Rating: Summary: Tom Keogh's reviw is wrong Review: This masterpiece of cinema is based on the novel "The 12 Chairs" by Ilf and Petrov, two brilliant russian writers that managed to publish very refined political satire work during the post bolshevic-revolution era in communist Russia; thus this has nothing to do with any "old rusian tells" whatsoevr. Another masteriece by Ilf and Petrov is "Tha Golden Calf" which actually is in sequal with "The 12 Chairs". The finess and accuracy of outhr's sense of observation coupled with their excuisite writng talent was briliantly carried over by the genious of Mel Brooks that created not only a splendid movie, but also an historic document.
Rating: Summary: Tom Keogh's reviw is wrong Review: This masterpiece of cinema is based on the novel "The 12 Chairs" by Ilf and Petrov, two brilliant russian writers that managed to publish very refined political satire work during the post bolshevic-revolution era in communist Russia; thus this has nothing to do with any "old rusian tells" whatsoevr. Another masteriece by Ilf and Petrov is "Tha Golden Calf" which actually is in sequal with "The 12 Chairs". The finess and accuracy of outhr's sense of observation coupled with their excuisite writng talent was briliantly carried over by the genious of Mel Brooks that created not only a splendid movie, but also an historic document.
Rating: Summary: What People Will Do In Pursuit of Wealth! Review: This movie is one of Mel Brooks' best works, but is seldom shown anywhere anymore. Its humorous depiction of what three men will do in order to retrieve the jewels in the twelve chairs is hilarious. The tall, good looking actor pairs well with Dom Deluise, and his faking of an epileptic seizure in order to make money is one of the best ways of "panhandling" (i.e., begging), ever done on-screen! This is well worth your viewing time. Makes the post-Russian Revolution look like a humorous time to live!
Rating: Summary: Overlooked Gem Review: This obscure Mel Brooks work is my favorite movie of all times. It is the least known of his films, but rates as high as "The Producers" and "To Be Or Not To Be". Like those two other movies, "Twelve Chairs" has a more complex storyline and a slower pace than his better known films. The beauty of this film is in the details. The names of streets and government offices are an example. The locations are fantastic. Don't look for the fast pace of "Silent Movie" or the crazy, cheap jokes of "History of The World". In fact, don't think of this as a "Mel Brooks movie" at all. But do make a point to watch it. And keep and eye on the little details!
Rating: Summary: Overlooked Gem Review: This obscure Mel Brooks work is my favorite movie of all times. It is the least known of his films, but rates as high as "The Producers" and "To Be Or Not To Be". Like those two other movies, "Twelve Chairs" has a more complex storyline and a slower pace than his better known films. The beauty of this film is in the details. The names of streets and government offices are an example. The locations are fantastic. Don't look for the fast pace of "Silent Movie" or the crazy, cheap jokes of "History of The World". In fact, don't think of this as a "Mel Brooks movie" at all. But do make a point to watch it. And keep and eye on the little details!
Rating: Summary: Funny, Funny, Funny Review: This one has everything(short list) Spoiled rich brat Con Man Renegade Priest All of these combine for a hilarious movie which is basically a satire of life under the Soviets. A wonderful edition to any funny mans video library.
Rating: Summary: A decent interpretation Review: Well, for somebody who didn't live under Big Brother, Mel Brooks caught the idiocy of that society pretty well. The movie would be perfect if it followed the script more closely, but then it would probably take 6 hours of screen time. Fun to watch anyway.
Rating: Summary: Oh God....you're so strict! Review: You have to see this overlooked Mel Brooks comedy for one reason: Dom DeLuise's performance as the priest gone totally crazed with avarice. He is simply hysterical. I think the scene where he has gone to Siberia and finally hounded the chairs from the couple, only to come up empty, and begins his inept suicidal impulses is priceless. There are other great moments in the film, a cameo by Brooks as the drunken Tikon, and nice performances from Ron Moody & Frank Langella. The film is a dark comedy, not as light and fun as Blazing Saddles et al, and there is more exposition than usual, which tends to make the film's pace slower. However, the real problem with the film, which prevents it from being a classic, is that there is a cruel streak in the relationship between Langella & Moody that can be uncomfortable at times. Nonetheless, there are some great bits in this that make it well worth a look. I would rate it 3-1/2 stars if it were possible, but 4 will have to do. Dom makes it all worthwhile.
|