Rating: Summary: SARDONIC MATTHAU AND SOPHISTICATED JACKSON Review: HOPSCOTCH (Criterion) from 1980 is a light-weight, cynical but entertaining take on Cold War shenanigans. Walter Matthau is at the top of his form as Miles Kendig, a sardonic CIA agent who, suddenly relegated to a desk job in an agency power play, announces plans to get even by publishing a tell-all book. Ned Beatty is Matthau's arrogant, crude, boss who is increasingly desperate to off Matthau before the book gets out. (By a fluke, there was just such a book that made big news after this film went into production!)Sunny, globe trotting locations from Atlanta to Berlin to Vienna and laid back direction from Ronald Neame are a big plus, but what makes this a worthy consideration for your digital library is the classy chemistry between Matthau and Glenda Jackson, who plays Matthau's Viennese lover. Remember their near-perfect pairing in 1978's House Calls? It's as good if not better here. The widescreen transfer is super crisp and there's a fun interview with Neame and author Brian Garfield.
Rating: Summary: I have been waiting for this on DVD Review: I love Walter Matthau...this and the The Survivors with Robin Williams have to be my two favorite comedies of his... I don't have much to add to other reviews except to recommend The Survivors which also just came out on DVD...Amazon should offer them as a two fer...
Rating: Summary: One of my all time Favorite movies. Review: This is an awesome movie in every respect. I can't imagine anyone not liking this movie. Spy movie with a comedy twist. Great cast and superb acting. This version of the DVD (Criterion) is worth every penny. I don't know if there is a lesser quality version out there, but if you enjoy Crits and don't know this movie, don't hesitate. Super.
Rating: Summary: Terrific action comedy Review: Hopscotch surely ranks as one of the ten best action comedy movies ever made. While its cold war theme is now dated, terrific acting by Matthau, Jackson, Beatty and a young Sam Waterson makes this moves a joy to watch. A great ensamble cast along with good scenes in Eaurope and the US makes this one of the most enjoyable movies ever made.
Rating: Summary: The CIA was never this funny! Review: If you like fast-paced movies with humor, you'll LOVE this one! Walter Matthau is tops as an older CIA agent whose boss wants to take out of the field and put behind a desk. Matthau is not having any of that and his solution is witty and wild! This is one of my favorite movies!
Rating: Summary: Walter at his best! Review: It was Lewis's favorite. I am sure he is whistling Mozart in heaven.
Rating: Summary: OK, but that's about it. Review: I received this as a Christmas gift and was going to exchange it until I read the reviews and decided to watch it. Minor mistake. This movie made me smile a few times but that's about all. Everything is too predictable and the many of the characters are so clichéd and cartoonish that they aren't believable. I never felt drawn in and there wasn't any real tension to make the comedy work. The alternate sound track that takes out the occasional swear word and the lack of violence or sex makes it a light movie that a family with small children could enjoy. Small children won't be bothered by the major plot flaws at the end. I'm not sorry I saw it, but there's no reason to watch it again. If you want to see how good Walter Matthau can be in a movie of this type, get "Charlie Varrick". I wish that would come out in DVD. Now if I could figure out how to get "Hopscotch" back in the shrink wrap.
Rating: Summary: Best Movie: A Little Known Classic Review: This is our number one favorite movie. Clever, fast-paced, a must see and must own. We watch it at least once a month and never tire of it.
Rating: Summary: Excellent -- witty and very clever Review: One of Matthau's best films as he plays a retiring CIA operative who runs circles around his new clueless boss (Ned Beatty) and former colleaguess (including a young and admiring Sam Waterson). Shot all over Europe and includes a wonderful portrayal by Glenda Jackson as his girlfriend who lends her assistance. Very witty script with Mozart music and also incredibly clever and intricate plot which is completely satisfying in every way. I'm so delighted this has finally been released on DVD.
Rating: Summary: Classic Matthau Review: Tight plot, well acted, amusing, and more truth about the CIA than most Americans would care to admit.
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