CliffordClifford
Get ready for mischief, mayhem and madness with this outrageous comedy starring the “truly hysterical” (LA Reader) Martin Short. Co-starring Charles Grodin and Mary Steenburgen, Clifford is crammed with enough “laugh-out-loud moments” (Los Angeles Times) and “brilliantly subtle, sophisticated humor” (Entertainment Today) to spoil you for good! Smart, hyperactive and dangerous ten-year-old Clifford (Short) has a lifelong dream: to visit the Dinosaur World theme park. Happily, his uncle Martin (Grodin) has agreed to take him. But when Martin suddenly renegeson his promise, Clifford hatches a devious plan to get evenand teach his uncle that all work andno play makes Clifford a very bad boy!
Rating:  List Price: $ 9.98 Price: $ 16.54 A Fish Called Wanda
Tour-de-force performances from an unparalleled comic cast highlight this much-loved hit that Roger Ebert calls “the funniest movie I have seen in a long time!” Monty Pythoners John Cleese and Michael Palin (Search For The Holy Grail, The Meaning Of Life) join OscarÂ(r) winner* Kevin Kline (In & Out) and Jamie Lee Curtis (True Lies) in an entertainment so impeccably timed and executed that Time Magazine hailed it as: “Geniu[a film that] Redefines a great comic tradition!” Four conniving jewel thieves…three Yorkshire terriers…two heaving bosoms and one proper British barrister. It all adds up to “a non-stop barrage of…outrageous plot twists and over-the top performances” (L.A. Weekly) when a girl called Wanda (Curtis) tries to deceive her Nietzche-quoting boyfriend (Kline), an animal-loving hitman (Palin) and an embarrassment-prone counselor (Cleese) out of a fortune in jewels in this hilariously funny farce! *1988: Best Supporting Actor, A Fish Called WandaKevin Kline took home an Oscar for his performance as a self-absorbed lothario who prepares for lovemaking by drinking in his own “manly” musk, but it would be hard to single him out as the best thing about the film. The fact is, the entire cast of this hilarious comedy is perfect: John Cleese as the conservative barrister defending a member of sexy Jamie Lee Curtis’s gang, Ms. Curtis as the conniving crook out to grab the haul for herself, and Michael Palin as the stuttering, animal-loving hit man whose attempts to murder a little old lady only decrease the size of her poodle pack. Cleese cowrote the zingy script with British comedy veteran Charles Crichton (The Lavender Hill Mob), whose smooth direction balances Monty Python farce, hysterically tasteless gags, and an unexpectedly romantic subplot with style and confidence. –Sean Axmaker
Rating: List Price: $ 14.98 Price: $ 5.73 |
(out of 66 reviews)
Review by Lou Dimaggio for Clifford
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Clifford is one of the strangest movies I’ve ever seen. There is an air of the bizarre that permeates the world of this film. First of all there is barely a special effect to make Martin Short appear to be a [...]old other than the fact that he’s always photographed half the size than everyone else. (mainly by sitting lower) No CGI here. I find this hilarious. Clifford is also a twisted sugar freak who will do anything to get what he wants. My favorite aspect of Mr. Short’s performance is the face he makes everytime he tips the audience that he’s about to do something insane. It is that priceless expression that always makes me want to show others this movie. Charles Grodin and Mary Steenburgen make a great supporting cast but this is Short’s tour de force. I don’t know a lot of people who’ve seen Clifford but it seems like it should have a cult following. In any event, if you are a fan of Martin Short’s work at all you should see Clifford.
Review by andy8047 for Clifford
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Canadian comedian Martin Short,who delighted audiences for a while on NBC’s Saturday Night Live,delivers another fantastic comic performance as Clifford,a young boy who loves his “new mommy and daddy”. As the “mommy and daddy” are Mrs. Ted Danson aka Mary Steenburgen and Charles Grodin. It’s amazing how an adult actor could play roles of children so well. Robin Williams did the same thing in 1996′s JACK. Short also performed awesomely in FATHER OF THE BRIDE(the 1991 remake) and FATHER OF THE BRIDE PART II.
