Year of Release: 1988Country of Origin: USA
Director: Frank Oz
Cast: Steve Martin, Michael Caine, Glenne Headly
Plot outline: A French conman working the Riviera meets his match when an American cuts in on his territory (IMDb).
Steve Martin and Michael Caine are both at the top of their games here, unfortunately the script is somewhat thin and silly. Caine plays to the upper crust, monied older ladies who are looking for a little flattery and a good cause. Martin's cons are more crude, inventing a story about his dying grandmother to garner food and fancy clothes. Caine's operation has been running smoothly and he's not about to let Martin run rampant on his turf. The competition between them heats up when Glenne Headley blows into town as a rich American heiress. Most of the movie's best moments come from Martin, using his gift for physical comedy with hilarious and often embarrassing results. He'll do anything for a laugh and that helps this plot immensely. Caine and Headley are a good support staff for his wackiness, giving the proceedings a bit more class than some of Martin's other efforts. The movie seems sluggish and dated in a few areas, but overall is an amusing, mindless romp that delivers the comedy goods. (CFC)
My judgement: *** out of 4 stars
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