One of Neil Simon's more accessible & enjoyable screen adaptions. Two old style vaudeville stars agree to reform for a TV special, even though off-screen they hate each other's guts. And it's up to Richard Benjamin, (Matthau's nephew & hard working TV agent), to somehow get them to bury their differences just for this one shot.
A lovely story made perfect for both Matthau & Burns. To my shame I haven't seen many of Burns' old movies and after seeing him shine so brightly here makes me feel I've missed out on a wonderfully talented gentleman.
Matthau is always in top form in these kind of Simon comedies: notably Plaza Suite & The Odd Couple. Matthau works best with Jack Lemmon but the exception is made big style in this movie with Burns sweeping the floor (and the honours) with all before him.
The comedy is gentle rather than slapstick or too kinetic, which really matches the acting qualities of the two ageing stars. The script in general moves at a steady pace in spite of the fact the backdrop involves the fast moving, cut-throat world of TV programming.
The last 30 minutes becomes slightly more dramatic and the satire is more biting than earlier. But the film never runs out of steam or moves out of focus. Neither stars dominate the screen although it's fair to say that Matthau's physical presence sometimes over powers the frail old man of Burns, and yet the elder statesman returns the favour with a much more intelligent & humourous choice of lines.
A great film which I heartily recommend to anyone who likes gentle comedies, great script and wonderful acting
****/*****
A lovely story made perfect for both Matthau & Burns. To my shame I haven't seen many of Burns' old movies and after seeing him shine so brightly here makes me feel I've missed out on a wonderfully talented gentleman.
Matthau is always in top form in these kind of Simon comedies: notably Plaza Suite & The Odd Couple. Matthau works best with Jack Lemmon but the exception is made big style in this movie with Burns sweeping the floor (and the honours) with all before him.
The comedy is gentle rather than slapstick or too kinetic, which really matches the acting qualities of the two ageing stars. The script in general moves at a steady pace in spite of the fact the backdrop involves the fast moving, cut-throat world of TV programming.
The last 30 minutes becomes slightly more dramatic and the satire is more biting than earlier. But the film never runs out of steam or moves out of focus. Neither stars dominate the screen although it's fair to say that Matthau's physical presence sometimes over powers the frail old man of Burns, and yet the elder statesman returns the favour with a much more intelligent & humourous choice of lines.
A great film which I heartily recommend to anyone who likes gentle comedies, great script and wonderful acting
****/*****