Jon-Amiel Movie Reviews

I saw these when they came out in England on TV last Christmas, and as a Latin teacher want to show them to my classes. I managed to tape all but Daedalus and Icarus and think they are marvellous, but cannot get them on video in England. As far as I can tell the US format will not support the British VHS PAL format. Immensely irritating, but I wholeheartedly recommend them and hope more might be done.

The late Jim Henson, mostly known for his creation of the MUPPETS, has also endeavored into other worthwhile projects of note. His STORYTELLER series is one of them.

While mostly geared towards children, the STORYTELLER videos are also wonderful for adults as well. While most of us know sketches of the Greek myths depicted, this series does a fine job of elaborating on the lesser known details of the myths. For children, it's a fabulous way to be introduced to the storys for the first time.

The majority of the actors in the series are relative unknowns. However, in the present episode the viewer is treated to none other than the legendary Shakesperian actor Derek Jacoby as the sage inventor Daedalus. Jacoby's performance makes this STORYTELLER even more appealing than it would normally be.

For Jim Henson fans and for those who are infatuated with the ancient Greeks, this video is a can't miss. If you buy this film without being familiar with either Henson or the Greeks, you may very well find yourself falling in love with both simultaneously.

Finally someone is bold enough to tackle Greek myths and not over dramatize or moralize them. These stories, as well as the myths of Theseus and Orpheus, are told with a wonderful mix of comedy and tragedy. Young people will appreciate the magnificent puppet mastery of Jim Henson. More mature audiences will be enraptured by the power of the myths themselves. True to the nature of Greek myths, they are dark and often reveal some tragic character flaw within humanity as a whole. Don't miss out on seeing these wonderfully artistic videos!

The Storyteller was a sadly short-lived series. I've been feverishly awaiting the arrival of the stories to come to video! I'm still waiting for the OTHER FIVE STORIES I know from the series to come out! The Soldier & Death is a visually stunning story with masterful acting and special effects. The devils are too good to pass up! A Story Short is a wonderful retelling of the Stone Soup folktale. John Hurt is fun, clever and extremely engaging as the storyteller. These tales have elements that would appeal to all ages. I highly recommend them!

Jim Henson's Storyteller is a brilliant series. John Hurt is fabulous, as always, and his dog is a delight. I haven't seen any of the greek myths, yet, but if Derek Jacobi is in at least one them, then I am sure that they must be wonderful. I must say, that I'm a little disappointed to see that John Hurt was replaced by a different actor (I can't really imagine anyone else in his role), but not having seen the Greek incarnations, I really can not judge them, and they are probably very good in their own right. They certainly appear to have recruited top-notch actors. The Storyteller episodes with John Hurt are absolutely wonderful. These are fairy tales the way they were meant to be told. They are witty and sagacious, and thoroughly entertaining. They are not whitewashed, and the endings aren't always happy. The Soldier and Death is probably my favorite (the card game with the devils is classic!). I remember watching this series when I was in highschool, in Canada. The Storyteller was broadcast at the tail end of the Jim Henson Hour (and was, by far, the best part of the show). Unfortunately, I have never had the opportunity to view the series in its entirety. I've seen Sapsorrow and The Soldier & Death, and another one called the Three Ravens (which is equally wonderful!). I am overjoyed to discover that some of the episodes have been transferred to video! Unfortunately, it seems that there are about 4 or 5 others that are STILL unavailable! Does anyone out there know why the others have not yet been released, and/or if there are any plans to release them at a future date? Judging by the copyrights and viewer comments, it looks as though a couple of years have passed, without any move, on the part of the studio, to do so. At any rate, these tapes are well worth purchasing. In my view, they are Henson's best work (and I love the muppets, just so you know).

I can't praise these incarnations of the greek myths enough. They are neither watered-down nor meant to cater to the queasy hypocrisy that seems to pass for children's fare in these days of over-protectiveness and over-indulgence. My own children grew up with these tales and appreciated Jim Henson's series for the undiluted yet highly masterful handling of the tales that, until the advent of Shakespeare, best defined the human ethos.

Already the possessor of the equally praiseworthy Storyteller series on DVD, I can only echo the sentiments of previous reviewers: the entire Henson Greek Myth series deserves to be out on DVD.

