Average Rating: 
Rating: - Couldn't stop laughing
I watched this movie a few years ago with a 13-year-old boy and a 65-year-old man--and neither could stop laughing. Neither could I. So you can see it appeals to all ages. The chemistry between Falk and Arkin is something that doesn't happen much in movies. Arkin's expressions are priceless. You can tell what he is thinking: is Falk crazy, or is it just an act? Arkin crawling around on his knees, begging not to be killed because he's only slept with three women...a straight-face Falk telling stories about giant bugs carrying little brown children off into the sunset...this is one hilarious film.
Rating: - Jose Guecos de Muertos
Run straight out (NOT serpentine!) and get this movie! By far one of the funniest films ever made. The script has hilarious comedic elements which feature straight men who take themselves dead seriously saying and doing the most outrageous things. And, it is absolutly clean, so you can watch it with your kids AND your grandma. Plus, this movie manages to pull off have many different comedic elements--it is not purly slapstick (boring!) or pretentious highbrow schtick. Everyone will find something funny in this movie.Who would have thought Falk and Arkin could be such perfect foils for each other? Falk is at his best here, very Columbo-ish, seeming totally scatterbrained but really knows whats going on. He plays a top CIA agent (who claims responsiblity for the Bay of Pigs). Arkin is a nerdy dentist who just wants a quiet life. What brings these two together is that their children are marrying. But that's the point where normalcy stops and looniness takes over. This movie is so jam-packed with funny lines you'll find yourself quoting it constantly. Those of you who remember all of the crazy self-appointed dictators who featured so prominently in the 70s and early 80s will love the general. Everything about this movie is great. If you like to laugh, you will find something funny here. Get it!
Rating: - five stars are not enough
All respect to Mel Brooks, early Woody Allen, Blake Edwards and any other brilliant filmmaker who has turned their talents to creating the ultimate comedy...they all must take a back seat to this film.I've never experienced such a perfect merging of screenplay, characterization and direction. Arkin and Falk have a chemistry and timing that simply must be seen to be believed. I've been a movie buff for a long time, but I must admit that totally missed this when it came out. In fact, it was running one night on a cable station in the mid 80s when I first saw it. I was visiting my parents, and on it came. I had just stopped in to say hello, but after the first 10 minutes I knew I wasn't going anywhere. I'll never forget sitting next to my father, who was in his seventies at the time, hearing him cracking up. He had a great laugh, a deep, full laugh, and I'd never in my life heard such pure joy come out of my father, who was a serious and subdued man. It may sound strange, but I felt closer to my father after watching this movie with. Sharing such a joyful experience with him will always be a very cherished memory. Do yourself a favor. Find someone you love. Doesn't need to be romantic love, just someone who really counts in your life. Watch this movie with them. If it doesn't become a special memory, email me and complain.
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