|
|
|
The Odd Couple
Movie Stats & Links |
| Starring: |
Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, Monica Evans, Carole Shelley |
| MPAA Rated: |
G |
| Released By: |
Paramount Home Entertainment |
| Kiddie Movie: |
Even though it's rated G, it's a little adult for the kiddies. |
| Date Movie: |
One of you is probably Oscar, the other Felix, so it's probably good for both. |
| Gratuitous Sex: |
Some hints and innuendo. |
| Gratuitous
Violence: |
Nah. |
| Action: |
Nah. |
| Laughs: |
From start to finish. |
| Memorable
Scene: |
Felix "impressing" the Pigeon Sisters. |
| Memorable
Quote: |
"It took me three hours to figure out 'F.U.' was 'Felix Ungar.'" |
| Directed By: |
Gene Saks |
|
Cool Things About the DVD |
| Learn French! |
It's got some language choices. |
| Buy a New TV! |
Just guy one already. |
| Buy a New
Stereo! |
Not really necessary, but buy one anyway. |
| Anything Else! |
The Centennial Collection edition is filled with extras on all things "Odd Couple," including retrospectives and looking at the comedic genius of Matthau and Lemmon |
|
|
The Odd Couple
A Movie/DVD Review |
|
 |
When I was growing up one of the staples on the TV was the series “The Odd Couple,” only I was too young to really get it. Then, as I got older, I would catch the re-runs sometimes and would really appreciate the series. But to really understand the start of it all, past the simple premise of “Oscar is a slob and Felix is a neat-freak,” you really have to see the original Broadway play, and since you probably can’t find a time machine anywhere, the film version will have to do, and it has now been released as part of the Paramount Pictures Centennial Collection, which not only give you the movie, but a boatload of extras that will make you appreciate the movie, and the genius of Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, and writer Neil Simon even more.
Let’s start with the story…
As the movie opens we find Felix Ungar (Jack Lemmon), in a distraught state. Suicide looks to be what he wants, only it’s something he just can’t seem to achieve. Meanwhile, back at the Oscar Madison (Walter Matthau) pad, a poker game is in session, and Felix is missed by the dudes. We quickly find out that Oscar is divorced and then that Felix’s wife just split up with him, and Felix’s card-playing friends spring into action, working to prevent his suicide, knowing he must be crushed. And sure, this all sounds serious and all, but “The Odd Couple” isn’t a drama, nope, with two of the worlds’ comedic geniuses, as serious as things are, it’s just as funny.
And so, yes, Oscar is kind of messy, and Felix is kind of neat, Oscar lets Felix live with him, and the two, now single dudes, must learn to just get along. The thing is, anyone who is a neat person living with a slob can relate, and those slobs among us who can’t stand being told to pick up after ourselves can also relate, and in comedic fashion our couple goes through the pains every couple goes through, and always in funny fashion.
As it is, through the dinners Felix prepares, through Oscar trying to set Felix up with a couple of ladies, and some thrown linguine, the only things that sort of date this movie back to the late 1960’s are the outfits, the décor, and the police car because in any year when two, seemingly opposite people live together, hilarity will usually ensue if done right, and “The Odd Couple” shows how it is done right.
I have to admit that I forgot about the movie version of “The Odd Couple,” and I may have caught glimpses of it on cable from time to time, but as I finished watching our two boys get back together at the end of the movie, and a friendship rejoined, I really appreciated the delight of what started one of the great TV series of all time.
It’s hard not to like “The Odd Couple” because anyone who has ever lived with someone else, whether in a platonic relationship or romantic one, can relate to the bond that develops between Felix and Oscar, and as comedies go, this one is classic. 4 ½ stars out of 5 for “The Odd Couple.”
The bonus for this DVD package though is that it is part of Paramount Pictures Centennial Collection, which gives you a ton of features and insights that fans of the movie, or fans of the actors, will love. Of course there is a commentary track, with this one narrated by Charlie Matthau and Chris Lemmon, but the set also includes telling how the concept of “The Odd Couple” grew, a spotlight on the brilliance of Matthau and Lemon, as well as some nice reflections of things that happened during the making of the movie.
Pretty simply if you liked the TV series, if you ever lived with anyone, or you just want to see a very funny movie, do yourself a favor and get the DVD of “The Odd Couple.” Better yet, make sure it’s the Centennial Collection version so that you can understand that comedy isn’t as easy as it seems, yet some actors are able to make it look like a breeze.
That’s it for this one! I’m The Dude on the Right!! L8R!!! |