The Storyteller was a sadly short-lived series. I've been feverishly awaiting the arrival of the stories to come to video! I'm still waiting for the OTHER FIVE STORIES I know from the series to come out! The Soldier & Death is a visually stunning story with masterful acting and special effects. The devils are too good to pass up! A Story Short is a wonderful retelling of the Stone Soup folktale. John Hurt is fun, clever and extremely engaging as the storyteller. These tales have elements that would appeal to all ages. I highly recommend them!

Jim Henson's Storyteller is a brilliant series. John Hurt is fabulous, as always, and his dog is a delight. I haven't seen any of the greek myths, yet, but if Derek Jacobi is in at least one them, then I am sure that they must be wonderful. I must say, that I'm a little disappointed to see that John Hurt was replaced by a different actor (I can't really imagine anyone else in his role), but not having seen the Greek incarnations, I really can not judge them, and they are probably very good in their own right. They certainly appear to have recruited top-notch actors. The Storyteller episodes with John Hurt are absolutely wonderful. These are fairy tales the way they were meant to be told. They are witty and sagacious, and thoroughly entertaining. They are not whitewashed, and the endings aren't always happy. The Soldier and Death is probably my favorite (the card game with the devils is classic!). I remember watching this series when I was in highschool, in Canada. The Storyteller was broadcast at the tail end of the Jim Henson Hour (and was, by far, the best part of the show). Unfortunately, I have never had the opportunity to view the series in its entirety. I've seen Sapsorrow and The Soldier & Death, and another one called the Three Ravens (which is equally wonderful!). I am overjoyed to discover that some of the episodes have been transferred to video! Unfortunately, it seems that there are about 4 or 5 others that are STILL unavailable! Does anyone out there know why the others have not yet been released, and/or if there are any plans to release them at a future date? Judging by the copyrights and viewer comments, it looks as though a couple of years have passed, without any move, on the part of the studio, to do so. At any rate, these tapes are well worth purchasing. In my view, they are Henson's best work (and I love the muppets, just so you know).

I can't praise these incarnations of the greek myths enough. They are neither watered-down nor meant to cater to the queasy hypocrisy that seems to pass for children's fare in these days of over-protectiveness and over-indulgence. My own children grew up with these tales and appreciated Jim Henson's series for the undiluted yet highly masterful handling of the tales that, until the advent of Shakespeare, best defined the human ethos.

Already the possessor of the equally praiseworthy Storyteller series on DVD, I can only echo the sentiments of previous reviewers: the entire Henson Greek Myth series deserves to be out on DVD.

The Storyteller was a sadly short-lived series. I've been feverishly awaiting the arrival of the stories to come to video! I'm still waiting for the OTHER FIVE STORIES I know from the series to come out! The Soldier & Death is a visually stunning story with masterful acting and special effects. The devils are too good to pass up! A Story Short is a wonderful retelling of the Stone Soup folktale. John Hurt is fun, clever and extremely engaging as the storyteller. These tales have elements that would appeal to all ages. I highly recommend them!

Jim Henson's Storyteller is a brilliant series. John Hurt is fabulous, as always, and his dog is a delight. I haven't seen any of the greek myths, yet, but if Derek Jacobi is in at least one them, then I am sure that they must be wonderful. I must say, that I'm a little disappointed to see that John Hurt was replaced by a different actor (I can't really imagine anyone else in his role), but not having seen the Greek incarnations, I really can not judge them, and they are probably very good in their own right. They certainly appear to have recruited top-notch actors. The Storyteller episodes with John Hurt are absolutely wonderful. These are fairy tales the way they were meant to be told. They are witty and sagacious, and thoroughly entertaining. They are not whitewashed, and the endings aren't always happy. The Soldier and Death is probably my favorite (the card game with the devils is classic!). I remember watching this series when I was in highschool, in Canada. The Storyteller was broadcast at the tail end of the Jim Henson Hour (and was, by far, the best part of the show). Unfortunately, I have never had the opportunity to view the series in its entirety. I've seen Sapsorrow and The Soldier & Death, and another one called the Three Ravens (which is equally wonderful!). I am overjoyed to discover that some of the episodes have been transferred to video! Unfortunately, it seems that there are about 4 or 5 others that are STILL unavailable! Does anyone out there know why the others have not yet been released, and/or if there are any plans to release them at a future date? Judging by the copyrights and viewer comments, it looks as though a couple of years have passed, without any move, on the part of the studio, to do so. At any rate, these tapes are well worth purchasing. In my view, they are Henson's best work (and I love the muppets, just so you know).

