While readily entertaining with lightly amusing levity, 'Steamboat Bill, Jr.' declines to immediately engage the audience with sight gags and robust physical comedy as we typically expect of Buster Keaton's hit films. These are slowly introduced into the mix of situational humor, complemented with some cleverly penned intertitles, after what seems like more than a few minutes of pure exposition. We're informed quickly made that this 1928 picture, Keaton's last free of major studio involvement, isn't necessarily as heartily invigorating as his other classics. Even so, it's still pleasantly enjoyable all the way through, with an ace up its sleeve.
To read of the production history informs of substantial expenses and resources devoted to the picture, arranging daring stunts and all the components of some particular scenes including elaborate set pieces. These are certainly impressive, though it's worth noting that such renowned instances are relegated to the second half of the picture, and are sparing in their deployment. In the meanwhile, of course Keaton and his co-stars put in great performances full of significant physicality, and pointedly exaggerated body language and expression. And there's no question that 'Steamboat Bill, Jr.' is a solidly good time, providing some laughs and consistent fun from start to finish. At the same time, however, it's simply not as persistently, roundly funny as other Keaton films absolutely are. With or without such comparison, this just isn't as striking.
This isn't to say that 'Steamboat Bill, Jr.' is bad. Far from it! The inventive stunts are superb; the climactic sequence is genuinely exciting, with considerable, admirable work poured into all aspects to realize it. This is an entertaining feature, make no mistake. Yet it's a movie that's more about story and sophisticated production design than it is about comedy, and as well as it keeps our attention to that end, overall it just doesn't feel remarkable, or completely absorbing. Unlike 'The general,' or 'Go west,' this doesn't inspire a recommendation a must-see.
Still - it's hard to go wrong with Buster Keaton. Even when he falters. His pictures are handily above average, and well outpace many other titles. More than 90 years after this premiered, it still holds up very well, and that alone says much. One needn't necessarily go out of their way to watch 'Steamboat Bill, Jr.,' but if you have the opportunity, it remains highly enjoyable and worth checking out.
To read of the production history informs of substantial expenses and resources devoted to the picture, arranging daring stunts and all the components of some particular scenes including elaborate set pieces. These are certainly impressive, though it's worth noting that such renowned instances are relegated to the second half of the picture, and are sparing in their deployment. In the meanwhile, of course Keaton and his co-stars put in great performances full of significant physicality, and pointedly exaggerated body language and expression. And there's no question that 'Steamboat Bill, Jr.' is a solidly good time, providing some laughs and consistent fun from start to finish. At the same time, however, it's simply not as persistently, roundly funny as other Keaton films absolutely are. With or without such comparison, this just isn't as striking.
This isn't to say that 'Steamboat Bill, Jr.' is bad. Far from it! The inventive stunts are superb; the climactic sequence is genuinely exciting, with considerable, admirable work poured into all aspects to realize it. This is an entertaining feature, make no mistake. Yet it's a movie that's more about story and sophisticated production design than it is about comedy, and as well as it keeps our attention to that end, overall it just doesn't feel remarkable, or completely absorbing. Unlike 'The general,' or 'Go west,' this doesn't inspire a recommendation a must-see.
Still - it's hard to go wrong with Buster Keaton. Even when he falters. His pictures are handily above average, and well outpace many other titles. More than 90 years after this premiered, it still holds up very well, and that alone says much. One needn't necessarily go out of their way to watch 'Steamboat Bill, Jr.,' but if you have the opportunity, it remains highly enjoyable and worth checking out.