Rating: Summary: ONE OF THE BEST COMEDIES EVER MADE...INTELLIGENT AND SHARP Review: "MY FELLOW Americans" is everything you could ever want in a comedy. Sharp, caustic wits from Lemmon (as Russell Kramer) and Garner (as Matt Douglas) combined with a downright hilarious plot makes this my #1 movie of 1996, my #24 of the 90's, and my #3 comedy of the 90's (behind #1 Bulworth and #2 Dogma). This would be an excellent one to go rent and prepare for the election in November. The excellent comedic writing is apparent ("There are only two watches like that in the world, Reagan has one and now Shamu the Killer Hick has the other!"), and Heard's underrated performance as Vice President Ted Matthews nearly steals the show. (For those that have seen it, tell me his last line shouldn't be ranked up there with other classic lines!) As usual, Lauren Bacall is magnificent ("Don't say friggin', if you're going to use the F word go for the gold"), and of course Jack Lemmon and James Garner turn in great performances. The great cast, writing, and script idea all fold together to make one of the best movies ever made. 5/5.
Rating: Summary: A Comedic Masterpiece Review: "My Fellow Americans" is quite simply one of the funniest, most entertaining movies I have ever had the pleasure of owning. I have watched this film well over 50 times and still laugh so hard, I bring myself to tears. The dialogue is clever and Jack Lemmon and James Garner deliver it perfectly. There have been many films over the years that have failed to become cinematic masterpieces for one reason or the other; with that said, this film indeed deserves to be crowned with that title. I must confess that I am not easily entertained and have been told by most of my friends that I am a tough shell to crack regarding comedy. This movie is one of those rare exceptions and for me rates right up there with "Auntie Mame" and "Some Like it Hot." I strongly encourage anyone with an interest in exceptional comedy to purchase this movie. I know that you will find the film as entertaining as I do.
Rating: Summary: Still funny after the Gore-Bush fight! Review: "My Fellow Americans" has wonderfully funny and snappy dialouge and comes with a wonderful bunch of supporting comic characters like the bumbling veep, the NSA chief ("Hello, sirs. No need for concern. It's only me. The twisted psycho.") and the ever-so-clever Republican's wife ("Russell Kramer: It's a kick in the balls! Sorry, sweetheart; Margaret Kramer: Please, I'm a politician's wife. I have a set of my own!) All these come together to bring out the best of American political comedy. "Dave" was great and I enjoyed "Running Mates", but so far this one is the best! The two leads whose characters hate each other's guts, come together harmoniously create the best comedy ever.Hail to the comedy chiefs 'cause they're the chiefs and they need hailing....
Rating: Summary: ONE OF THE BEST COMEDIES EVER MADE...INTELLIGENT AND SHARP Review: "MY FELLOW Americans" is everything you could ever want in a comedy. Sharp, caustic wits from Lemmon (as Russell Kramer) and Garner (as Matt Douglas) combined with a downright hilarious plot makes this my #1 movie of 1996, my #24 of the 90's, and my #3 comedy of the 90's (behind #1 Bulworth and #2 Dogma). This would be an excellent one to go rent and prepare for the election in November. The excellent comedic writing is apparent ("There are only two watches like that in the world, Reagan has one and now Shamu the Killer Hick has the other!"), and Heard's underrated performance as Vice President Ted Matthews nearly steals the show. (For those that have seen it, tell me his last line shouldn't be ranked up there with other classic lines!) As usual, Lauren Bacall is magnificent ("Don't say friggin', if you're going to use the F word go for the gold"), and of course Jack Lemmon and James Garner turn in great performances. The great cast, writing, and script idea all fold together to make one of the best movies ever made. 5/5.
Rating: Summary: Great fun with Lemmon and Garner Review: A friend made me watch this. Now I owe her a favor. One of Lemmon's last films, MY FELLOW AMERICANS is an hysterical road trip movie, as two feuding and bickering ex-presidents try to figure out why they are targeted for assassination. The cover-up goes ALMOST to the top. The dialogue is loaded with quick barbs and jabs, and the insults and the fur are flying! Garner proved in "Support Your Local Sheriff" and its sequel that he is quite the comedic actor, and we already know about Lemmon's credentials. Both are used in fine form here. Even Lauren Bacall gets in on the act. This movie is yet another reason why we miss Jack Lemmon so.
Rating: Summary: EXCELLENT...an intelligent comedy for a change Review: An extremely hilarious story of two former presidents played by Garner and Lemmon. Dan Akroyd plays the "current" president. All movie fans should own this magnificent Comedy
Rating: Summary: The Political Equivalant to "The Odd Couple" Review: And boy, are they odd. One President was an honest man, the other a lady's man. They fought each other for 30 years in the political arena, til a plot in the Oval Office brings the two together fleeing for their lives. It's one laugh after another. Lauren Bacall makes a cameo appearance as Jack Lemmon's wife. If you haven't seen this film and you are in need of a laugh, this is it.
Rating: Summary: Hail to the chiefs Review: At first glance, this looks one of Hollywood's freakier genetic experiments: implanting the genes of a political thriller into a road-trip comedy. The surpise is that the offspring is not just viable, but a good healthy comedy. It surely helps to have two fathers like James Garner and Jack Lemmon bringing it to life.
They play the roles of two ex-presidents, living out their retirements in their respective ways: grubbing every dollar to be had on the lecture circuit (Lemmon), or grabbing every babe to be had (Garner). Dan Aykroyd, improbably cast as the current president, detects a scandal brewing and tries to nail it to the previous administration. Garner and Lemmon, one-time political opponents, are thrown together and the chase begins.
The comedy comes largely from the series of cheap shots and snide recollections the two hurl at each other. The feel-good part comes from their bonding over shared experiences as past presidents, under the pressure of pursuit. The political thriller builds as the hired guns keep trying to assassinate the ex-pres, and to bury the scandal with him. As long as you're not looking for any great subtlety, it works.
It's a bit goofy, but it's a good, safe comedy with just enough plot twists to keep it from becoming completely predictable. It couldn't have worked without Garner and Lemmon in the lead roles, though - their experience in such roles is what made the movie work.
//wiredweird
Rating: Summary: A Great, Entertaining Film! Review: First of all, I don't know how the critic, Mr. Keogh, could possibly call this a "lousy" film! I'm a big fan of Garner and Lemmon, two of the all-time greats. This movie is one hilarious joke after another, with some serious moments thrown in for good measure. It certainly is a heck of a lot better than some of the garbage hailed by critics as masterpieces; it's a straightforward, non-stop entertaining affair, one that makes you feel as though you got your money's worth after watching it. The supporting cast is great, too, with Bacall, Heard, Ackroyd, and others putting in some solid performances.
Rating: Summary: A Great, Entertaining Film! Review: First of all, I don't know how the critic, Mr. Keogh, could possibly call this a "lousy" film! I'm a big fan of Garner and Lemmon, two of the all-time greats. This movie is one hilarious joke after another, with some serious moments thrown in for good measure. It certainly is a heck of a lot better than some of the garbage hailed by critics as masterpieces; it's a straightforward, non-stop entertaining affair, one that makes you feel as though you got your money's worth after watching it. The supporting cast is great, too, with Bacall, Heard, Ackroyd, and others putting in some solid performances.
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