very simple.

The supporting cast added much to the lightness, including the award winning Aborigine actor David Gulpilil. His broad grin and natural style was a delight, and even funnier in the sequel when nearly all the cast returned for another helping.

While it might seem simple and innocent in today’s world, it still stand the test of time to provide a lovely gentle humourous evening’s entertainment.

Nasty Bits

The occasional punch now and then.

Naughty Bits

The odd bit of innuendo.

Cast and Crew: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090555/fullcredits

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rijQ5oBFlO0

Reviews: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/crocodile_dundee/

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Shall We Dance?

Shall we Dance PosterGenre: Drama Comedy Romance Dance
Director: Peter Chelsom
Screenwriter: Audrey Wells, Masayuki Suo

Rating: 46%
Year: 2004
Length: 1h 35m

Summary: A middle aged man is seduced by ballroom dance, and sneaks away for classes, worrying his family.

Main Actors: Richard Gere, Jennifer Lopez, Susan Sarandon, Stanley Tucci, Lisa Ann Walter, Sarah Lafleur

Nice Bits

This is another film the critics got wrong. While it’s safer than the Japanese original, it’s still a lovely film, full of joy and humour and warmth. It might be hard to imagine Richard Gere as a shy middle aged man, but he pulls it off pretty well.

I’ve also been attracted to ballroom dancing, and can easily relate to his character finding it very alluring. The music and passion, the rhythm and energy. Seeing J Lo at the window of the dance studio probably had something to do with it as well 🙂

Susan Sarandon plays his lovely wife, suspicious that he’s having an affair. As usual, she brings great presence to her role, and the interplay between the two is very sweet as she finally figures out what he’s been doing all of those late nights away.

There are some hilarious scenes at the studio, and Stanley Tucci is especially funny and sad as a passionate dancer who’s too scared to share his joy at work.

Things work out well at the end, as expected, but the journey is very poignant at times, as well as countless laughs to be had along the way.

So which to watch: this or the original? Both – they are each well worth seeing.

Nasty Bits

None.

Naughty Bits

None.

Cast and Crew: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0358135/fullcredits

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGtS3CL-zpo

Reviews: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/shall_we_dance/

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Tootsie

Tootsie PosterGenre: Drama Romance Comedy
Director: Sydney Pollack
Screenwriter: Larry Gelbart, Murray Schisgal

Rating: 88%
Year: 1982
Length: 2h

Summary: A talented but prickly actor can’t find work til he reads for a popular TV soap opera, dressed as a woman.

Main Actors: Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Lange, Teri Garr,
Charles Durning, Bill Murray

Nice Bits

This timeless comedy still speaks to us, over 30 years later. Dustin Hoffman, in one of his best roles, is a precious actor who is so hard to work with that nobody wants to hire him any more. In desperation, he dresses up as a woman and gets a big part in a TV soap.

Much of the comedy comes from him trying to keep his new identity secret from his girlfriend and others, while at the same time trying to deflect attention from men.

He becomes a big success on the soap, far more successful than he ever managed as a man.

To add to his troubles, he falls for one of the actresses, and although they get on very well as girlfriends, he wants more, but can’t figure out how to go after her.

It’s so easy to relate to his dilemmas, as he tries to do the right thing, not lie too much, not get caught out, not hurt anybody, pursue the woman of his dreams, and still keep his job.

The shinanigans on the set of the TV soap are also entertaining, poking fun at stereotypes of directors, agents, and anybody who gets in the way!

An extra treat is Billy Murray in a wonderful supporting role, playing a (relatively) straight part for a change. Even so, he just can’t help being funny.

This is a great date film, sure to bring up much to discuss about the battle of the sexes. But most of all, it’s a heartfelt comedy, thoroughly entertaining from start to finish.

Nasty Bits

None.

Naughty Bits

None.

Cast and Crew: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084805/fullcredits

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlXE1Yq0AnQ

Reviews: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/tootsie/

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Still Crazy

Still Crazy PosterGenre: Comedy
Director: Brian Gibson
Screenwriter: Dick ClementIan La Frenais

Rating: 73%
Year: 1998
Length: 1h 35m

Summary: a 70s rock band reforms for the money, and battle with familiar doubts, egos, and ghosts of the past.