I can't praise these incarnations of the greek myths enough. They are neither watered-down nor meant to cater to the queasy hypocrisy that seems to pass for children's fare in these days of over-protectiveness and over-indulgence. My own children grew up with these tales and appreciated Jim Henson's series for the undiluted yet highly masterful handling of the tales that, until the advent of Shakespeare, best defined the human ethos.

Already the possessor of the equally praiseworthy Storyteller series on DVD, I can only echo the sentiments of previous reviewers: the entire Henson Greek Myth series deserves to be out on DVD.

COPYCAT stands on it's own despite being compared to SILENCE OF THE LAMBS. Truly frightening and suspenseful in scenes, the film works beautifully because of the cast (Holly Hunter and Sigourney Weaver) and the excellent script.

Sigourney Weaver character was stalked by a serial killer some years before, and as a result, is confined to her home where she lives in understandable fear. The police now consult with her in her capacity as a criminal psychologist to find the identity of a new serial killer. In the process, her world is once again turned upside down in a way which will make you want to jump up and lock your door.

CopyCat is a true gem of the suspense thriller genre but overlooked by so many as a 'copycat' of other great films. Trust me, it really does deserve merit for its ability to remain as fresh today as it was upon first release.

Deserves a place in your DVD collection.

Here you have two tough broads, a good cop and the nastiest of killers. How can you lose? Actually, the pairing of Sigourney & Holly is wonderful, in this age of films so lacking in strong women's roles. Sigourney, in particular, after years of kicking alien-butt, withdraws as the victim of an almost lethal attack and subsequent nervous breakdown. Her house-bound recluse still shows fire and rage, well-controlled and centered; a really great performance. Holly, too, in a slightly less showy role, shows drive and command of her role. These women are magnificent, in their own ways, and carry this film through plot-twists and strange turns that are always compelling. Also compelling is the very taut direction of John Amiel, never missing a chance to include the audience in everything, though you don't realize it at the time. A very handsome Dermot Mulroney makes an auspicious presence as an "almost" sex-object for the women, and William McNamara is greatly effective as the ultimate center of the film. Harry Connick, Jr. has impressed me as an actor many times, but not so much as here. With rotten teeth and an oily, snake-like presence he is given a few memorable moments. This film has been compared to "Silence of the Lambs", but it really has its own character and drive. The tension is high, the plot well presented and the acting is superlative. I like this film a lot.

Amidst all the suspense, shocks, and chills of this superbly made thriller stands the awesome performances of Sigourney Weaver and Holly Hunter. Ever since she pioneered the "female butticker" in the Alien movies, Sigourney has stretched her range to show the immense amount of talent she possesses. Her role as agoraphobic Helen Hudson is one of her finest; she lets us feel every nuance of her frustration, her terror, her anger, her intense ability to be strong even when she admits she's weak. Matching her performance is the understated portrayal of cop M.J. Monahan by Oscar-winner Holly Hunter. Hunter's bravura etching of this likeable cop is extremely effective in counterbalancing the tormented Weaver. Altough the fate of Dermot Mulroney as Monahan's partner is questionably appropriate, it does serve as a motivating factor in Hunter's pursuit of the serial killer. William McNamara's performance as Peter Foley may seem underplayed, but it serves to hightem the normal-ness of this obviously demented young man. Like life, the good guys don't always come out unscathed. The film is dark, brooding and its ending is chilling in that Harry Connick Jr. imprisoned psycho is obviously going to continue his quest for revenge on Weaver. A sequel would have been nice; I would have also liked to have had at least one scene with Weaver and Hunter after theexplosive ending. But, as far as thrillers go, this is a great addition to a small set of classics.

COPYCAT stands on it's own despite being compared to SILENCE OF THE LAMBS. Truly frightening and suspenseful in scenes, the film works beautifully because of the cast (Holly Hunter and Sigourney Weaver) and the excellent script.

