A Fish Called Wanda

Starring:Maria Aitken, Al Ashton, Roger Brierley, Ken Campbell, Cynthia Cleese, John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Mark Elwes, Tom Georgeson, Patricia Hayes, Roger Hume, Peter Jonfield, Kevin Kline, Kate Lansbury, Michael Palin, Geoffrey Palmer, Michael Percival, Neville Phillips, Llewellyn Rees
Director: John Cleese
Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)
Product Type: DVD

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Kevin 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

Description

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 Wanda

Customer Reviews:

This Fish, I'll call: "hilarious!".......2007-03-01

For the fan of classic Cleese, you will not be disappointed. This movie is blessed with a spectacular cast and a superb script. The comic timing and sheer talent of the cast, make this one of the most enjoyable movies I've ever watched. There are so many memorable scenes in this movie, it is difficult to describe without resorting to spoilers. One thing I will say, however, is that this film has made an indellible impact on my family. Hardly a family gathering will go by, without someone saying, "Oh do shut up, Porche!" Some of the most hilarious scenes, in my opinion, are between Otto (Kevin Kline) and Ken (Micheal Palin). Strangely, even though the character's are supposed to be a band of thieves, you can't help but almost root for this gang of underdogs. Speaking of Dogs, some of the scenes may not appeal to animal lovers. However, these scenes are handled in a fairly cartoonish and very "Monty Python" fashion, so I don't think they will insult the sensibilities of most viewers. This movie was given an R rating, mostly for dialog and a brief view of Cleese's buttocks, but I doubt that it would even receive a PG-13 rating now. While it is not a movie I'd recommend for young children, as the humor is likely to be over their heads, I recommend this as one of the funniest movies I've seen in the last 15 years!

Wanda is Wonderful.......2007-01-23

A great movie with a fabulous cast. Super-funny and never lets up with the humor. I enjoy watching again and again.

Yes, yes, yes.......2006-07-25

All I can say is this is a must see - a hilarious film you can truly watch over and over again. :)

Very Funny.......2006-07-14

This movie is a wonderful comedy for those who, like me, enjoy off-beat humor. Kevin Kline is always watchable, and he excells in this movie, and Jamie Lee Curtis is a perfect match for him.

View of 'A Fish Called Wanda'.......2006-07-07

True to form, the cast of characters in this film deliver a hilarious performance. A great 'pick-me-up' when you need to be entertained.

John, Jamie, and Kevin play very well off of each other. I would love to see them do something together again.

A Fish Called Wanda (2-Disc Collector's Edition)

Average customer rating:

English humor at its best
A must for John Cleese fans
You really like animals don't you, Ken? What's the attraction?
The Double-Dip
FUNNIEST FILM EVER !

A Fish Called Wanda (2-Disc Collector's Edition)
Starring: Maria Aitken , Al Ashton , Kim Barclay , Kenneth Hudson Campbell , and Cynthia Caylor
Director: Charles Crichton
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

Farce | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

Comic Criminals | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

Urban | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( F ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000IONJJ2
Release Date: 2006-11-21

Description

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 Oscar(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 Wanda

Customer Reviews:

English humor at its best.......2007-05-12

This is a great set of CD's. The disc describing the making of the movie is as amuzing as the movie itself. The story line of the movie is a typical example of English odd ball humor. No Amercan writer could have possibly invented it. Not many comedies can be viewed more than once but this one will make you laugh no matter how many times you view it.

A must for John Cleese fans.......2007-02-07

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!

You really like animals don't you, Ken? What's the attraction?.......2006-11-23

Hard to believe it was nearly 20 years ago, but it is great to see "A Fish Called Wanda" finally being given the attention it deserves. This was Cleese and Palin at their best, with fine performances from Kevin Kline and Jamie Lee Curtis, in this hilarious romp. Kline is a veritable chameleon, able to turn in unique performances in one movie after another, but he never played someone quite like Otto. He and Palin had so many memorable moments together, not least of all the closing scene. This movie will leave you in stitches.

The Double-Dip.......2006-11-03

This movie is absolutely, positively deserving of a double-dip. The first disc that came out was not only non-anamorphic, it was pan & scan. The movie should have never been released in that format to begin with.

FUNNIEST FILM EVER !.......2006-10-26

My favorite image in this film has to do with the outrage on the face of the woman (whose family catches John Cleese undressing) when he uses her photograph to "cover himself". The death (and burial) of each doggie will have you laughing progressively more. My only question has to do whether this DVD needs a double dip. Is a new edition going to make it even funnier ?. At any rate, the extras look rather good which should help you make up your mind on whether to buy this edition.

Average customer rating:

Delightfully brilliant
A Chip Up the Old Nostril
I'd Like Another Helping of Fish
Otto, wir lieben dich! And you too, Archie!
What the heck happened . . . . ?

A Fish Called Wanda (Deluxe Edition)
Starring: Maria Aitken , Al Ashton , Kim Barclay , Kenneth Hudson Campbell , and Cynthia Caylor
Director: Charles Crichton
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

Farce | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

Comic Criminals | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

Urban | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( F ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000E33W1C
Release Date: 2004-04-17

Description

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 Oscar® 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: "Genius, [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.

