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!
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“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)
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Sorry that you didn’t like this one, thought it very much of its film when I reviewed it. But thanks for joining me in celebrating Michael Caines birthday today and hope can count you in for next year!
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always can count me in… just need a reminder right beforehand 🙂
i didnt understand ur comment, did u like this one or not?
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i enjoyed it, sorry if that wasn’t clear.. check out my review for more full explanation!
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will do!
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Love to read your thoughts when you do!
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You forgot to mention that Michelle Johnson was cute, but couldn’t act her way out of a paper bag.
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This film was fun, but with some shameful moments here and there. I agree that Michael had no chemistry with other characters.
As for the production problems, even 30 years later, I can assure that everything is true and happens in Brazil all the time.
Cheers!
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