The Michael Caine Blogathon – Blame it on Rio (1984)

This is my final of 3 reviews for the The Marvelous Michael Caine Blogathon 2018 being hosted by Gill of WeegieMidget.

Tnx for letting me partake Gill!

–

“You only live once, but it does help if you get to be young twice. ” – Matthew

Number of Times Seen – 1 (12 Mar 2018)

Brief Synopsis –Two best friends in their 40’s, going through marital problems travel to Rio on vacation with their daughters where things end up getting out of hand.

My Take on it – This is a film that I recall hearing about ever since I was a kid, but never really got around to watching it.

The idea is a good one but the execution just doesn’t work here for numerous reasons.

Firstly, the premise is not as believable as the film makers wish us to believe.

There are scenes that work much better than others but mostly they don’t manage to make things feel genuine.

As great an actor as Michael Caine is, this role was a strange choice for him to be cast in.

He has no chemistry with any of the other characters and something constantly feels wrong.

This is especially true with the two young actresses appearing here in roles where Caine should have strong connections with them; Demi Moore as Caine’s daughter and Michelle Johnson as her friend.

Liked the way that they shoot the film as if Caine is giving an interview similar to what the do with TV shows like Modern Family.

Bottom Line – Interesting idea that doesn’t work as well as it probably could have. The premise itself has its ups and downs but feels less believable most of the time. Caine is somewhat miscast in the lead and he has no real chemistry with any of the other characters.  It is especially lacking with Moore (his daughter) and her best friend (Johnson).  The way that they have Caine narrate in a similar style to what TV shows do nowadays like Modern Family works really well.

MovieRob’s Favorite Trivia – Director Stanley Donen has referred to the production of this movie in Brazil as being “horrendous”. Donen has said that principal photography was marred by excessive bureaucratic requirements for personal information for the cast and crew; endless rainfall falling on days, in which the forecast said otherwise; and the late, and even non-arrival of goods, products, and services. (From IMDB)

Rating – BAFTA Worthy (5/10)

_______________________________________

Check out my *updated* movie stats here

To see my reviews of Oscar Winning Performances check out this link

To see my reviews of all Oscar Best Picture Winners click here (now complete)

Here is a link to my movie index A-Z