Let me begin by saying that along with a large number of other film genres that I enjoy very much, I am a huge fan of comedies, both light, silly, madcap, and especially dark. To the point that friends have refused to see comedies in the theater with me because my laughter is so loud and raucous that they miss the next four or more lines or gags because of my laughter. Even at home, I've been admonished for disturbing others with my uncontrollable excessively loud outbursts of laughter while I'm in another room with the door closed.
Second, when I was young, there was a movie theater within walking distance mere blocks from my home that seemed to show nothing but Jerry Lewis and Martin & Lewis movies, where we never missed a showing. And, at the time, I thought they were the funniest and most enjoyable films ever made.
However, now that I am grown and comedy in films and television has evolved a great deal, and I assume my taste in them has as well, before the 30 minute mark in this film, I haven't laughed or even cracked a smile even one time. In fact, I have been literally cringing repeatedly, and even fast-forwarded through the "musical number" with Lewis and Ed Wynn at the pool in order to save my sanity.
The strange thing is that of all the Jerry Lewis movies that I saw as a young child, this had been one of my favorites. But already, at this point in the film, I couldn't begin to remember or tell you why. What I CAN say is that it is obvious that the writer/director, according to Imdb, was in charge of many of what I consider to be the greatest cartoons ever made, Looney Toons. Because this film very much resembles a live-action cartoon. So far it is full of the most goofy mugging by Lewis, long, overdone gags, even Lewis' walk and other movements and mannerisms remind me of Daffy Duck or some other silly cartoon character. I'm waiting for an Acme anvil to drop on his head, followed by stars circling his head, as he mugs once again, and clumsily stumbles back to work. And don't get me started on his annoying, child-like voice.
I just don't get it, or why this film appealed to me as a child, being that, although my small family was dirt poor, in all humility, I considered myself to be a pretty sophisticated kid with sophisticated taste in all of the arts. Maybe once I get through to the end of this movie my opinion will have changed, at least a bit. But right now, exactly 32 minutes and 32 seconds in, I am doubtful. Especially after reading some of the other reviews. If so, I may update my review. But at this moment in the film, as they say, it is what it is.
Second, when I was young, there was a movie theater within walking distance mere blocks from my home that seemed to show nothing but Jerry Lewis and Martin & Lewis movies, where we never missed a showing. And, at the time, I thought they were the funniest and most enjoyable films ever made.
However, now that I am grown and comedy in films and television has evolved a great deal, and I assume my taste in them has as well, before the 30 minute mark in this film, I haven't laughed or even cracked a smile even one time. In fact, I have been literally cringing repeatedly, and even fast-forwarded through the "musical number" with Lewis and Ed Wynn at the pool in order to save my sanity.
The strange thing is that of all the Jerry Lewis movies that I saw as a young child, this had been one of my favorites. But already, at this point in the film, I couldn't begin to remember or tell you why. What I CAN say is that it is obvious that the writer/director, according to Imdb, was in charge of many of what I consider to be the greatest cartoons ever made, Looney Toons. Because this film very much resembles a live-action cartoon. So far it is full of the most goofy mugging by Lewis, long, overdone gags, even Lewis' walk and other movements and mannerisms remind me of Daffy Duck or some other silly cartoon character. I'm waiting for an Acme anvil to drop on his head, followed by stars circling his head, as he mugs once again, and clumsily stumbles back to work. And don't get me started on his annoying, child-like voice.
I just don't get it, or why this film appealed to me as a child, being that, although my small family was dirt poor, in all humility, I considered myself to be a pretty sophisticated kid with sophisticated taste in all of the arts. Maybe once I get through to the end of this movie my opinion will have changed, at least a bit. But right now, exactly 32 minutes and 32 seconds in, I am doubtful. Especially after reading some of the other reviews. If so, I may update my review. But at this moment in the film, as they say, it is what it is.