A Fish Called Wanda (1988)

John Cleese brilliantly displays his comedic genius again!

Monty Python's John Cleese once again offers up a spectacular example of what makes him such a revered comedic force. Written by Cleese and set in London, this comedy has the drama of a bank robbery and subsequent legal proceedings and a romantic twist. Yet, this is not a "chick flick" by any means. Cleese's Monty Python buddy Michael Palin delivers a stellar performance as the stuttering hold-up sidekick, as JC plays the barrister (defense lawyer) for the man who organized the robbery. Again...since Cleese wrote it and sets it in London, there are only 2 American main characters (which in typical British form) Cleese busts on by giving them playfully negative American stereotypes: Jamie Lee Curtis plays a girl who will (let's keep it clean) "hook up with" and then stab in the back anyone who can make her rich. And Kevin Kline plays an obnoxious, loud-mouthed vulgarian who pretends to be smart and classy, but truly shows no intelligence and is gauche and tasteless. Don't take it too seriously though, my fellow Americans....this movie is great fun! The story unfolds beautifully, and the subtly developing romance between Cleese and Curtis (which begins as an opportunistic ruse by Curtis that blossoms into something more) is handled quite well. For fans of British comedy, there are also small appearances by other British stars such as Geoffrey Palmer and Steven Frye as well. Cleese, who has given us so much in the world of comedy, delivers once again! 5 stars to this wonderful comedy classic!
April 25, 2008

No Honor Among Thieves (But Some Laughs, Apparently)

A Fish Called Wanda is a delightful little comedy about a heist-gone-right-gone-wrong.

It seems that there's very little honor among thieves, when four crooks can't follow the get-away plan they'd concocted because they're too busy trying to screw each other out of the loot. We follow them as they plot, and counter-plot against one another, leading to what is possibly the most hilarious torture scene ever filmed, and a number of awkward, aborted attempts at adultery.

The question finally becomes: who is so low that they'll manage to out-con the others? And to answer that, you need to watch the movie.

Fun, funny, and not showing age one bit. Four stars. April 4, 2008

Absolutely great movie

If you don't like this movie you need psychiatric care. This collection of great actors are at their best in his wacky, crazy movie about a jewel heist. Kevin Kline is great as a rather stupid ex-cia agent. Jamie Lee Curtis is very, very sexy. John Cleese has never had a better role. And Michael Palin is wonderful as a stuttering nice guy. Best comedy for all concerned. March 9, 2008

Funny film-POOR 1ST DVD PACKAGE THOUGH

I have always thought this film was very funny. Basically the end of Jamie Lee Curtis & Kevin Kline's careers. NEVER had another hit film either of them.

This is a film that needed an updated DVD package. No extras at all. Won an Oscar for Kline & was a hit but this package has NO extras. Glad a n updated DVD package is always available.

"Don't call me stupid".

My rating is for the film not for the bare nothing special DVD package.
Extras, where are the extras?

I never liked Palin's character Ken.

Does have both wide screen & stand versions of the film depending on what you prefer.

Does have a good brochure with film information plus chapter search list.
February 20, 2008

Fish called Wanda

Kevin Cline at his best. I just love this movie for a host of reasons. For anyone that loved the Monty Python humour. John Clesse is great and so is Michael Palin. Just loved this film. November 22, 2007

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