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38 of 40 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
What are they *TALKING ABOUT?!!!* I give it 5 stars, October 9, 2001
I was shocked to read the faint praise of the editorial reviewer! Gosh, this is one of my most favorite movies, especially for Christmas! Yes, they're a bunch of lovable losers, yes, I'm a sentimental slob, and no, I think the movie is an absolute winner. Be warned: I think movies like "Blazing Saddles", "Dracula: Dead & Loving It" are funny. I like Get Smart, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, etc etc. I guess I'm just not reviewer material! I think Madeline Kahn is brilliant in this; so is Adam Sandler (which is saying a lot; ... well, he's not actually brilliant, but he does a great ensemble job--I don't know how to describe it. He contributes, okay?) Everyone is at least competent. The movie is far far greater than the sum of its parts. To the director, I must say: wow. You're good, kid. Arch
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25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Twisted sense of humor., December 15, 2002
I laughed all the way through this movie. It has a definite WARPED sense of humor, so be prepared. Either you'll love it, or hate it. I chose to love it. All the characters are great in this film. I always enjoy Steve Martin, and he was quite amusing and clever in this movie. Rita Wilson (Tom Hank's real life wife) is quite delightful as Martin's lovely but underappreciated coworker (and potential love interest). The late Madeline Kahn is my particular favorite--she has the most sharp and clever sense of humor, and her talents are displayed well in this movie. There are plenty of other future stars in this film (Adam Sandler, Jon Stewart, and so on) and they all do well in their parts. The story goes awry during the last 20 minutes or so, so suspend your disbelief. It isn't supposed to make sense, or be realistic. (Or at least, it ought not be!) It's just a bizarre and funny movie. There's also lot of gallows humor here, so be warned, and just allow yourself to appreciate it! Christmas on Venice Beach is certainly a unique experience in this movie!
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15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A GUILTY PLEASURE!... (NOT for the easily offended!), November 16, 2001
Let's face it, setting a comedy at a suicide prevention hotline center smacks of some truly tastless humor. However, black humor/farce doesn't bow to such societal pressure as "inappropriate subject matter". Clearly anyone who has felt the tragedy of suicide in their lives won't take to this one bit. However, that being said... "Mixed Nuts" is a TRULY hysterical film. Once again, the late MADELINE KAHN steals the show (like she did in "What's Up Doc?"). It stars a name cast including Steve Martin, Juliette Lewis, Anthony Lapaglia, Adam Sandler, Rob Reiner and Garry Shandling. Rita Wilson is an actress I'm not familiar with but who did a great job here and the drag queen played by Liev Schrieber was awesome! The hijinks revolve around a suicide prevention hotline ("Lifesavers"!) run by a not particularly stable crew. The center is in danger of bankruptcy and all are in fear of the "seaside strangler". Following around the Christmas fruitcake throughout the film is a wonderful plot devise. Seeing Madeline Kahn stuck in the elevator trying to rap on an electronic keyboard is one of the funniest moments I've ever seen on film. It was to the great discredit of the producers of a recent biography on her that this film wan't even mentioned. There are many, many funny moments here and even the soundtrack is exceptional. The upbeat, funky "White Christmas" at the opening, with views of a sunny beach and a snowman made of sand set the tone for this wacky and delightful film. Eartha Kitt's "Santa Baby" is great as well. If your looking for an outrageous, truly hysterical comedy and don't have easily offended friends, then this movie will make you a hit this Christmas season!!! (Mainstream critics hated it... so you know it MUST be good! It must have been "incorrect" to publicly admit to liking it!!!) My congratulations to Nora Ephron for making a comedy classic. Enjoy... and don't forget to pass the fruitcake along!!!
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