Monty Python alum John Cleese wrote this hilarious story of a heist gone slightly wrong. For anyone who loves great comedy, London, or 1980s movies, this movie is a winner. In fact, Kevin Kline took home a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his portrayal of the Buddhist, Nietzsche-reading hit man, Otto.
Synopsis
After pulling off a diamond heist with two cohorts, thieves Wanda (Jamie Lee Curtis) and Otto (Kevin Kline) struggle to find the loot. They discover that to get the information they need to find the diamonds, they will have to go through barrister Archie Leach (Cleese). Romance, clever British word play, dog-smashing, physical comedy and live fish consumption ensue.
British Style
John Cleese is not the only member of Monty Python in this film. Fellow Python Michael Palin is also in the film, playing the sweetest member of the criminal group, animal-lover/hitman Ken.
The movie is set in London. Though it only shows a small portion of the immense city, the film allows American viewers to get a closer look at the British legal system, even if that view is slightly skewed.
You Might Like
- Fierce Creatures (dir. Fred Schepisi and Robert Young, 1997): This is unrelated follow-up to A Fish Called Wanda. It has most of the same cast, and was also written by Cleese. Though it is not as funny, it has some pretty great moments. Plus, Kevin Kline plays two roles, making it just that much better.
- Monty Python and the Holy Grail (dir. Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam, 1975): The original Monty Python film. It is a hilarious, and, at times, quite random telling of the Arthurian quest for the Holy Grail. It was later adapted into the award-winning Broadway musical Spamalot.
- Monty Python’s Life of Brian (dir. Terry Jones, 1979): The second Monty Python movie. This movie is a witty and ridiculous telling of the story of Brian, who is not the Messiah, despite what everyone seems to think. The film is a clever way of telling the Jesus story without actually involving Jesus. Features the song “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” which was later used in Spamalot.
- Monty Python’s Meaning of Life (dir. Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam, 1983): This movie is the last of the Python films. It is a series of clips beginning at birth and ending just after death, showing the silliness of life.
- Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV series): The best-known origin of Cleese, Palin, Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam, Graham Chapman and Eric Idle.
- Fawlty Towers (TV series): This show stars Cleese as grumpy hotelier Basil Fawlty, who is usually having some awkward and side-splitting adventure before serving breakfast.
Alicia Linn - Hi! I'm Alicia. I have a degree in journalism from Michigan State University. In terms of writing, I have worked on feature and news-type ...
Join the Conversation