Rating: 
Summary: An Enjoyable Look into Greed
Review: Many people have pondered why this movie falls into the comedy genre of film . . . when in fact that it is a comedy. Their is a definite chemistry between Lemmon and Mathau (arguably not as strong as in their later films) that makes the entire movie run smoothly. My only complaint is that the movie does seem to drag a bit in the later stages of the film.I personally found the "handicapped" antics of Lemmon to be quite entertaining - especially the high speed wheelchair action of someone who is obviously not handicapped. Additionally, the change of character displayed whenever his wife is tenderly mentioned is classic and real. Mathau, although perhaps not Oscar material, plays the blood-sucking lawyer better than perhaps any performance I can think of. His usual grumpy, greedy self is perfectly kept intact in this role. In fact, his performance is so good that it makes you wonder if it is an act at all. And judging from Mathau's other films, I don't think it is. As far as greed is concerned, there are two types of characters in the film. Those after money and those who are honest. And the ones who are honest are the happy characters and the characters who turn out all right in the end. It perfectly follows the format of films made during this era - good moral lessons. All in all, Fortune Cookie is a delightful film that will entertain you. Watch it if you enjoy the chemistry between these two wonderful actors.
Rating:
Summary: An Enjoyable Look into Greed
Review: Many people have pondered why this movie falls into the comedy genre of film . . . when in fact that it is a comedy. Their is a definite chemistry between Lemmon and Mathau (arguably not as strong as in their later films) that makes the entire movie run smoothly. My only complaint is that the movie does seem to drag a bit in the later stages of the film. I personally found the "handicapped" antics of Lemmon to be quite entertaining - especially the high speed wheelchair action of someone who is obviously not handicapped. Additionally, the change of character displayed whenever his wife is tenderly mentioned is classic and real. Mathau, although perhaps not Oscar material, plays the blood-sucking lawyer better than perhaps any performance I can think of. His usual grumpy, greedy self is perfectly kept intact in this role. In fact, his performance is so good that it makes you wonder if it is an act at all. And judging from Mathau's other films, I don't think it is. As far as greed is concerned, there are two types of characters in the film. Those after money and those who are honest. And the ones who are honest are the happy characters and the characters who turn out all right in the end. It perfectly follows the format of films made during this era - good moral lessons. All in all, Fortune Cookie is a delightful film that will entertain you. Watch it if you enjoy the chemistry between these two wonderful actors.
Rating: 
Summary: Semi-cynical, semi-black comedy about greed
Review: Matthau does steal the show ("Why, the insurance companies have so much money they have to microfilm it!") There are funny parts in this movie--such as the bit about the cryto-Nazi German doctor who suggests throwing Lemmon into a pit of snakes to see if he's really paralyzed--but overall it's just not that amusing. It's definitely worth seeing through. But it is rather disturbing to watch the football player falling apart because he thinks he's badly, if accidentally, hurt Lemmon. Then there's Lemmon's character--none too bright--who's eaten up with guilt. On top of that, he's completely blind as to his gold-digger ex-wife. For dealing with the effects of greed, this is one of the best you'll ever see.
Rating:
Summary: Semi-cynical, semi-black comedy about greed
Review: Matthau does steal the show ("Why, the insurance companies have so much money they have to microfilm it!") There are funny parts in this movie--such as the bit about the cryto-Nazi German doctor who suggests throwing Lemmon into a pit of snakes to see if he's really paralyzed--but overall it's just not that amusing. It's definitely worth seeing through. But it is rather disturbing to watch the football player falling apart because he thinks he's badly, if accidentally, hurt Lemmon. Then there's Lemmon's character--none too bright--who's eaten up with guilt. On top of that, he's completely blind as to his gold-digger ex-wife. For dealing with the effects of greed, this is one of the best you'll ever see.
Rating:
Summary: Walter Mathau's Oscar-Winner
Review: This Billy Wilder creation is the first film in which Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau were teamed. Matthau as a less than ethical lawyer is in constant persuit of justice and settlements for his brother-in-law (Lemmon) who got hurt on the job. Matthau won Best Actor Oscar. The Matthau/Lemmon chemistry was so smashing that the two teamed up six more times....
