Inclubabu Plot so thin, it passes unnoticed.

Micransix Crappy film

Livestonth I am only giving this movie a 1 for the great cast, though I can't imagine what any of them were thinking. This movie was horrible

Brennan Camacho Mostly, the movie is committed to the value of a good time.

lathe-of-heaven First off, let me just say that the Blu-ray looks bloody AMAZING for a film that is over 20 years old! Very impressive...I know that Comedy is HIGHLY subjective. What one person finds extremely funny, another person will be left completely cold. So, when rating or reviewing Comedies (which I don't do very often) a person HAS to realize this and try to decide if this is the KIND of Comedy that they would appreciate.Probably one good clue would be who is in the film. If you are already a fan of Michael J. Fox then you will probably like it. Although it isn't one of his more prominent performances, I find it interesting that this could be one the better MOVIES that he has been in (not counting all you avid 'BACK TO THE FUTURE' fans of course : ) Seriously though, although I REALLY love some of his specific performances in other films more than this one, this movie was SO frigg'n entertaining OVERALL, that it was one of the better Comedies that I've seen in a while (thus the somewhat unusual '8' rating that I gave it...)I have never really been familiar with Phil Hartman's work, as I did not watch SNL during the years (8 apparently) that he was on it. This is the first film I think that I've seen with him in it, and man let me tell you, the guy frigg'n KILLED it! Damn was he funny! Some of his lines were great, as was most of the dialog overall, which I feel GREATLY contributed to why this film was so good and so DAMN funny.It had a nice 'Heart' to it too. Especially considering the overall theme of Greed and how it can affect people. BUT... it wasn't overly sentimental or preachy about it at all. And, the surprising way that the story eventually develops gives it a nice sense of depth, much more so than you would expect from most superficial Comedies.The writing was brilliant, the acting is excellent, and the characters are really very funny. And, although it is COMPLETELY unnecessary for me to mention it, Olivia d'Abo was absolutely stunning, of course... Kirk Douglas did a great job; I have a TON of older Film Noir movies and such with him in them, some of them quite Classic. But, I don't think I've really appreciated what a good actor he can be and he did a wonderful job here. His face and eyes were extremely expressive and conveyed subtle changes of emotion and mood. Also, the director Jonathan Lynne did an awesome job playing Kirk Douglas' British butler. One thing that made this movie so enjoyable was a number of 'little' scenes with secondary characters. Like the director of the sports show where Olivia worked. He was really funny.So, I would say that if you like Comedies that have a strong story line and good quality writing and acting, and if you HAPPEN to like Michael J. Fox, and you are not looking specifically for either a low-brow Comedy or one with pitch Black humour that is typical in many modern Comedies today (which DO have their place of course :) and if your looking for a Comedy that is a little sharper and has a nice, good flow to it, then there is a decent chance that you might really enjoy this very clever and entertaining movie...

col547 I absolutely love this film.It's one of Michael J.Fox's best and very much underrated.It definitely deserves a bigger audience. This tanked at the box office in 1994,but I'm clueless as to why.I can only assume that their were so many great films that came out in the mid 90's that this little gem went under the radar.After a slow opening with Jimmy Durante performing a number (it's explained later),the film gets down to business by introducing one of the most dysfunctional families in film history.The Macteague's. Greedy,backstabbing and ruthless in their pursuit of their Uncle Joe (Kirk Douglas') fortune. Fox has top billing on the credits, but this is more than just a typical movie vehicle for the likable actor,it's a great ensemble comedy that also sees Phil Hartman, Ed Begley ,jr and Olivia D,Abo filling out the cast.Directed by Jonathan Lynn (who also appears as the butler),the film moves along at a leisurely pace,but it's all the better for it.It gives all of the characters time to be properly introduced and to set the dark comic tone of the story.There aren't many likable characters in this, which is refreshing,but thanks to the performances you can't help but like them.Even the usually squeaky clean Fox seems to be enjoying himself in a mildly disreputable role. The sparky banter between the cast is a joy throughout.The scene with the family having breakfast with Uncle Joe,and the scene at the lawyer's office,in particular are comedy gold.Amidst the snappy dialogue and physical comedy,Douglas' mischievous antics keep the surprises coming right up until the final,sly twist in this highly enjoyable comedy.

michael rose You must see this movie if you like Phil Hartman and offbeat comedies! And if you simply don't care about popular opinion and what critics say, then you should definitely see this movie!This film tackles a subject matter that I've never seen in a movie: inheriting money and being included in a will. Kirk Douglas plays a wealthy and eccentric business man bound to a wheelchair who says what he wants and gets whatever he asks for. Retired from his coal mining business, his days now consist of toying with his asskissing moneyhungry family who secretly are waiting for him to die, and being with his sexy live in housemaid (played by The Wonder Years' Olivia D'abo, whom I did not know was British, not to mention the daughter of Doo Wa Diddy's Manfred Mann). Led by the hilarious and unfortunately late Phil Hartman in top form, the family take turns accomodating Douglas and verbally assaulting him in private. The movie takes a turn when they decide to call Douglas' favorite nephew, played by Michael J. Fox, who has moved away to get away from his gold digging cousins, in order to cheer up Douglas. Fox, and his wife, played by the charming Nancy Travis, are the only ones who aren't after their uncle's money. Or are they?With many twists and an ending to die for, this movie is my pick for the most underrated comedy of the 90's. See it!

[email protected] Simply a great movie. Michael J. Fox trained with one of the greats, Johnny Petraglia for months in preparation for this movie. Fox went from a hack casual bowler to a respectable 175 average. Not good enough to actually throw the shots he was supposed to throw in the movie, though. The makers of Kingpin and Big Lebowski should have seen this one before making a mockery of the game. Any bowling lover should not miss this one.