J.J. For many people The Birdcage would usually be quickly discarded due to the fact that it pokes fun at conservative politics. However, with a fabulous cast of Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, Gene Hackman, Hank Azaria, and Dianne Wiest, it's a hilarious remake of the French film, La Cage aux Folles. Robin Williams stars as a gay drag club owner, Armand Goldman, who's been in a long-term relationship with the club's feature performer, Albert, played by Nathan Lane. Armand has a 20 year-old son, whom he had with a one night stand and raised himself, who wants to get married. The only problem is his fiancée's father is a very conservative senator who couldn't possibly allow his daughter to marry the Jewish son of a gay couple. Barbara, Calista Flockhart, and Val, Dan Futterman, decide it would be easiest to lie to Barbara's family. With a subject as controversial as politics, The Birdcage, gives us an excitingly different take on modern families living in the 90's. With the crazy, yet relatable characters, you are made to feel like a part of the downward spiral of a family dinner of meeting the parents. Robin Williams' performance is comparable to his line from the movie, "It's like riding a psychotic horse running toward a burning stable." Amidst a chaotic situation, his character manages to rein in his psychotic horse, and lead the other horses in a way we don't normally get to see from him. He seems more in control in this film than we've seen him in various roles, for example, his role as the loving Mrs. Doubtfire. His performance is comparable to Jesse Tyler Ferguson's in "Modern Family." They are both more than capable of playing their parts, yet are more controlled than their counterparts: Nathan Lane and Eric Stonestreet, who steal the show with their flamboyance. With Robin Williams' comical, fun, yet controlled performance, he perfectly compliments his counterpart, Nathan Lane. Nathan Lane gives us a fresh and genuine performance that you wouldn't find from anyone else. The only performance comparable to Nathan Lane's is the incomparable Starina who he plays in the drag show. They steal the show and make viewers focus solely on them. His lovable character warms hearts while his actions leave you feeling a bit on edge. He manages to leave you on the edge of your seat waiting for the next thing to escape from his mouth. The much underrated actor, Hank Azaria, playing Agador/Spartacus, the Goldman's butler, captivates audiences with his comical one-liners. Nathan Lane may play a true showstopper and Robin Williams may deliver a hilarious, yet constructive performance. However, you can't help, but love Hank Azaria's sassy portrayal. From his short shorts, to his Guatemalan accent, to his invention of Pirin tablets, and his no-shoes policy, Agador/Spartacus is the real reason The Birdcage can be re-watched so many times and still remain so funny.With the use of brilliant filming angles, you're made to feel as though you a part of this crazy modern family. Which makes the theme song, "We Are Family," quite appropriate. To an extent, the movie is quite relatable to family life, which appeals to many audiences. Every family has its peculiarities and eccentric extended family members, in other words, it's very rare to get out of a family celebration without something going awry. Not only does The Birdcage subtly poke fun at conservative politics, it also makes a mockery of awkward family celebrations.

sunderwoodmiller I absolutely love this movie! I've watched it I don't know how many times. It makes me laugh and cry. It's a wonderful story of love and family. The cast is brilliant, the writing is inspired ("2 words -- green card", "I'm the only one not from a broken home.", "It's porno, not pronto." among others), the bits are extraordinary (Nathan Lane as John Wayne!!!). The characters have depth and interest. The costuming and sets, the historical setting, along with the supporting cast all contribute to the overall excellence of the movie. It doesn't really matter whether it's set in a drag bar, though, obviously, that adds a certain quirky element to the story. Who didn't love Hank Azaria's Guatamalaness?

grantss Entertaining...in spells. Also quite silly and/or dull in spells.Had the potential to be a very good comedy, as well as comment on bigotry and homophobia. In the end is a decent, but not great comedy. Some of the dialogue is very funny, but the movie often teeters on the edge of descending into pointless farce. Some of the gags and sub- plots go nowhere.While taking a small stab at right-wing conservatism, the movie isn't that profound in terms of dealing with homophobia. Admittedly it is a comedy, not a drama, but the set-up was already there.Good performances by Robin Williams and Nathan Lane in the lead roles. Good support from Gene Hackman, Dianne Wiest, Hank Azaria, Calista Flockhart, Dan Flutterman and Christine Baranski.

MaiGhost One of my all time favourites. The first time I saw it we were laughing so much we raised a friend out of her sickbed and watched it again back to back so she could see what all the fuss was about. It was every bit as enjoyable the second time.I have introduced the film to several people since and never tire of it. Beautifully pitched performances doing justice to a lovely piece of writing.Some prefer the 1978 original which I saw yesterday and did not really enjoy. It seems a strange word to use about the Birdcage but my feeling is that there is a subtlety to it which the 1978 La Cage aux Folles version lacks that brings out the charm and humour of the writing. (It could be that it was dubbing of the 1978 version that marred it for me).