8/10
a wacky, brilliant technical achievement
28 September 1998
This is a must for any fan of Hollywood film-noir of the 40s. This movie seemlessly blends scenes from great films like Hitchcock's Notorious and Billy Wilder's Double Indemnity with a very funny story that has Steve Martin and Rachel Ward actually interacting with the likes of Bette Davis, Cary Grant, Alan Ladd, and Jimmy Cagney. No Forrest Gump-like morphing or other compter generated tricks, just clever writing and perfect wardrobe and lighting that constantly amazes. This plays well even if you haven't seen the classic films that the clips were borrowed from, but the more familiar you are with the material, the more amazed and amused you will be. This is Carl Reiner's best, most inventive work and Steve Martin is perfect.
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