Review by Theodor Seuss for Clifford
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I don’t ever write DVD reviews on here, but I feel I have to as a WARNING to true fans of this movie. I wish I could give this DVD 5 stars, I really do, but MGM for reasons I can’t figure, have butchered this movie beyond belief !!! “Clifford” is one of my favorite movies, one of the bestest in the whole wide world. I was very excited when I read it was to be released on DVD. But some of the funniest scenes in the film have been cut out completely. I’m talking whole scenes. Why ?! What the hell is MGM thinking ?! I am continuously amazed and disgusted by how film companies seem to edit movies re-released on DVD, for no apparent reason. Columbia is famous for editing their release of Three Stooges shorts on DVD, editing out scenes as well. Why ?! I am highly disappointed, and if you are a fan of the original movie, as shown in theaters and on cable, this DVD will leave you disappointed and angry … So what scenes are cut out on DVD ? * The scene in the airport where Clifford is outed by a woman who knows sign language, when he poses as a deaf child, to collect money. * When “Clifford’s” dog “Sneakers” runs away, one of the funniest scenes. “Not my Sneakers ! Not the bestest dog in the whole wide world !” * When Uncle Martin Pushes Clifford’s Face into his bowl of cereal. “Oh, honey, be careful how you eat your cereal. Use a napkin. This Boy and His Cereal !” * Among Others. Some of what I believe, the funniest scenes, GONE !!!Butchered !!! Watching this DVD, for someone who knows the original, is a painful frustrating experience more than an enjoyable one. I got this DVD for under 10 dollars, but still … I’m wishing I had just bought a used VHS. I may return it, if possible. When I bought this MGM DVD yesterday, I assumed I was promised the same movie I knew and love. My closing words to MGM, “Breaking a little boy’s promise would be a terrible terrible thing. I would imagine the little boy wouldn’t be responsible for anything he was gonna do next.”
Review by Sara B. for Clifford
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This has to be the funniest movie I have ever seen. The whole movie is soo funny. My favorites parts are when Clifford talks to Stefan, his fake dinosaur. I love you Clifford and wish there was a sequel!!!!
I’m Larry the scary Rex! I’m a scary dinosaur, but don’t be scared of my sharp sharp teeth or my mighty mighty roar!
Review by for Clifford
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This is definitely the most underated movie of the 1990′s. No matter how many times I watch this movie, I laugh so incredibly hard. My favorite part is when Uncle Martin is talking to Clifford at the breakfast table and he looks at Stefan and takes it away and says “Why can’t you just act like a human boy? What the h&!! is wrong with you?!” and Clifford tries to look at him like a ‘normal human boy.’ It’s hilarious. The other great part is when he plays his recorder. Also the scene where he has been ‘tied up’ by the motorcycle gang when Uncle Martin comes home. When describing the motorcyclists stories that they told him, Clifford says, “Some of them were fun but some of them were scary.” All I know is that this is just a movie that you have got to see for yourself. It’s guaranteed to make you laugh my captain!!
Review by Cynthia Raxter for A Fish Called Wanda
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NOTE: This review is about the 1998 version of the DVD. Newer releases may be better quality.
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This film is definitely on my top ten list of funniest movies of all time, with “Some Like it Hot,” “National Lampoons Christmas Vacation” and the Monty Python masterpieces…
But this DVD is atrocious. The soundtrack is all in the center channel… haven’t heard anything worse since I gave up watching a TV with a 3 inch speaker. The theme song is burbled and warbly. There is no separation — even to the front speakers. The dialog is flat as a flitter.
The picture quality is a hair better than off the air, rabbit ear antennae reception. At times the picture is choppy and halting — as if you were watching it on a rental video that has been viewed too many times.
The only extra is the film’s trailer.
Wait for a re-release before buying!
Review by Marc Ruby™ for A Fish Called Wanda
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Starting with the commonplace idea of a jewel robbery gone maniacally wrong, actor John Cleese and director Charles Crichton manage have created a madcap comedy that remains fresh, even after 10 years. George (Tom Georgeson), assisted by his girlfriend Wanda (Jamie Lee Curtis), his best pal Ken (Michael Palin) and Wanda’s ‘brother’ Otto (Kevin Kline) has orchestrated a robbery that has only one fatal flaw – none of the participants have any intention of sharing the loot. In short order, double-crosses seem to grow on trees and George finds himself under arrest. It is only fitting that Wanda and Otto simultaneously discover that the jewels have been moved ‘for safekeeping.’It doesn’t take very long for Wanda to figure out that her only hope of regaining the loot is through George’s barrister, Archie Leach (John Cleese). Wanda works at seducing Leach while fighting of Otto’s psychotic fits of jealousy. Ken, in the meantime, attempts repeatedly to kill the only witness, an elderly woman. Unfortunately, he manages to assassinate all three of her dogs in the process.This is a set up for the combination of slapstick, vulgarity, and tongue-in-cheek comedy that British films are noted for and Americans love and it is delivered with an almost evil verve. Cleese is determined to take no prisoners, and the landscape is littered with car crashes, fallen masonry, savaged canines (fake savaged canines, please) and hapless victims. Only the fish (also called Wanda) has no funny lines, and fares no better than her companion ‘Lunch’ does.The film has an R rating, which I think is exaggerated. In reality, its vulgarity and sexual innuendo are hardly noticeable when compared to what is accepted today. I certainly think teenagers can handle it without permanent damage, although you may have to explain to them that certain phrases don’t bear repeating. At this price, expect a bare bones DVD. No added games, no interviews, just the film in French and English, in both wide screen and standard presentations. Even so, this is a classic comedy that will bear much watching.
