A Fish Called Wanda
Category
Comedy
Director
Charles Crichton
Cast
- John Cleese
- Jamie Lee Curtis
- Kevin Kline
- Michael Palin
- Maria Aitken
- Tom Georgeson
Release Date
15 July 1988
Synopsis
British and American comedy flicks are often found on opposite sides of the funny pole, but when you've got the British dude from the Monty Python doing the writing and acting, and you've got two equally hilarious American actors working together, then the end product could only be A Fish Called Wanda. Directed by wise Charles Crichton, A Fish Called Wanda could definitely stand against current comedy flicks, and could probably kick their asses in the box office. A Fish Called Wanda has achieved cult classic status, and has made lists of the best comedies of all time.
George and his sidekick Ken are two British burglars planning to stage a jewelry heist. They enlist the aid of two Americans, the vixen Wanda and her idiot lover Otto pretending to be her brother (and trying to be an intellectual). The two kooky Americans turn the tables on George as they tattle to the cops, and Ken sneaks away the key to the prize but is foiled by Wanda. Enter, Archie Leach, lawyer of George and unhappy man trapped in a stiff and polite marriage - what do you expect from the Brits, after all? - who easily falls for Wanda's charms, and the two truly fall in love. Otto the dimwit lover is jealous while George tasks Ken to get rid of the only witness who can get him stay behind bars. With all these twists and turns, you'd probably end up with whiplash when you see the film. What ever happened to the jewels and who'll end up taking them home? What becomes of the Otto-Wanda-Archie triangle, animal lover Ken, and still-stuck in jail George?
A Fish Called Wanda is an unapologetic comedy, shockingly vulgar but amusing enough not to alienate its audiences. The craftsmanship of Cleese is fantastic as he gives to each player in this movie the opportunity to shine with very dynamic personas. Kline is a hoot with his exasperating stupidity, his insults and outbursts, Curtis is great as the temptress and the frustrated lover, and Palin is hilariously touching with his exceeding affection for animals. The cast got the timing down to a T, and A Fish Called Wanda runs away, leaving you in stitches.