Main Actors: Stephen ReaBilly ConnollyBill NighyTimothy SpallJimmy NailJuliet Aubrey

Nice Bits

This is perhaps the funniest film about rock n roll ever made. People rave about Spinal Tap, which is very entertaining, but this is a league above it. Consistently funny, but with a heart, great original music, and very moving at times. The cast is incredible, too.

It’s written by the folks behind the magnificent British TV series Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, and two actors from that show appear in this film, along with the genius of Billy Connolly and Bill Nighy. It’s hard to pick who’s best here, so good are they all.

Apart from a bunch of overgrown children trying to keep it together long enough to make some money from the reunion tour, there’s a lovely thread involving a returning groupie, who still holds a candle for the former lead guitarist, who couldn’t handle the pressure.

If this reminds you of Pink Floyd or any number of similar bands, it’s not surprising. There are frequent doubts within the band about whether they still have what it takes, and they constantly risk breaking apart again, the same way they split up 20 years before.

Billy Connolly adds some wise narration every so often, which just adds to the humour.

Surprisingly enough, the music is excellent as well as authentic, and a few of the anthems are haunting, especially with how they fit into the storyline.

If you’ve ever laughed at the Stones and other groups of their era, still touring into their 50s, 60s and beyond, this film will be right up your street.

Nasty Bits

None.

Naughty Bits

A few sexual scenes, implied rather than shown.

Cast and Crew: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0149151/fullcredits

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkKJYdFBui0

Reviews: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/still_crazy/

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Scrooged

Scrooged Poster Genre: Comedy Fantasy
Director: Richard Donner
Screenwriter: Mitch GlazerMichael O’Donoghue

Rating: 66%
Year: 1988
Length: 1h 40m

Summary: Charles Dickens‘ serious A Christmas Carol as a comedy. Scrooge gets visited by 3 ghosts on Christmas.

Main Actors: Bill MurrayKaren AllenJohn ForsytheBobcat GoldthwaitCarol KaneRobert Mitchum

Nice Bits

Bill Murray yet again carries a comedy, this time as Scrooge, being cruelly despotic, and hilariously funny, often at the same time. Yet the heart of the original shines through, and the familiar tale of Christmas transformation isn’t lost underneath all the fun.

Karen Allen is perfect as his sweet faithful girlfriend, who shines constantly against his depravity. She tries and fails to be his conscience, but when that doesn’t work, the three ghosts of Christmas past, present and future ensure that he finally gets the message.

The ghosts themselves are a riot, and although Scrooge pretends they’re not getting to him, eventually they have the desired effect. But don’t imagine this film is even slightly boring, as even when Scrooge is transformed, BM keeps the comedy coming.

While it might not look like a typical feel good Christmas film at the start, rest assured that your time will be well spent. It really is a classic, worth watching every Christmas.

Nasty Bits

Some violence, but nothing particularly distressing.

Naughty Bits

None I can remember.

Cast and Crew: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096061/fullcredits

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2fTMi2hoYA

Reviews: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/scrooged/

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The Man Who Knew Too Little

Man Who knew too Little PosterGenre: Comedy
Director: Jon Amiel
Screenwriter: Robert FarrarHoward Franklin.

Rating: 42%
Year: 1997
Length: 1h 34m

Summary: A man treated to a theatrical improv evening in the streets of London gets caught up with real spies.

Main Actors:Bill MurrayPeter GallagherJoanne WhalleyAlfred Molina

Nice Bits

This is another one the critics couldn’t quite figure out. To me, it’s one more comedy master class from Bill Murray. Every scene he’s in, every gesture he makes is a delight!

The story itself is simple enough, but provides great fodder for BM’s talent. He’s frequently caught up in deadly situations, but treats them all like a game. His opponents think he’s a man of steel, and give him far more credit than he deserves.

His amateur efforts come back to haunt his brother, who set up the whole theatrical experience just to get him out of the house during a crucial business meeting. As events unfold, business worries become the least of his concerns.

On top of that, the delectable Joanne Whalley plays a damsel in distress, who can’t quite figure out if her unlikely benefactor is a talented hero or just a lucky schmo.

Some of the scenes of BM as an American tourist in London are just hilarious.

If you’re a Bill Murray fan, don’t miss it!

Nasty Bits

A few deaths, some torture, but nothing hard to watch.

Naughty Bits

Some sexual references.

Cast and Crew: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120483/fullcredits

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2bMmtNRpI8

Reviews: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/man_who_knew_too_little/

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