Sigourney Weaver character was stalked by a serial killer some years before, and as a result, is confined to her home where she lives in understandable fear. The police now consult with her in her capacity as a criminal psychologist to find the identity of a new serial killer. In the process, her world is once again turned upside down in a way which will make you want to jump up and lock your door.

CopyCat is a true gem of the suspense thriller genre but overlooked by so many as a 'copycat' of other great films. Trust me, it really does deserve merit for its ability to remain as fresh today as it was upon first release.

Deserves a place in your DVD collection.

I've debated over writing a review of this movie simply because words cannot express how fascinating and brilliant it is. The plot is seemingly simple: Sigourney Weaver portrays Dr. Helen Hudson, a retired but brilliant criminal pschiatrist, who is a step ahead of the police in solving a recent rash of murders by a serial killer. Two detectives, played by Dermont Mulroney and the deceptively simple Holly Hunter, lure Hudson back into the fold to aid the police in stopping this killer. If only it was that simple. That it's not is what makes this movie great. Hudson's brilliance is eclipsed by her pill-popping nature and her alcoholism. She's also agoraphobic, in that she hasn't left her house in 13 months, when she was attacked by the last serial killer she was responsible for incarcerating. Now aided by Hudson, the cops search for a killer who is copycatting murders made famous decades earlier by Son of Sam, the Hillside Stranglers, and the Boston Strangler. William McNamara is chilling as the psychopath in that he embodies the basic profile of all serial killers. He's young, handsome, charming, affable and evil to the core. Just when you think it's all resolved, the final scene is the most shocking of all.

Sigourney Weaver plays a housebound, phobic and drug addicted forensic psychologist. She has become housebound as a result of a serious threat to her life by a notorious killer.

Prior to he becoming disabled, Weaver had been a highly accomplished forensic psychologist who's speciality was serial killlers. She had been a national expert on serial killer patterns, the messages they were sending, and what their general profile might be. All this has come to a halt as a result of the assault experience and its aftermath.

When a challenging series of new killings break out, local police reluctantly consult Weaver who makes some inital contact with the department about her theories. Despite her condition and police wariness, Weaver proves to be a very important ingredient to solving the crime spree.

Weaver is tied into the world via computer. Her excellent portrayal of a troubled psychologist and her incredible ability to place the pieces of the killer puzzle in order, make her the center of this captivating story.

Dermot Mulrooney, Holly Hunter, Harry Connick, Jr., and William McNamara round out an outstanding cast.

This is one to watch over and over!

A very clever script with some very well written situation comedy. I tried getting my teenage daughter to watch this, she thought it was extremely stupid, so the audience has to be right. I thought she'd enjoy it. I've watched it a couple of times and still found it entertaining and funny.
Murray plays a hapless American caught up in a ring of international espionage while thinking that he is just playing the part in an audience participation stage play in London. A lessor actor in this film and it would have a a complete dud, but Murray's talent shines and there aren't any dull moments. A scene near the end has him dancing with Russians while unknowingly stopping a time bomb, it is very well choreographed and lots of fun to watch. This movie is a strong recommendation to any that like Murray and his talent of being funny while seemingly not trying to be. It is a good recommendation to any that enjoy clever situation comedy and aren't expecting "What about Bob?" or "Groundhog Day" which this film is not.

Wally Ritchie (Murray) flies from America to visit his brother James in London for his birthday. However James has a business meeting and needs Wally out of the way for the evening. He books Wally onto a new an audience participation TV show where actual people get to be a part of a real enactment. Wally answers the wrong phone call and is mistaken for hitman Spenser. Following the instructions of the call, Wally becomes involved in a plot to start the cold war again by killing a mix of Ambassadors. Blissfully unaware Wally sets out to foil the plot.

If you were reading above, you'd know that the plot is mush and ludicrous, and even if you take it seriously, all the pieces don't fit together and the plot doesn't make a lot of sense. However once you learn to overlook the nonsense -- and the humor helps you (e.g., Murray asks at the airport: "Which door leads to England?") â€" this is all about Wally stumbling from one misunderstanding to another lucky occurrence. We're not in the realms of classic comedy here and it certainly isn't hilarious. Rather it's funny and enjoyable if you suspend disbelief.