Customer Reviews:

Delightfully brilliant.......2007-05-10

To make a comedy that can be lauded with the comment 'absolutely hilarious' isn't an easy thing to do. It's not so difficult, however, when you are one of the funniest men on god's green earth; and the extremely talented John Cleese has certainly managed to write a fine piece of comedy here. Teaming up with Monty Python buddy Michael Palin and Ealing studios director Charles Crichton, these talented comedians have managed to create a film that is most certainly one of the funniest; laugh per minute and lasting hilarity when it's over, movies ever made. The plot is taken straight from the classic Ealing comedy era (no wonder it works so well) and it follows four crooks that have stolen a bunch of jewels and now decide to double cross one another to take the loot solely for themselves. The plot thickens when the female of the bunch decides that the best way to get the loot would be to get close to a grassed-up co-conspirator's barrister; John Cleese.

Aside from an inch-perfect screenplay, A Fish Called Wanda also benefits from a fine cast of actors to deliver it. John Cleese steals every scene he's in, as you might expect, and he more than justifies his reputation as one of, maybe even the, finest British comedy actor ever. He is joined by a talented pair of Americans; Kevin Kline and Jamie Lee Curtis, along with, as mentioned, his fellow Python Michael Palin. Kline is certainly one of the most underrated actors working today, and his comic timing in this movie is right on the money. Makes you wonder how much better he could have been used over the years. "Scream Queen" Jamie Lee Curtis also does well in the title role; and Michael Palin obviously knows his way round a comedy script. The jokes in the film come thick and fast, and I can't think of a single one that didn't work. It's the big gags that are the real stand out of the movie, though, and one in particular that sees Kevin Kline trying to explain to Cleese's wife what he's doing in their home is absolutely priceless. I nearly fell of my chair laughing. This film is a must see.

A Chip Up the Old Nostril.......2007-02-24

A wicked Ealing Comedy about twenty-five years after producer Michael Balcom stopped making them, "Wanda" is the inspired brainchild of John Cleese and director Charles Crichton (who directed such Ealing classics as "The Lavendar Hill Mob"). One part caper, one part sexy romance, two parts farce, three parts black humor, and altogether delightful. Even the actors with the smallest roles are hilarious, and the four principals--Cleese and Palin (the Brits), Curtis and Kline (the Yanks)--are gloriously funny. The Deluxe Edition is brimming with outtakes, commentary, and all that's needed to justify the price. But remember: "Don't call [him] stupid."

I'd Like Another Helping of Fish.......2006-09-20

I am delighted to say that I, also, got an accidental copy of the Deluxe Edition before the release date was pushed back. I am even more delighted to say that "A Fish Called Wanda" has finally gotten the special attention it so greatly deserves. A masterpiece of hilarity, "Fish" is one of the rare films that managed to be wonderfully mean spirited (in the best way possible), truly subversive for a mainstream movie, and utterly hysterical. The fact that it was a commerical success amazes me to this day. Add to that, an Oscar for Kevin Kline--and I have to confess that Hollywood sometimes gets it right.

If you haven't seen the film in a while, you're in for a treat. It's as good as you remember--smart and clever--it takes it's comedy seriously. It's fast, furious and takes no prisoners. And it never dumbs itself down like so many "comedies".

John Cleese is awesome in his best leading performance. Michael Palin takes a character that would be a PC nightmare in the age of family-friendly homogenization and mines comic gold. Kevin Kline--let's just say the Academy Award says everything it needs to. And Jamie Lee Curtis is brilliant. She is so underrated as an actress, but every few years connects so vividly--"Fish", "True Lies" and "Freaky Friday" most noticably.

You know any commentary by Cleese is going to be a winner. Add the deleted scenes, featurettes, and other Cleese clips--and this is a tremendous find for fans of the movie. I just hope you enjoy it as much as I did! KGHarris, 9/06.

Otto, wir lieben dich! And you too, Archie!.......2006-09-17

I don't know a funnier movie, and certainly no other one that gets better after the fifth time.
Kevin Kline is the greatest, I didn't even know him as a clown before. From John Cleese we wouldn't have expected anything else. Don't forget Wanda, of course. I mean the fish.
Kline and Jamie Lee Curtis are an American gangster couple in London, who are involved in a heist gone sour and who try to enlist Cleese, who is the usual half witted upper class Englishman, here a barrister, in salvaging what they can from the logistical disaster. Cleese falls in love with Curtis and gets in trouble with his family, predictably.
Michael Palin is also there, a linguistically challenged minor gangster, best as dog hitman, but also great with French fries, known as chips.
Otto is Italian, it means eight. Says Kline.

What the heck happened . . . . ?.......2006-08-03

This DVD was supposed to be released yesterday, August 1, 2006, but all of a sudden it's been pulled. No explanation for what happened. You can't order it, preorder it, nothing. I've been looking forward to the release of this movie, one of the all-time great comedies, with the fantastic attendant extras, for months now, but for some reason nothing happened. I hope it's not yet another case of a brilliant but temperamental artist losing his nerve at the last minute and holding this thing up just to be contrary. Damn geniuses . . .