Review by L. Shirley for A Fish Called Wanda
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This review refers to the 1998 DVD edition of “A Fish Called Wanda”(MGM)
“A Fish Called Wanda” is a fabulous romp with a group of jewel thieves, of which the term “honor among thieves” has no meaning!
At every turn, they are scheming and manipulating the events, as each wants the loot for themselves. The most scheming and manipulating of all is the lone woman of the bunch, who is also the weak spot for all the fellows. Wanda, played impeccably by Jaime Lee Curtis, has these guys falling over themselves trying to get the loot and the girl! Kevin Kline, John Cleese(who also penned the screenplay)and Michael Palin, will have you in stitches with each and every view. Every time I view it I see or hear some little detail or subtlety I didnt get previously.
Nearly 20 years later(yes fans, it’s been that long), this film has not lost one bit of it’s appeal for those of us that like our humor a little on the bawdy side(Although all in good fun).
But!…Give me a break MGM. This DVD is quite shabby considering the loyal fans this film has.This DVD does have a couple of things going for it. It has the choice of widescreen viewing or standard, has English, and French subtitles, for those who may need them, and includes a booklet with production notes and trivia. Also, the menu page was cute. If you click on the little treasure chest in the aquarium, the screen becomes just the “Wanda” fish swimming around with sound effects. However… as another reviewer mentioned the picture is below average. It does not live up to the reason why we don’t mind paying a little extra for a DVD vs a VHS. The sound is in MONO..what’s up with that? This film is deserving of at least stereo sound.
And as usual, after all of us have already purchased this now classic comedy, MGM is coming up with a new “Deluxe” edition, that is more along the lines of what is expected of a DVD.(Talk about double dipping!)It is a 2 disc edition and shows these features:
“Audio Commentary with Actor/Writer John Cleese
Over 25 minutes of Deleted and Alternate Scenes
John Cleese’s First Farewell Performance
Something’s Fishy Making-of Documentary
Easter Eggs, Previews, and More!”
It is available for pre-order(but doesn’t list the sound available yet)The ASIN for that site is B000E33W1C.
5 stars for a film that never gets old. 3 stars to MGM for making us wait this long for a decent view.
Still laughing after all these years…Laurie
fans of the very talented Kevin Kline may also enjoy:
The Ice Storm
Grand Canyon
see my reviews for film details – both are fabulous
Review by Jeremy A. Ellis for A Fish Called Wanda
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I love the movie “A Fish Called Wanda”. It is one of my all time favorite movies. If you haven’t seen it, go rent/buy it – there is no better time to see it, now that it is on DVD!Therefore, this is a review of the DVD – not the movie. The DVD has a very good presentation of the movie – the best you can watch at home (as mentioned above). However, the sound is lacking – dull mono. Maybe this movie was originally recorded in mono, but I would be surprised.Next there is the lack of extras – you get the trailer and “cast notes” but virtually nothing else… just a dumb fish screen saver.I don’t mean to be so down on this DVD, it isn’t terrible, it is just a disappointment to think of all of the unrealized potential. First of all, there is the sound. Then, there was no behind the scenes featurette, no comentaries, no deleted scenes, nothing. With Kline, Cleese, Palin and Curtis in the cast, there could have been all kinds of killer extras. But there wasn’t…At this point I would give this DVD 3 stars. However, it earns an extra star because MGM bowed to pressure and put it out in Widescreen. They originally planned on P&S only.So thanks a lot, MGM, but now get busy on a “Collectors Edition”.Jeremy
Review by Mrs. Entity for A Fish Called Wanda
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The movie is in great shape, and the extras are worth the money. The cast interviews were quite revealing. Jamie Lee tells who she thinks the best kisser was among Kline, Palin, and Cleese. And you find out if Cleese really was hung out a window or if it was just special effects. Cleese’s running commentary was worth sitting through, even for me, and I usually hate those things. The deleted scenes weren’t very interesting–just shots, really, not even full scenes. Overall, though, I’m very glad I bought it!