Murray is the film's saving grace. He stumbles around so very well and makes even the most basic misunderstanding funny. Gallagher is a passable straightman and Walley-Kilmer is decent but really suffers from having to share a screen with Murray. A fleet of British faces make up the rest of the cast â€" from Molina, Wilson, Woodeson to the sublime John Thomson and faces like Dexter Fletcher.

Overall this isn't the funniest thing you'll ever see, but it is enjoyable and will make you smile for 90 minutes, even if the belly laughs are less often than you'd like. Murray runs the show and brings laughs out of the least inspired routines. Well worth a watch if you're in a silly, undemanding mood.

In The Man Who Knew Too Little, Bill Murray once again plays the character that he plays best -- the lovable, well-meaning guy who's just not quite right (think What About Bob?). This time, he's Wallace Ritchie, a guy from Iowa, who decides to take a trip to London to surprise his brother, James (Peter Gallagher). James, however, is preparing for an important dinner meeting, so he buys Wallace a ticket for the Theatre of Life, an experimental theatrical experience, in which people pay to be a part of the play.

Wallace is instructed to wait by a certain phone booth until he gets the call that tells him where to go next. But he answers the wrong call -- one that was meant for a real, live hitman. He unknowingly becomes caught up in a secret operation that's supposed to begin a second Cold War -- and he thinks he's just an actor.

This movie is filled with hilarious action -- like a car chase involving the police and Wallace driving a Mini the wrong way around a roundabout. Bill Murray does an excellent job of acting clueless (like I said, it's what he does best). Peter Gallagher's performance, on the other hand, makes me nervous. He's just so rigid and unstable -- but Murray more than makes up for what Gallagher lacks.

The Man Who Knew Too Little is the perfect addition to any collection. Watch it, and it'll make you laugh out loud -- no matter what kind of mood you're in.

A very clever script with some very well written situation comedy. I tried getting my teenage daughter to watch this, she thought it was extremely stupid, so the audience has to be right. I thought she'd enjoy it. I've watched it a couple of times and still found it entertaining and funny.
Murray plays a hapless American caught up in a ring of international espionage while thinking that he is just playing the part in an audience participation stage play in London. A lessor actor in this film and it would have a a complete dud, but Murray's talent shines and there aren't any dull moments. A scene near the end has him dancing with Russians while unknowingly stopping a time bomb, it is very well choreographed and lots of fun to watch. This movie is a strong recommendation to any that like Murray and his talent of being funny while seemingly not trying to be. It is a good recommendation to any that enjoy clever situation comedy and aren't expecting "What about Bob?" or "Groundhog Day" which this film is not.

Wally Ritchie (Murray) flies from America to visit his brother James in London for his birthday. However James has a business meeting and needs Wally out of the way for the evening. He books Wally onto a new an audience participation TV show where actual people get to be a part of a real enactment. Wally answers the wrong phone call and is mistaken for hitman Spenser. Following the instructions of the call, Wally becomes involved in a plot to start the cold war again by killing a mix of Ambassadors. Blissfully unaware Wally sets out to foil the plot.

If you were reading above, you'd know that the plot is mush and ludicrous, and even if you take it seriously, all the pieces don't fit together and the plot doesn't make a lot of sense. However once you learn to overlook the nonsense -- and the humor helps you (e.g., Murray asks at the airport: "Which door leads to England?") â€" this is all about Wally stumbling from one misunderstanding to another lucky occurrence. We're not in the realms of classic comedy here and it certainly isn't hilarious. Rather it's funny and enjoyable if you suspend disbelief.

Murray is the film's saving grace. He stumbles around so very well and makes even the most basic misunderstanding funny. Gallagher is a passable straightman and Walley-Kilmer is decent but really suffers from having to share a screen with Murray. A fleet of British faces make up the rest of the cast â€" from Molina, Wilson, Woodeson to the sublime John Thomson and faces like Dexter Fletcher.

Overall this isn't the funniest thing you'll ever see, but it is enjoyable and will make you smile for 90 minutes, even if the belly laughs are less often than you'd like. Murray runs the show and brings laughs out of the least inspired routines. Well worth a watch if you're in a silly, undemanding mood.

