Superb (A Fish Called Wanda (Special Edition, DVD))

Member Name: dave27

Product:	A Fish Called Wanda (Special Edition, DVD)
Date:	06/07/03 (57 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Ensemble playing

Disadvantages: None really

...or Monty Python Mark VI.

Well, it could have been, seeing as it starred John Cleese and Michael Palin from that illustrious, if increasingly dated looking, British comedy TV series.

But in reality A Fish Called Wanda was about as far as it could get away from Cleese's roots, with him fairly liberally straying into the world of cost transatlantic comedy. It was almost odds on to be a box office smash just on the strength of Cleese's contribution alone, but then one might have thought the same about the exceedingly lacklustre Clockwise, and look what happened to that.

Wanda, however, was something completely different (apologies).

This is one of the biggest British films ever and also one of the best. It's easy to see why it was so popular.

I have to say that when I saw it for the first time I was a bit concerned that there was too much hype around and that I'd be very disappointed. However, I was delighted to discover that this was not only funny but a genuinely good film. Most of the plaudits went to Cleese, inevitably given the Python anoraks who are still around, but for my money Kevin Kline steals the show as the crazy Otto.

He's thoroughly manic, and totally unforgettable as the manic American, addicted to sniffing his won armpits and lustful pursuit of the gorgeous (still) Jamie Lee Curtis (she of the amazing leg length). Kline, in fact, has rarely been as good as he is here and he just dominates matters throughout, with his extravagant counterpoint to the repressed and anal barrister, Archie Leach (Cary Grant's real name), played masterfully, but understatedly by Cleese.

Palin provides good support as the stammering loser, K-K-K-Ken (according to Otto), and the subtext of his endless attempt to wipe out an old wrinkly (played in typically gifted style by Patricia Hayes)with unfortunate consequences for her three Yorkshire terriers is pretty enjoyable stuff.

Tom G
eorgeson as the evil power behind the throne is a strong support, but it's the four main stars who earn most of the cheers, and hog much of the air time.

At times films like this don't tend to age too well, just like the aforementioned Python, but I checked it out again, a couple of months ago, after a lengthy gap and still found it kept my interest as much as it ever has.

It was a sad mistake to try and follow up with the pathetic and clearly misguided Fierce Creatures, but Wanda was an amazing piece of work and a film which repays repeated viewings. It has real depth and style and is endlessly enjoyable. It boasts pretty much everything you could want in a quaint adult romantic comedy (shuddering inside, as I write), and is really genuinely funny.

The plot (written by Cleese with wonderfully economic tightness) involves the aftermath of a jewellery store robbery. Georgeson, as the mastermind George, is behind bars and is keen on keeping the loot to himself, with K-K-K-Ken as his ally on the outside, while girlfriend Wanda is out to relieve him of his troubles (and the loot).

It may sound terribly old fashioned, with few new things to excite the appetite, but dinnae fret yersen. You can rely on me - this is a must see and a bona fide classic.


United States, 1988
Running Length: 1:48
MPAA Classification: R (Profanity, sexual situations, brief nudity, violence)
Theatrical Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Cast: John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline, Michael Palin, Maria Aitken, Tom Georgeson, Patricia Hayes, Cynthia Cleese
Director: Charles Crichton
Producer: Michael Shamberg
Screenplay: John Cleese, based on a story by John Cleese and Charles Crichton
Cinematography: Alan Hume
Music: John Du Prez
U.S. Distributor: MGM

Summary: