The Man Who Knew Too Little

Starring:Bill Murray, Peter Gallagher, Joanne Whalley, Alfred Molina, Richard Wilson (II), Geraldine James, John Standing, Anna Chancellor, Nicholas Woodeson, Simon Chandler, Cliff Parisi, John Thomson, Janet Henfrey, Terry O'Neill, Isabel HernÃ¡ndez (II), Donald Pickering, Venetia Barrett, Terence Harvey, Cate Fowler, Richard Dixon
Director: Jon Amiel
Studio: Warner Home Video
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Only die-hard Bill Murray fans will likely consider this movie for their home-video library, but it's not without its rewards. You can see why someone as comically astute as Murray would agree to play a dimwitted American who can't tell the difference between improvised theater and a real-life espionage plot. There's certainly plenty of potential for belly laughs, and Murray milks the opportunities like the old pro that he is. Here he plays an American tourist in London who thinks he's been recruited into a street-theater act called "Theater of Life"; actually, he's stepped into a complicated spy scheme that plays like a cross between Hitchcock and the Marx Brothers. Joanne Whalley costars as the femme fatale who may or may not be a double agent, and along the way there's enough comical confusion to foil any number of idiotic villains. The movie stretches its one-joke premise to desperate extremes (Murray thinks he's in a play, so he's oblivious to genuine danger), and 95 minutes is more than enough time to exhaust the comedic possibilities. But, as always, Murray finds a way to mine gold from a few clever bits, and he cuts loose with some inspired lunacy during a climactic scene involving a hidden bomb and a troupe of dancing Cossacks. It's not Murray's finest hour, but give him credit for making the best out of a challenging situation. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Delightful Escapist Fun: An Everyman as Super-Agent.......2007-05-24

I just had to add my two cents' worth to the comments of other viewers who disagreed with the lukewarm (at best) professional review, above.

Bill Murray is brilliant and Joanne Whalley is surprisingly funny in this wonderful, escapist farce about the "guy least likely to..." who somehow, surprisingly, foils all the bad guys, saves the world, and wins the girl -- and has nothing but fun doing it! Who among us hasn't longed to stumble into our own hidden potential for excellence and beat the odds, at one time or another?

This movie may ultimately have all the critical social commentary and stimulating intellectual content of a warm bubble bath, but it's just as relaxing to slip into when life's beating you down and you need something frothy and comforting to take the edge off.

I'm not a die-hard Bill Murray fan, by any means, but I've had this movie in my VHS library for years, in case I need some remedial wish-fulfillment fun at the end of a gruelling week.

Murray Makes "Too Little" Just Right.......2007-03-19

We're not talking classic here. But if you're trapped in the house on a Saturday afternoon after an ice storm(which me and my wife were) this is just what the doctor ordered. There's nothing special about the material where an American space cadet in London thinks he's taking part in an interactive theatrical production when in fact he's embroiled in international espionage. It's star Bill Murray who elevates the material. Murray gets all the juice out of his character, a wannabe actor who works at a Des Moines blockbuster, and runs with it. I found his Wally Ritchie a more engaging presence than the one he was nominated for an Oscar for in "Lost in Translation". Joanne Whalley as a high-priced call girl and Alfred Molina as a Russian assassin also offer terrific support. Not "Caddyshack" or "Groundhog Day" but a terrific entry to the Murray catalogue.

Classic.......2007-02-06

I have been looking for this dvd for quite a while because it is Bill when he is best and the review didnt disappoint any bit.

horrible reviews for a hilarious film.......2007-01-25

Wallace Richie (Bill Murray) works at Blockbuster in Des Moines, and to celebrate his birthday he visits his bigshot brother and banker in London. But brother James must host important German clients to seal a deal, so he enrolls Wallace in a reality television show called "The Theater of Life" where contestants play scripted roles. Wallace mistakenly answers a phone call from a real hit man, remains oblivious throughout the film of the mistaken identity, and the rest of the film is about reality mistaken as fiction and vice versa. This film got horrible reviews, but I thought it was hilarious.

Bill Murray at his comic best!.......2007-01-14

This is one of my all-time favorite movies, and yet I often forget about it. Bill Murray is absolutely hilarious as Wallace Ritchie, and he is surrounded by a fun cast of clueless villians, beautiful women, and incompetent government officials. I love the chase scene, where he knocks down all of the traffic cones - "I've always wanted to do that!" Definitely a classic.

Average customer rating:

Not exactly ...
Who you fool'in ?
RIP-OFF
An Interesting Mix
You can get these much cheaper...

Dozen DVD Deal - Comedy

Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

( D ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Comedy | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

Customer Reviews:

Not exactly ..........2006-07-10

While most of these movies are in the bargain bin, Meatballs is very hard to come by. If you find it in a bargain bin, buy it. Buy all they have. Run the search on here, or E-Bay or Half and see what those are going for. It's crazy. It's a great movie, but $30-$75 for Meatballs! Well, I guess ... It just doesn't matter ... It just doesn't matter ... It just doesn't matter ... Dan

Who you fool'in ?.......2006-03-12

All these titles are in the $5.99 ben at walmart,,I could buy all of 'em new at walmart for around $75.00 dollars or less.

RIP-OFF.......2004-09-19

If you were to buy all of these titles from Amazon.com SEPERATELY, you'd only pay $135.22 (look 'em up, I just did). Save yourself some money, and your sanity, don't buy this compilation!

An Interesting Mix.......2003-11-06

This is an interesting collection. There are some very good movies in this set.

Doc Hollywood - This is a "pass" for me. I thought it was very unfunny, and tries much too hard to play off any bit of charm Michael J Fox might possess. Bridget Fonda appears as well.

Singles - This is an okay movie. Its enjoyable and watchable. Matt Dillon and Eric Stoltz star. As does Bridget Fonda once again. Directed by Cameron Crowe (of "Almost Famous" fame), its worth a viewing.

Drop Dead Gorgeous - This film has a very strong female cast. Kirsten Dunst, Ellen Barkin and Allison Janney (CJ Cregg of "West Wing" fame) star.

Don Juan DeMarco - This film is notable only because of a fun performance by the talented Johnny Depp. The script is weak, and to be honest, its not terribly funny.

The Man Who Knew Too Little - A misstep by the usually very funny Bill Murray.

Meatballs - Well, to be honest, this movie is very funny. Its classic Bill Murray in his prime SNL years. Its full of goofy one liners and Chris Makepeace carries a sweet character.

My Blue Heaven - This is a very seldom seen movie and VERY funny. Its one of Steve Martin's best performances. A strong supporting cast of Rick Moranis and Joan Cusack ensure frequent laughs.

My Fellow Americans - Another "pass" in my book. Misused Jack Lemmon and James Garner. Just not very funny.

Diner - A classic film (though I would not necessarily call it a comedy) directed by Barry Levinson. A very strong cast including Kevin Bacon.

Night Shift - A hysterically funny movie starring Michael Keaton (his best role), Henry (the Fonz) Winkler and Shelly Long.

Jerry Seinfeld: I'm Telling You for the Last Time - A 75 minute stand up special. You've likely seen the material many times already.

10 - Famous for its beach scene and introducing Bo Derek, the star here is a very funny Dudley Moore.

There are some real funny and well made films here; Of their own merit, I would recommend "My Blue Heaven", "Diner" and "Night Shift".

You can get these much cheaper..........2003-09-11

I've found most of these movies in the six dollar bin at Wal Mart over the past few months. Pick the ones you want and buy them. Save your money on the others.

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