Don't even bother (M*A*S*H (DVD))

Member Name: MI9to5

Product:	M*A*S*H (DVD)
Date:	04/01/09 (68 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: It spawned the fantastic series although god knows how

Disadvantages: Just a mish mash of events

Despite seeing very few M*A*S*H episodes in my life I knew from these few that it was a television series that I would love and so when I ordered it for Christmas I also ordered the M*A*S*H film which incidentally is what the television series is based upon.

I must at this point say that I was thoroughly disappointed with the film and since watching the first two series' of the television series have become even more disappointed with it. Now I'm certain that most people will disagree with me and say that the film was brilliant and hilarious throughout but I just can't find the appeal.

Like the television series the film is based in the 4077th MASH unit and shows how they cope with the day to day burden of facing countless young men that they must put back together again and ship out to continue the fighting. Unlike the television series however the film, being much longer, didn't simply deal with one issue and in my opinion this is its downfall.

At this point it would normally be customary for me to explain what the film is about but to be perfectly honest I'm not quite sure, and yes I have watched it. All I can tell you is that it is a mish-mash of different schemes, plans and ploys that usually surround Captain's Pierce and McIntyre, two of the unit's surgeons. The pair are eagerly aided by Corporal Radar O'Reily who's 'radar like' hearing enables him to pre-anticipate orders and hear incoming choppers before any one else can hear or see them.

Of all the film's cast it is only Gary Burghoff that played Radar that was kept on for the television series and for this I am very thankful, as in my opinion he is the only one that pulls off a good performance in the entire film.

From the beginning to the very end if I'm honest I was generally quite confused about who was who. The characters didn't seem to be introduced properly and the acting was pretty wooden throughout in my opinion. The characters of Pierce and McIntyre lack the spontaneous uniqueness that they have in the television series and Colonel Henry Blake is more stupid than laid back.

Now I know that comparing the movie with the television series is not a good idea and I accept that because in reality the film is the true MASH and the series merely a spin-off. Despite this however I must say that if I had seen the film before any of the series I would not have gone on the purchase and watch the television series as the standard of the film just didn't excite me one little bit.

I cannot in all honesty comprehend how such a duff of a movie became the inspiration for such a fantastic and lengthy television series that is loved by many. Yes I know that the film was nominated for five Academy Awards and that according to the DVD box is hailed as one of the best comedies ever made but I personally cannot see the genius nor the appeal in it.

If you want my opinion I would definitely recommend that you stick to the series and miss the film out all together, as you won't be missing anything at all.

Summary: Don't ask me how such a film became the inspiration for the classic television series