Friday, May 20, 2011

A Fish Called Wanda (1988)

This absurdist crime-comedy had me cringing and laughing at it's grotesqueness. I didn't think I'd like it since the British version of The Office usually puts me to sleep (yes, I said it!). But the insanity of each character, as well as their returning quirks that simultaneously forwarded the plot kept my attention. I was pleasantly surprised to see Jamie Lee Curtis in this film as Wanda, every man's love interest. Our generation usually associates her with Freaky Friday, so it was very assuring to see she has more substance as an actress than acting alongside Lindsay Lohan. I almost forgot that this film took place in the 80's if it weren't for her outfits. My favorite character had to be stuttering Ken and his love for animals. The dead Yorkies, though very fake, served to be a very entertaining subplot. It was definitely one of those situations where you felt horrible for laughing, but couldn't help it. Overexaggeration is key in this sort of comedy. This was also the first 80's movie where I saw a grotesque female comedic role. Jamie Lee Curtis is not cutesy or girlie in the least, which was a nice change from all the sweet female leads in the dance films I've been watching.
Wanda using her sex appeal to cure Ken's stuttering

If you're into movies like Knocked Up or The Hangover, A Fish Called Wanda is not short of a fun, weird ride.

1 comment:

Vladigogo said...

"It's K-K-K-Ken, c-c-c-c-coming to k-k-k-kill me."

Kevin Kline is so good in this movie. He won an Oscar for the role.