Director: Jon Amiel
Original Release: 1997
Choice: Mine
My Overall Rating: 2 stars out of 5
They can't all be winners. Generally, we do pretty well with our Family Movie Night picks but every once in a while, a stinker. I take full responsibility for this one. It has its moments, and we'll get to those, but The Man Who Knew Too Little is a fine example of a high-concept film gone awry.
The title is a spoof on Hitchcock's The Man Who Knew Too Much but the plot is actually closer to North by Northwest. Bill Murray plays the part of Wally, a goofy, well-meaning American who pays a surprise visit to his brother in London. Through a series of misunderstandings, Wally is mistaken for a hitman involved in an espionage conspiracy. To complicate matters further, Wally is not aware of the mistake. Madcap adventures ensue.
As mentioned above, the film is not without redeeming qualities. The opening credit sequence - a lost art in 21st century cinema - is very nicely done. Bill Murray is dependably funny and the rest of the cast is adequate if not spectacular. In hindsight, I might have picked a different film to introduce Our Girl to Murray's work but he is amusing. There's a fun Russian folk dancing scene just before the story's climax.
The trouble lies in narrative development. I'm generally alright with plot complexity but I decided fairly early on that I didn't particularly care what happened next - never a good sign. Wally's naïveté could be endearing if executed properly but in the end, I was just disappointed in him. Interest wavered for all three of us throughout.
Better luck next time, Squid.
IT's been a long time since I watched that, but I don't remember disliking it. Which doesn't mean I thought it was great, because I don't remember loving it, either. Really, I don't remember much other than that I watched it.
ReplyDeleteI'm not prepared to say it was a terrible film. Then, I'd have given it a 1. Just not my taste.
Delete'Better luck next time, Squid.'
ReplyDelete:)
I like what you mention on opening scenes -- the difference between this century and the last.
I tried to find a clip of just the opening but without success. Very sleek, involves lots of matryoshka dolls.
DeleteOh well, at least you gave it a shot! ;) Thanks for sharing the Russian dance scene. Generally I am a definite Bill Murray fan as well.
ReplyDeleteI probably should have gone with "Ghostbusters." She's still a little young for "Caddyshack." Maybe "Groundhog Day."
DeleteGroundhog Day! I'm planning to watch more movies with little one tonight as we wait for Dad to fly back home and was considering Karate Kid II, That Thing You Do and The Pirate Movie. Now, we might do Groundhog Day. :)
DeleteI really like That Thing You Do - one I watched several times in a row on video. Liv Tyler and Charlize Theron before they got famous!
DeleteAh, you've watched it! That movie is so good but not enough people know about it, it seems like.
DeleteThat one was released while I was in Japan. I didn't see it until it came out on video. At my local shop in Yokohama, you could take out 3 for a week for some ridiculously cheap price. I'd watch them over dinner.
DeleteAll right, well do you remember the other two you got along with TTYD? Very curious. :)
DeleteOh no, I'm not that good!
DeleteRenting videos in Japan was a great instance of learning language in context. I had to learn the kanji and kana for subtitles as opposed to dubbed. I learned the hard way the first time. It's funny watching Meg Ryan dubbed in Japanese but it makes it difficult to understand the story.
Oh, too weird. Just the idea of it makes me really envious of you! True story: the other day Shawn, our girl and I are eating at the Yeller Sub and Shawn asks, 'What is it you still haven't found that you're looking for?' And our daughter answers, 'The money to go to Japan!'
DeleteChippie of the ol' block. :)
Life is long. She'll get the chance. You, too.
Delete:)
DeleteWell, we're in Okinawa, tonight. Watching KK II. I also picked up The Sting and a book I think I might profile for CC at the end of the month. I have high hopes for it.
The Sting - love that one. Have you ever seen Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid?
DeleteI haven't. I'm really looking forward to watching The Sting, though. I saw bits as a very young girl -- with almost no memory of it -- but have never seen the whole thing. I'm in the mood for an excellent period piece.
DeleteInterestingly per our discussion of Catch-22, The Sting is another one that pulls everything together for a beautiful ending.
DeleteBC & the SK - screenplay by William Goldman, author of The Princess Bride. Very different story but lots of similarly witty dialogue - lots of fun.
Oh, now my interest is piqued! (On both counts, actually.)
DeleteGreat films. Enjoy.
Delete