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I didn't
intend to do a review of this movie, but it was way to good of a movie
to pass it up. I originally rented this one as part of a Bruce
Campbell/Sam Raimi mini-marathon that I have been running here at home.
This is a highly entertaining, comedy with a lot of rapid fire dialogue
and wit. With a rather interesting twist towards the end the movie that
sends the movie in a slightly different direction than I expected it to.
It was
written by the Ethan and Joel Coen with Sam Raimi and you can tell.
Although Joel Coen gets the director credit I could swear that there is
a lot of classic Sam Raimi shots in the flick. What little noticeable
effects there were, were done well. That's all I'm gonna say about the
look and style of the film.
The casting
was terrific. Tim Robbins as the dim witted, but kind hearted President.
Paul Newman as the take no prisoners bad guy. What really surprised me
was Jennifer Jason Leigh's performance. I mentioned before in my review
of The Jacket that she didn't do anything for me, that she seemed really
monotone and bland. She is great in this, she fires off her lines just
as quick and precise (and with emotion too!) as the rest of the cast.
The role of Smitty was perfect for the King of B-films, Bruce Campbell.
I just wish his part was bigger. Look for Frasier's dad Martin as the
editor of the paper. It took me about two minutes to recognize him and
it hit me like a brick upside the head.
If I get
any money or gift certificates for my B-Day in Sept. I plan on picking
this up, even though there isn't any special features – no commentary,
not even a trailer! Just a damn good movie. I highly recommend this one.
Until the
clock stops forever,
keep
reading.
Mitch
Best Lines:
Amy Archer:
Norville Barnes, you don't know a thing about that woman. You don't know
who she really is. Only a numb skull thinks he knows things about things
he knows nothing about.
Norville:
What do you do if the envelope is too big for the slot?
Ancient
Sorter: Well, if you fold 'em, they fire you. I usually throw 'em out.
Moses the
Clock Man: Strictly speaking, I'm never supposed to do this. But have
you got a better idea?
Sidney J.
Mussburger: Sure, sure he was a swell fella, but when the president,
chairman of the board and owner of 87% of the company stock drops 44
floors...
Board
Member 6: 45.
Board
Member 7: Counting the mezzanine.
Sidney J.
Mussburger: ...then the company too has a problem. What exactly is the
disposition of Waring's stock.
Board
Member 8: Well as you know, Hud left no will and had no family; the
company bylaws are quite clear in that event. His entire portfolio will
be converted into common stock and be sold over the counter as of the
first of the fiscal year following his demise.
Sidney J.
Mussburger: Meaning?
Board
Member 8: Well, meaning simply that Waring stock, and control of the
company, will be made available to the public January first.
Sidney J.
Mussburger: Do you mean to say any slob in a smelly tee-shirt will be
able to buy Hudsucker stock?
Board
Member 8: The company bylaws are quite clear.
Board
Member 3: My God, you're animals. How can you discuss his stock when the
man has just leapt 45 floors?
Board
Member 6: 44.
Board
Member 7: Not counting the mezzanine.
Sidney J.
Mussburger: Quit showboating Addison, the man is gone. The question now
is whether we're going to let John Q Public just waltz in here and buy
our company.
Board
Member 4: What are you suggesting Sidney? Certainly we can't afford to
buy an controlling interest.
Sidney J.
Mussburger: Not while the stock is this strong. How soon before Hud's
paper hits the market?
Board
Member 8: January 1st.
Board
Member 2: 30 days.
Board
Member 4: 4 weeks.
Board
Member 5: A month at the most!
Sidney J.
Mussburger: One month; to make the blue chip investment of the century
look like a round trip ticket on the titanic.
Board
Member 7: We play up the fact that Hud is dead.
All: Long
live Hud!
Board
Member 4: We depress the stock,
Board
Member 5: To the point where we can buy 50%,
Board
Member 6: 51,
Board
Member 7: Not counting the mezzanine.
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