Rating:
Summary: Walter Mathau's Oscar-Winner
Review: This Billy Wilder creation is the first film in which Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau were teamed. Matthau as a less than ethical lawyer is in constant persuit of justice and settlements for his brother-in-law (Lemmon) who got hurt on the job. Matthau won Best Actor Oscar. The Matthau/Lemmon chemistry was so smashing that the two teamed up six more times....
Rating: 
Summary: Great Pairing.
Review: This film was the very first screen pairing of Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau. Along with 'The Odd Couple', I would say this is the best. It was directed by Billy Wilder, who by this time had already made some memorable movies with Jack Lemmon. 'Some Like It Hot' and 'The Apartment' to name just two of them. The basic story is:
Jack Lemmon is this cameraman who gets injured while he is filming an American football game. Walter Matthau plays his brother-in-law, who happens to be a lawyer. Matthau tries to convince Lemmon to make out that his injury is worse than it really is, since Matthau decides they should sue the insurance company and make a load of money out of it. Lemmon goes along with it, while the football player, 'Boom Boom' Jackson (played by Ron Rich), who was the person who partly injured Lemmon in the first place, becomes his friend and helps look after him. Lemmon's ex-wife comes back and decides to take over Jacksons job of looking after him. Is she there for the money, or because she really cares? 'Boom Boom' kinda loses it from there and gets into trouble as his career fades. So, watch it to see how it all turns out. Overall, I think this movie is brilliant, although I do have one problem with it. That is with Judi West who played Lemmons ex-wife. I believe (May be wrong) that this was her screen-debut. I really think she is the only person in the movie who lets it down slightly due to her acting. A quick mention about the DVD. The print used here is very good. However, it lacks any decent extras.
I recommend this movie very highly. Especially if you are a fan of Jack Lemmon. PLEASE NOTE: I am the owner of the UK Region 2 release of this DVD from the same company, so the discs, besides the region coding, should be the same.
Rating:
Summary: Great Pairing.
Review: This film was the very first screen pairing of Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau. Along with 'The Odd Couple', I would say this is the best. It was directed by Billy Wilder, who by this time had already made some memorable movies with Jack Lemmon. 'Some Like It Hot' and 'The Apartment' to name just two of them.
Quick plot summary: Jack Lemmon is this cameraman who gets injured while he is filming an American football game. Walter Matthau plays his brother-in-law, who happens to be a lawyer. Matthau tries to convince Lemmon to make out that his injury is worse than it really is, since Matthau decides they should sue the insurance company and make a load of money out of it. Lemmon goes along with it, while the football player, 'Boom Boom' Jackson (played by Ron Rich), who was the person who partly injured Lemmon in the first place, becomes his friend and helps look after him. Lemmon's ex-wife comes back and decides to take over Jacksons job of looking after him. Is she there for the money, or because she really cares? 'Boom Boom' kinda loses it from there and gets into trouble as his career fades. So, watch it to see how it all turns out.
Overall, I think this movie is brilliant, although I do have one problem with it. That is with Judi West who played Lemmons ex-wife. I believe (May be wrong) that this was her screen-debut. I really think she is the only person in the movie who lets it down slightly due to her acting. She just doesn't quite "cut it", so to speak. The other performances are, as one would expect from this cast, perfect.
A quick mention about the DVD. The transfer is of high quality, with a nice, clear print throughout. No real sign of scratching, and the picture is nice and sharp. Sound is absolutely fine. Sadly, the DVD lacks any real extras. I recommend this movie very highly though. Especially if you are a fan of Jack Lemmon.
Rating:
Summary: Laying Out The Chemistry
Review: Walter Mattahu was playing mostly ":heavys" in films for about ten years until "The Fortune Cookie" He wins an Oscar for role and "this is not one of his better roles"? From this point ..on in his career ..how many more "heavys" did he play? The great team of I.A.L. Diamond and Wilder are at work here and its fun all the way.Cliff Osmond is a standout. A real glimpse of Old Cleveland Municiple stadium and a younger Keith Jackson are a bonus for sports fans.What ever happened to Judy West, who plays Lemmon,s ex ( running of with Gus Gilroy)? Watch quickly for the great Sig Rumann as a doctor ( Fake"! )
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