The Hudsucker Proxy (1994)

The Coen brothers (Raising Arizona, Fargo) have become the most consistently original filmmakers in the land. In a salute/reworking of the fast-talking comedies of the '40s, we follow Norville Barnes (Tim Robbins) and his amazing rise to the top. But he's only a puppet for the evil Sidney J. Mussburger (Paul Newman), who wants the company for himself. The Coens' design is the real star, and their first big-budget film will stimulate movie fans. The story weakens in the middle, but you will find very few films that move with this much imagination. As a Kate Hepburn hybrid, Jennifer Jason Leigh is wonderful in an almost unplayable role. The less you know about the film, the better it plays, so just think of it as How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying mixed with Brazil and every journalistic drama made before 1960. Cowritten by Sam Raimi. --Doug Thomas Amazon.com essential video

OK comedy for casual viewing. Rent it, or buy it cheap.

This is a light comedy good for casual viewing. I picked it up on suggestion from a friend. My cost to buy was about what I'd pay to rent it, so I just got it. It has its moments. If you don't set your expectations too high, you'll like it. July 14, 2008

Best freaking movie ever.

There are only a few people who can capture late 30's camp this well, and the Brothers are among those people. It's witty, quick and endearing. I love Tim Robbins and Leigh is incredible (and hot) throughout the whole movie. AND... it's got Bruce Campbel in it... for any of you fans out there. June 4, 2008

Be Prepared for a Very Fun Movie

The "Hudsucker Proxy" is without a doubt, very fun. With their first comedy since "Raising Arizona", the Coen Brothers create a highly stylistic film. In terms of this style, two adjectives come to mind to describe the whole feel of this film, surreal and comic book-like. I would go as far as saying that this film is the most stylistic of the Coen Brothers first six films, because these two adjectives (surreal and comic book-like) penetrate every angle, character, facial expression and word.

Why you will like this movie: (No Major Spoilers)
1.)Paul Newman (of "Cool Hand Luke", "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid", a dozen other great films, and delicious "Newman's Own" food products) is in it.
2.) Tim Robbins is in it.
3) In the very beginning a man climbs his desk, runs and leaps to his death out of his office building.
4.) There is a battle between good and evil (Newman's Henchman and the Clock Tower worker).
5.) A hysterical scene of children mesmerized by a little boy using the Hula Hoop for the first time.
6.) Fast talking New Yorkers.
7.) Excellent movie sets. April 6, 2008

Three Star Cohen Bros

The Hudsucker Proxy is somewhat formulaic in the way it delivers it's story, with nothing really surprising in much of the plot or stylized windy dialogue. It's not bad, but it's not great either. Thankfully it throws in one or two curve-balls, but there are more forced laughs than clever moments. I'd give it three stars for the three stars: Newman, Robbins and Leigh. It does take a few unconventional turns in reaching it's predictable ending, but outside the hula-hoop, there's not much of a twist in this story. March 10, 2008

wow

this is a great film.simple story great acting wonderful score paul newman is great a truley good time. February 4, 2008

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