altereggonyc
Wow. There are some big names in this film, and a fair amount of talent, but this was probably the wrong ensemble for an adaptation of Michael Frayn's witty farce. They may be well-known for their American sitcoms, but for the most part they did not succeed here.John Ritter (R.I.P.) is, sadly, so bad that he single-handedly ruined it for me. In the original, the actors are supposed to be amusingly inept, but he was just inept. I wish I could feel he was doing it on purpose, but he delivered his lines so badly that he ruined some very funny material. It's ridiculous to hear Christopher Reeve, plainly American, worrying about the Inland Revenue. If you're going to make it American, make it American. The gulf between Michael Caine, who delivered as always, and the other actors, who were unequal to the material, was too great. Carol Burnett was an exception, a great trouper, and Denholm Elliott was fine. Just a sad waste, matching talent with the wrong material.I wish someone would remake this film with different casting decisions.
vranger
If you're up for a break from the uneven and unending strain of romantic comedies that seem to carry the torch of movie comedies nowadays, then "Noises Off" will give you that opportunity.I found this movie completely by accident on cable one day. It followed something else I had just watched and I hadn't yet turned away to anything else. And, boy, I'm glad I didn't. This movie about a troubled cast trying to get a troubled play off the ground kept me smiling, chuckling, and outright laughing all the way thru.I immediately bought it and got the whole family together for a viewing, and they all enjoyed it just as much.I'm sure this was a good change of pace for Christopher Reeve from his Superman days. He was a very versatile actor and this comedic role is a good proof of that.John Ritter was well know for his verbal and physical comedic skills. All are used to good and entertaining purpose here.What can you say about Carol Burnett. Since her early days on stage and TV, she has always delivered. This is no exception.You'll also find good performances by Michael Caine, Denholm Elliot, Nicolette Sheridan, and others.What was amazing to me is that I've greatly enjoyed every member of this cast in other films (and TV shows), yet I had never heard of this movie, despite being a movie buff.Now, it is conceivable that someone who doesn't enjoy some farce and slapstick with their comedy won't get into this film. Otherwise, if you haven't seen "Noises Off", you are in for quite a treat when you finally do. :-)
Mike Conrad (conono)
Fortunately, enough of the stage script survives its transfer to film that attentive viewers can tell why "Noises Off" remains one of the funniest farces ever to visit the Theatre.But somewhere along the way from stage to screen, "Noises Off" became calcified and entirely lost its edge. It's played broadly here by an able cast, all of whom clearly loved it on stage as well and now share the blame for this thoroughly noisy, but unfortunately moribund comedy show.Clearly, the film's severest critics in this conference are those (like myself) who enjoyed the show on stage in London or New York. If you didn't have that privilege, it may actually work to your advantage as you can come fresh to the film--and many, clearly, have enjoyed it tremendously. For myself, however, I remember laughing so hard in a Broadway theatre one night that my eyes flooded with tears. Didn't happen here, alas.
ccthemovieman-1
This was supposed to be "a hilarious farce," according to reviews of the day. It just shows you how unreliable are the movie critics you read in the newspaper. The only "farce" was that this film was lauded. The first dozen minutes along totally turned me off. In that period. John Ritter used the Lord's name in vain at least three times. That, and hundred of other "Oh, God" this and "Oh, God" that were just way too much and too annoying.I usually like Michael Caine but he's had his share of lemons, as other actors have, and this is one of them. Add in the usually-annoying Carol Burnett, Julie Hagerty and Ritter and this is easy movie to dislike.From what I hear, the stage play was far better than this flat farce.
AD
