I have such fond memories of this film, but it was refreshing that when I saw it again last year on TV (with subtitles for the Russian!) I could easily remember why I loved it, and still do. It's just fun, and funny, and it has a rather obvious and simple point to make, too. Alan Arkin is brilliant, and the cast as a whole is full of good people, and it's the little things that make the movie great--which is why even with the long running time it doesn't drag. There are so many fun characters, and a crazy plot. You just have to get caught up in it, and it'll win you over. Check out the quotes page for a sampling of the style--so many highlights! Even when it reaches that tense climax, the scene works despite the silliness of the rest of the film. It may not be to everyone's tastes, most notably any snobby critics out there, but I think it's brilliant entertainment and a hilarious film.
