I rarely rate a movie 10/10, but this is a welcome exception. It is, without doubt, Alan Arkin's finest hour.
The story line is a laugh riot in it's own right. A Russian sub accidentally grounds on an island off New England. A squad of Russians, led by Alan Arkin, are sent ashore to secure a power boat to help free the sub. It all goes flooey and the laugh riot begins. I did think the ending was sappy, but honestly I couldn't think of one more appropriate, so I had to give them a pass.
The cast, in general, is first rate, but the casting of Alan Arkin in the lead role is inspired. He is absolutely hilarious as things spiral out of his control. "Soon there will be World War III and everybody is blaming YOU!" You will recognize some of the faces. Carl Reiner as the self-important New York writer, Brian Keith as the Town Constable, Jonathon Winters as his befuddled deputy, Ben Blue as the town drunk, and Paul Ford as a pompous retired military type. The only flaw was the casting of John Philip Law. He is an engaging actor, but his portrayal of the sensitive Russian sailor just didn't make the grade.
Usually, in a comedy this frantic, the characters tend to get lost in the slapstick. Not so in this case. Each of the characters are fleshed out to the point that you really think you know what they are thinking.
I don't know why I'm writing this review. For those of you who have seen it - no review is necessary. For those of you who haven't - there is no excuse.
The story line is a laugh riot in it's own right. A Russian sub accidentally grounds on an island off New England. A squad of Russians, led by Alan Arkin, are sent ashore to secure a power boat to help free the sub. It all goes flooey and the laugh riot begins. I did think the ending was sappy, but honestly I couldn't think of one more appropriate, so I had to give them a pass.
The cast, in general, is first rate, but the casting of Alan Arkin in the lead role is inspired. He is absolutely hilarious as things spiral out of his control. "Soon there will be World War III and everybody is blaming YOU!" You will recognize some of the faces. Carl Reiner as the self-important New York writer, Brian Keith as the Town Constable, Jonathon Winters as his befuddled deputy, Ben Blue as the town drunk, and Paul Ford as a pompous retired military type. The only flaw was the casting of John Philip Law. He is an engaging actor, but his portrayal of the sensitive Russian sailor just didn't make the grade.
Usually, in a comedy this frantic, the characters tend to get lost in the slapstick. Not so in this case. Each of the characters are fleshed out to the point that you really think you know what they are thinking.
I don't know why I'm writing this review. For those of you who have seen it - no review is necessary. For those of you who haven't - there is no excuse.