Another reviewer (robertofuiano) is critical of the critics of this film. In an obviously poor English translation of his native Italian, Mr. Fuiano states that reviewers should judge this film on its own merits and not in comparison to other Terence Hill/Bud Spencer films. That is not easy to do, since fans naturally hope for or expect the same quality film as "They Call Me Trinity," for example.
"I'm for the Hippopotamus" features pretty much the same Hill-Spencer relationship and the same formula of periodic fistfight scenes played for comedy. In these aspects, it is far inferior to "Trinity," and is surely a disappointment.
However, even apart from comparison to "Trinity," "Hippopotamus" suffers from a terrible, stupid script, poor character development and bad direction. It is a cheesy, sophomoric film. Maybe it would be entertaining after a few beers, but not for anyone who is seeking a worthwhile way to spend a couple of hours.
Now back to the comparisons: I am slowly wading my way through the entire Terence Hill/Bud Spencer collection, and I have many more films to go through. Thus far, I have found only "They Call Me Trinity," "My Name is Nobody," and the "Don Matteo" TV series to be worth a repeat viewing. "Blackie the Pirate," surprisingly, might make that short list, too; a little lower on the list (maybe worthy of watching on a totally boring evening) would be "Trinity is Still My Name," "Lucky Luke," and "The Troublemakers." After seeing real dogs like "Boot Hill," "Who Finds a Friend Finds a Treasure," and this film, I am becoming concerned that it's pretty much downhill from here.
As for Mr. Fuiano, I think it is fair to say that standards of comedy are different from country to country. British humor is different from American humor, and I'm sure Italians are entertained by things that Americans might find droll. So I do respect that another perspective from another culture might disagree with my very American point of view.
"I'm for the Hippopotamus" features pretty much the same Hill-Spencer relationship and the same formula of periodic fistfight scenes played for comedy. In these aspects, it is far inferior to "Trinity," and is surely a disappointment.
However, even apart from comparison to "Trinity," "Hippopotamus" suffers from a terrible, stupid script, poor character development and bad direction. It is a cheesy, sophomoric film. Maybe it would be entertaining after a few beers, but not for anyone who is seeking a worthwhile way to spend a couple of hours.
Now back to the comparisons: I am slowly wading my way through the entire Terence Hill/Bud Spencer collection, and I have many more films to go through. Thus far, I have found only "They Call Me Trinity," "My Name is Nobody," and the "Don Matteo" TV series to be worth a repeat viewing. "Blackie the Pirate," surprisingly, might make that short list, too; a little lower on the list (maybe worthy of watching on a totally boring evening) would be "Trinity is Still My Name," "Lucky Luke," and "The Troublemakers." After seeing real dogs like "Boot Hill," "Who Finds a Friend Finds a Treasure," and this film, I am becoming concerned that it's pretty much downhill from here.
As for Mr. Fuiano, I think it is fair to say that standards of comedy are different from country to country. British humor is different from American humor, and I'm sure Italians are entertained by things that Americans might find droll. So I do respect that another perspective from another culture might disagree with my very American point of view.