The Cheap Detective
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Movie Reviews of The Cheap Detective
Movie Review: So Put It Out In WIDESCREEN, Already!!!
Summary: 3 Stars
Cheap Detective? Cheapo version is more like it - this flick has been sadly butchered into a small standard frame format, which marks the real "murder" here. So the studio (and/or the DVD maker) is the REAL "killer" this time.
It features a HUGE cast, which is all the more reason that this comedic gem must be released in its full Panavision glory. Until that time, this 5 star film only gets 3 lousy stars, and the DVD makers get ZERO of my money.
(Unlike the GREAT version of the similar modern comedy classic Murder By Death, which is on DVD in beautiful widescreen and which I strongly urge eveyone to buy.)
I therefore advise all fans of Falk, Sellers and company to BOYCOTT this pan-and-scan travesty, until the proper widescreen version is finally put out!
Movie Review: Bordering
Summary: 3 Stars
This film is a detective spoof that attempts to mix characters and stories form films such as Casa Blanca, and "The Maltese Falcon". All the characters are played by well known actors. Some of the actors could have challenged the originals.
One line I will have to use by Lou Peckinpaugh to the cab driver, "No tip, I'm a war veteran."
This formula worked better in "Murder by Death" (1976); however they tried too hard and missed the target. The puns and site gags were old hat or targeted to too small an audience. The train of thought could not focus long enough to be funny. If you really line detective farces with well known actors you may want to watch "Clue" (1985).
Movie Review: Grows On You
Summary: 3 Stars
I saw this movie in the theatre when it first came out, and was hugely disappointed. I felt that it was the biggest waste of comedic talent since "Mad Mad Mad Mad World."
But it grows on you. My categorical prior objection to the broad farce played by Sid Caesar and Ann-Margret, for example, is overborne by how great she looks. Subtle details of production begin to emerge. The filled whisky glass in the night stand drawer, for example. The continuous Peter Falk rehearsals for Columbo, which all happened later...it's a good movie for an easy evening.
Movie Review: Underwhelming
Summary: 3 Stars
The movie starts off cute enough, but the Casablanca theme gets very tedious,
beginning with an exasperating scene in the "Moroccan" restaurant. Neil Simon
probably penned this in a fortnight or less, a lot of stale jokes, really off
from his good stuff. Falk is OK, but the whole gag of him accumulating women
is also a dud and fails to engage. The breadth of the ensemble cast is impressive, and probably worth watching just for all the familiar faces if you're
middle-aged or above.
Movie Review: Widescreen available on Amazon.ca
Summary: 3 Stars
For those like me looking for a widescreen version of this title (it was filmed in anamorphic 2.35:1), it's available on Amazon's Canadian website - for a decent price I might add.