alilmadsometimes Reviews

Loose Cannons (1990)

An Unpleasant Experience

[4/10 · 16 May 2014]

Some movies you want to see just because you want to see how bad they are and that is the reason why I wanted to see "Loose Cannons". This movie was strange as a comedy because the jokes just weren't funny. Also as a cop-buddy movie it doesn't work due to the chemistry between it's lead actors. Gene Hackman and Dan Aykroyd play off each other like two actors who needed the money. The premise was oddly interesting which concerned a piece of Hitler memorabilia and Aykroyd as a schizo cop trying to come to grips with his demons (aka his other personalities).

What could have been an inspiring premise for something unique and twisted in the cop-buddy genre instead gets bogged down by generic action sequences, lame jokes and slapdash direction.

The Out-of-Towners (1999)

Just Check Out The Original!

[4/10 · 15 May 2014]

This was an unnecessary remake to the 1970 Arthur Hiller classic of the same name. It takes a much more lighthearted approach as oppose to the gritty (and comical) events from the original film. Also how can you possibly resist the presence of Jack Lemmon and Sandy Dennis in the original? They were like two peas in a pod whereas Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn felt more like a slapdash couple together. They do a good job, but honestly it felt like a reunion of sorts from their last collaboration on the movie "Housesitter" back in '92.

Aside from a few little chuckles here and there, it is just an okay remake. It's still very unnecessary. Except for the scene with John Cleese dressed in drag, dancing to the Donna Summer song "Bad Girl". That was funny!

The Odd Couple II (1998)

A Little Bit Odd

[6/10 · 15 May 2014]

This sequel to "The Odd Couple" is odd. First of all, I don't think one really needed to happen and second of all if one was meant to be made it should have been made a little earlier. The 90's did sort of overuse the dynamic duo known as Lemmon and Matthau. Even in the 80's they paired up. But with films like "Grumpy Old Men", "Grumpier Old Men", "Out to Sea" and of course "The Odd Couple II", you have to ask yourself whether or not this great comedic pair really needed to return as Felix and Oscar. Still they both have the great chemistry on screen together. Always had, but this sequel felt oddly strained to me since most of it I've seen already in "Grumpy Old Men".

The script by the great Neil Simon was very hit and miss with the jokes and the whole premise of both of them going to their children's wedding was forced. The direction and editing was pretty sloppy and there was a moment when they were walking in the desert when I almost had a brief flash back of when I saw the movie "Ishtar". The only thing worth seeing and is why I watched it is for Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau. Despite this odd sequel having a crapola premise, you still gotta love these guys. I'd say watch it for them, but also check out the first movie.