This one is a more obscure on that popped up on Netflix recommendations, one of those 'you like those, so why not this?' So, here you go: The Mouse that Roared.
Plot: The Duchy of Grand Fenwick, the world's smallest country, is being run bankrupt when their sole export, Pinot Grand Fenwick (their local wine), is undercut on the US market by a CA knock-off. Their solution to the problem? Declare war on the US! What will happen to Grand Fenwick when they declare war? And what would happen should they win?
As you might imagine from the plot summary, it's a pretty silly movie.
Peter Sellars is hysterical. Another movie where he's playing multiple roles - practice for Dr. Strangelove a few years later? :) Tully Bascombe (Seller's 'main' character) could have been very slapstick, but he's played really very normally, which makes it even funnier when he wins the war ("The dear boy meant well")!
There are a few points where the movie drags a little, and the special effects and cinematography aren't much to write home about, but that's not really the point of the movie. Overall, it's a mix of some subtle writing and some surreal moments (20 men in chain mail walking around NYC, anyone?). In short, a good British comedy!
There are a few points where the movie drags a little, and the special effects and cinematography aren't much to write home about, but that's not really the point of the movie. Overall, it's a mix of some subtle writing and some surreal moments (20 men in chain mail walking around NYC, anyone?). In short, a good British comedy!
Like I've repeated, it's a very silly movie, but it's even funnier when, watching it 50 years later, you realize how much is still applicable! "There's nothing better for a country's economy than to lose a war with the United States."
Overall: 4 of 5. Not as consistently funny as some classic comedies, but definitely more good moments than not, and several laugh out loud moments too. Definitely worth seeing at least once!
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