Grumpy Old Men

Alright everyone, it’s time for another Thanksgiving movie. I got a classic for us today, which is “Grumpy Old Men,” released in 1993. I remember my brother watching this movie when I was a child, but I only remember a few funny parts. Now that I have seen it entirely, I thoroughly loved it and will let everyone my thoughts.

James Berardinelli started his review out by saying, “Sometimes the films I enjoy the most aren't the ones that get four stars. For example, while Farewell My Concubine is an example of superior, powerful film making, it isn't the sort of movie you embrace for the pure magic of the entertainment it offers. Grumpy Old Men, on the other hand, is such a film, and while it won't come close to my top 10 best list for 1993, it will be right up there among the pictures that I had the most fun watching.”

John Gustafson (Jack Lemmon) and Max Goldman (Walter Matthau) have been neighbors since they were kids, and the fight between them has been going on just as long. A sense of not liking to see one another is in place, with insults and set of traps being the main thing that starts the fights. However, their bitterness is now really serious when both of them have fallen in love with the new neighbor across the street. Ariel, played by Ann-Margaret, is lively, beautiful and charming, and both John and Max are interested.

While not without its problems (some of which are really noticeable), “Grumpy Old Men” works a lot of the times. Berardinelli said, “It's an example of a frothy, good-natured holiday picture that adults can relax and enjoy.” As a comedy, the movie has enough great humor to keep you laughing. Dramatically, however, it’s really delicate. Berardinelli said, “There are formulas at work here, and anyone admitting to be surprised by the "plot twists" should hang his or her head in shame.”

Thankfully, drama always plays second note to comedy, and this is a completely funny motion picture. There’s everything from slapstick to puns, with a lot of smart references and jokes. Berardinelli notes, “Witness Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau's "performances" to the famous Right Said Fred song, Lemmon's send-up of Macaulay Culkin's aftershave scream from "Home Alone", and the little dance number Lemmon does in his underwear.” The end credit bloopers have got to be the comedy highlight of the movie.

Lemmon and Matthau are perfect for their roles as lifelong fighting enemies. Berardinelli said, “Of course, these two are no strangers to this sort of interplay, having done it several times before, most memorably in The Odd Couple.” This is an example of perfect casting, as is the casting of Burgess Meredith as the tough-talking, dirty-minded head of the Gustafson family.

Ann-Margaret is fine as the medium of the newest fight in the Gustafson/Goldman feud, giving an energetic but not really memorable performance. Kevin Pollack and Daryl Hannah stay in the background. Ossie Davis, complete performance that he is, has a minor role and makes in something special.

Most watching “Grumpy Old Men” will finish the movie with a smile, and that’s basically what the movie wants. Berardinelli said, “The overly-sentimental melodramatic elements don't appreciably degrade the movie-going experience. I can't think of many better ways to spend the holiday season than with John Gustafson and Max Goldman.” They may be grumpy and stubborn, but they’re a lot of fun – as long as you don’t have any holiday dinners with them.

This is a must watch every year around the Thanksgiving time. You will have a great, laughing time watching this, and you will not stop laughing until the movie is done. I personally am happy that I have seen the movie and will watch this again the next chance I get. Just watch the film and see it for yourself, if you’re a Meredith, Matthau and/or a Lemmon fan.

Once again I would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy the turkey dinner tonight, because I know I will. Stay tuned later today for a review on the new Pixar movie. I’m really looking forward to seeing that because I think it will be a good movie, as the trailer is showing it to be one of Pixar’s best.