Leonard Maltin must have been having a very bad day when he panned this wonderful film. How could you not like it? It's an absolutey charming movie, and one of Neil Simon's best stories. The story concerns a middle-aged Ohio couple who travel to New York for the husband's job interview. The rest of the film details the problems the duo encounter while visiting The Big Apple, though their troubles actually start before they get off of the plane. As the bewildered, but determined couple, Jack Lemmon and Sandy Dennis make a magnificent comedy team, and there's never a dull moment when this dynamic duo are on screen. Granted, it is quite clear that the characters played by Mr. Lemmon and Miss Dennis weren't meant to be entirely sympathetic, but it's hard not to like these two equally gifted performers, whatever the circumstances. They're truly a perfect match. Many have said that Mr. Simon's script is his hate letter to The Big Apple, but considering the more than slightly pig-headed central characters, this could also have been his way of rebuking us Ohioans. Whatever the case, this is a thoroughly enjoyable movie, and one the whole family can enjoy. Skip the Steve Martin/Goldie Hawn remake and settle only for the untoppable original. **** all the way!!!!!
Review of The Out of Towners