In The Man Who Knew Too Little, Bill Murray once again plays the character that he plays best -- the lovable, well-meaning guy who's just not quite right (think What About Bob?). This time, he's Wallace Ritchie, a guy from Iowa, who decides to take a trip to London to surprise his brother, James (Peter Gallagher). James, however, is preparing for an important dinner meeting, so he buys Wallace a ticket for the Theatre of Life, an experimental theatrical experience, in which people pay to be a part of the play.

Wallace is instructed to wait by a certain phone booth until he gets the call that tells him where to go next. But he answers the wrong call -- one that was meant for a real, live hitman. He unknowingly becomes caught up in a secret operation that's supposed to begin a second Cold War -- and he thinks he's just an actor.

This movie is filled with hilarious action -- like a car chase involving the police and Wallace driving a Mini the wrong way around a roundabout. Bill Murray does an excellent job of acting clueless (like I said, it's what he does best). Peter Gallagher's performance, on the other hand, makes me nervous. He's just so rigid and unstable -- but Murray more than makes up for what Gallagher lacks.

The Man Who Knew Too Little is the perfect addition to any collection. Watch it, and it'll make you laugh out loud -- no matter what kind of mood you're in.

A very clever script with some very well written situation comedy. I tried getting my teenage daughter to watch this, she thought it was extremely stupid, so the audience has to be right. I thought she'd enjoy it. I've watched it a couple of times and still found it entertaining and funny.
Murray plays a hapless American caught up in a ring of international espionage while thinking that he is just playing the part in an audience participation stage play in London. A lessor actor in this film and it would have a a complete dud, but Murray's talent shines and there aren't any dull moments. A scene near the end has him dancing with Russians while unknowingly stopping a time bomb, it is very well choreographed and lots of fun to watch. This movie is a strong recommendation to any that like Murray and his talent of being funny while seemingly not trying to be. It is a good recommendation to any that enjoy clever situation comedy and aren't expecting "What about Bob?" or "Groundhog Day" which this film is not.

Wally Ritchie (Murray) flies from America to visit his brother James in London for his birthday. However James has a business meeting and needs Wally out of the way for the evening. He books Wally onto a new an audience participation TV show where actual people get to be a part of a real enactment. Wally answers the wrong phone call and is mistaken for hitman Spenser. Following the instructions of the call, Wally becomes involved in a plot to start the cold war again by killing a mix of Ambassadors. Blissfully unaware Wally sets out to foil the plot.

If you were reading above, you'd know that the plot is mush and ludicrous, and even if you take it seriously, all the pieces don't fit together and the plot doesn't make a lot of sense. However once you learn to overlook the nonsense -- and the humor helps you (e.g., Murray asks at the airport: "Which door leads to England?") â€" this is all about Wally stumbling from one misunderstanding to another lucky occurrence. We're not in the realms of classic comedy here and it certainly isn't hilarious. Rather it's funny and enjoyable if you suspend disbelief.

Murray is the film's saving grace. He stumbles around so very well and makes even the most basic misunderstanding funny. Gallagher is a passable straightman and Walley-Kilmer is decent but really suffers from having to share a screen with Murray. A fleet of British faces make up the rest of the cast â€" from Molina, Wilson, Woodeson to the sublime John Thomson and faces like Dexter Fletcher.

Overall this isn't the funniest thing you'll ever see, but it is enjoyable and will make you smile for 90 minutes, even if the belly laughs are less often than you'd like. Murray runs the show and brings laughs out of the least inspired routines. Well worth a watch if you're in a silly, undemanding mood.

In The Man Who Knew Too Little, Bill Murray once again plays the character that he plays best -- the lovable, well-meaning guy who's just not quite right (think What About Bob?). This time, he's Wallace Ritchie, a guy from Iowa, who decides to take a trip to London to surprise his brother, James (Peter Gallagher). James, however, is preparing for an important dinner meeting, so he buys Wallace a ticket for the Theatre of Life, an experimental theatrical experience, in which people pay to be a part of the play.

Wallace is instructed to wait by a certain phone booth until he gets the call that tells him where to go next. But he answers the wrong call -- one that was meant for a real, live hitman. He unknowingly becomes caught up in a secret operation that's supposed to begin a second Cold War -- and he thinks he's just an actor.

This movie is filled with hilarious action -- like a car chase involving the police and Wallace driving a Mini the wrong way around a roundabout. Bill Murray does an excellent job of acting clueless (like I said, it's what he does best). Peter Gallagher's performance, on the other hand, makes me nervous. He's just so rigid and unstable -- but Murray more than makes up for what Gallagher lacks.

The Man Who Knew Too Little is the perfect addition to any collection. Watch it, and it'll make you laugh out loud -- no matter what kind of mood you're in.

A very clever script with some very well written situation comedy. I tried getting my teenage daughter to watch this, she thought it was extremely stupid, so the audience has to be right. I thought she'd enjoy it. I've watched it a couple of times and still found it entertaining and funny.
Murray plays a hapless American caught up in a ring of international espionage while thinking that he is just playing the part in an audience participation stage play in London. A lessor actor in this film and it would have a a complete dud, but Murray's talent shines and there aren't any dull moments. A scene near the end has him dancing with Russians while unknowingly stopping a time bomb, it is very well choreographed and lots of fun to watch. This movie is a strong recommendation to any that like Murray and his talent of being funny while seemingly not trying to be. It is a good recommendation to any that enjoy clever situation comedy and aren't expecting "What about Bob?" or "Groundhog Day" which this film is not.

Wally Ritchie (Murray) flies from America to visit his brother James in London for his birthday. However James has a business meeting and needs Wally out of the way for the evening. He books Wally onto a new an audience participation TV show where actual people get to be a part of a real enactment. Wally answers the wrong phone call and is mistaken for hitman Spenser. Following the instructions of the call, Wally becomes involved in a plot to start the cold war again by killing a mix of Ambassadors. Blissfully unaware Wally sets out to foil the plot.

If you were reading above, you'd know that the plot is mush and ludicrous, and even if you take it seriously, all the pieces don't fit together and the plot doesn't make a lot of sense. However once you learn to overlook the nonsense -- and the humor helps you (e.g., Murray asks at the airport: "Which door leads to England?") â€" this is all about Wally stumbling from one misunderstanding to another lucky occurrence. We're not in the realms of classic comedy here and it certainly isn't hilarious. Rather it's funny and enjoyable if you suspend disbelief.

Murray is the film's saving grace. He stumbles around so very well and makes even the most basic misunderstanding funny. Gallagher is a passable straightman and Walley-Kilmer is decent but really suffers from having to share a screen with Murray. A fleet of British faces make up the rest of the cast â€" from Molina, Wilson, Woodeson to the sublime John Thomson and faces like Dexter Fletcher.

Overall this isn't the funniest thing you'll ever see, but it is enjoyable and will make you smile for 90 minutes, even if the belly laughs are less often than you'd like. Murray runs the show and brings laughs out of the least inspired routines. Well worth a watch if you're in a silly, undemanding mood.

In The Man Who Knew Too Little, Bill Murray once again plays the character that he plays best -- the lovable, well-meaning guy who's just not quite right (think What About Bob?). This time, he's Wallace Ritchie, a guy from Iowa, who decides to take a trip to London to surprise his brother, James (Peter Gallagher). James, however, is preparing for an important dinner meeting, so he buys Wallace a ticket for the Theatre of Life, an experimental theatrical experience, in which people pay to be a part of the play.

Wallace is instructed to wait by a certain phone booth until he gets the call that tells him where to go next. But he answers the wrong call -- one that was meant for a real, live hitman. He unknowingly becomes caught up in a secret operation that's supposed to begin a second Cold War -- and he thinks he's just an actor.

This movie is filled with hilarious action -- like a car chase involving the police and Wallace driving a Mini the wrong way around a roundabout. Bill Murray does an excellent job of acting clueless (like I said, it's what he does best). Peter Gallagher's performance, on the other hand, makes me nervous. He's just so rigid and unstable -- but Murray more than makes up for what Gallagher lacks.

The Man Who Knew Too Little is the perfect addition to any collection. Watch it, and it'll make you laugh out loud -- no matter what kind of mood you're in.