The Impostors

Starring:Ted Blumberg, Teagle F. Bougere, Elizabeth Bracco, Steve Buscemi, Michael Emerson, George Guidall, William Hill, Allison Janney, Walker Jones, E. Katherine Kerr, David Lipman, Matt Malloy, Matt McGrath, Alfred Molina, Jack O'Connell (II), Oliver Platt, Tony Shalhoub, Lili Taylor, Jessica Walling
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

It's unfortunate to report that The Impostors--a misguided, but slightly noble, attempt to return to both the Hope and Crosby Road movies as well as the screwball comedies of the '30s and '40s--really, really doesn't work. Writer, director, and star Stanley Tucci (who created the gorgeous Big Night) plays Arthur, who along with Maurice (Oliver Platt) finds himself stowing away on an ocean liner and forced into multiple masquerades. The film has a dream cast of supporting players, including Steve Buscemi, Tony Shalhoub, Isabella Rossellini, and Campbell Scott, but the humor never works and this vessel founders quickly. --Keith Simanton

Description

Meet Authur (Stanley Tucci) and Maurice (Oliver Platt), two out-of-work actors who escape from the police by stowing away aboard a luxury liner. But soon the ship hits the fan, and the impostors must give the performance of a lifetime - not only to evade the authorities, but to foil the dastardly plot of a deranged crewman who has explosive plans for eveyone on board.

Customer Reviews:

Sadly underrated ensemble comedy.......2007-02-08

Well, I've rented this thing so many times, it's time to buy it and give it a place of honor in my small collection. I think this is one of the best ensemble comedies made in the past twenty years. Sure, everyone in it is hamming it up, but they're all so talented that they pull it off.

I admit, I have friends who were not crazy about this movie, especially the first part pre-ocean liner. But I think the main two guys are very funny with their little scam at the baker's shop, and Tucci's "beggars" speech, even in what could be considered the setup for the meat of the movie. I thought the beginning credits over the muted restaurant scene was hilarious. And once they are on the ship, look out, all sorts of talented actors are trying like heck to out-overact each other. My favorites are Billy Connelly ("That's where we'll wrestle, my semi-Grecian lad!") and Campbell Scott ("It has made me also... moist.) Isabella Rosellini, Steve Buscemi, Hope Davis - they're all fun.

You have to be able to get into the mindset of the thing, suspend your disbelief, and go to that naive, silly place in your brain. If you are a person who can do that, get this movie. Otherwise, maybe not.

the impostors.......2006-11-10

It was terrible! Lili played a good part of course. But the rest was just plain stupid!

i get it, but should have been better.......2005-12-23

with the great cast i expected more. i get how this was a tribute to the comedy-duo teams of laurel and hardy and the like but it didn't all work for this viewer.there are alot of giggles throughout but they are not all out laughs.i love the cast and they all do their best with what they are given.i really wanted to like this movie,but at best it was only ok.i'd love to see more movies like this done better and hopefully there will be.we need comedy teams like laurel and hardy today.if stiller and wilson is the best that hollywood has to offer than i'm afraid that comedy-duos are a thing of the past.

Lighthearted, fun ode to old screwball comedies.......2004-12-29

Comedy fans who aren't much interested in classic films may not really "get" this film. They may get turned off by what they see as exaggerated acting and meandering plot, not understanding that both are done on purpose. Hopefully not though, as this film is still funny on the surface.

This is, however, an absolute "must-see" for anyone who likes the Marx brothers, Laurel & Hardy, or any of those great screwball comedies from the 30's and 40's. For most films of that genre, the plots only served as a template for a series of funny exchanges or situations. Stanley Tucci, and Oliver Platt deliver hilarious performances as poor, bumbling actors whose ambition far outweigh their intelligence. They use their wits, such as they are, to hide on a cruise ship from a famous alcoholic actor they rumbled with (the wonderfully hammy Alfred Molina) and a campy German cruise employee (Campbell Scott), who would seem better served running a Gestapo. The stowaways find help from another ship employee (Lili Taylor, playing against type, looking adorably lovely) and her weak but friendly Italian boyfriend. One would fear that their romance would spoil parts of the movie as such sublots are prone to do, but thankfully, the makers stuck to comedy the whole way.

Probably the most impressive aspect of this relatively lesser-known film is the great supporting cast. In addition to Molina, Scott and Taylor, we get fine (as well as fun to watch) performances from Steve Buscemi, Alison Janney, Billy Connolly, Richard Jenkins and Tony Shalhoub. In addition, Hope Davis, Woody Allen, and Isabella Rossellini have minor roles.

This film will entertain people on differing levels, depending on their comedy taste, but I would definitely recommend this one who has enjoyed an old film, or seeks out humor off-the-beaten-path.

Screwball Comedy with a Woody Twist.......2004-09-25

Tucci, one of my favorite (and I think most underrated) actors, does a fine job emulating the styles of Woody Allen and Frank Capra in this homage to the madcap comedies of the 30's. The brisk pacing, snappy dialogue and exaggerated characters make the film a treat.

Dozens of terrific cameo performances by stars like Isabella Rosselini, Campbell Scott, and even the great Woody, himself, are sprinkled throughout. Authentic art-deco sets, costumes and music are pluses as well.

It's the best attempt at the genre in many years, but one still longs for the comedic talent of Hepburn, Lombard or Cary Grant.

Average customer rating:

Animal Impostors

Manufacturer: WGBH
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

WGBH Boston | Television | Genres | DVD | Video

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B000IZJQES
Release Date: 2006-09-22

Description

A gnarled twig. A stretch of sand. A shadow. Suddenly they twitch--or lunge--and you realize you've been taken in by a cleverly disguised animal. NOVA provides some of the most astonishing scenes on television in this vivid study of mimicry and camouflage, dramatically showing how snakes, butterflies, fish, turtles, and many other kinds of animals, both predators and their intended victims, use remarkable forms of deception to achieve their goal: to eat, or avoid being eaten.

Charlie Rose with Daniel Boorstin; Stanley Tucci, Lili Taylor, Steve Buscemi & Campbell Scott; Paul Anka (October 8, 1998)

Average customer rating:

Charlie Rose with Daniel Boorstin; Stanley Tucci, Lili Taylor, Steve Buscemi & Campbell Scott; Paul Anka (October 8, 1998)

Manufacturer: Charlie Rose
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Description

First, Daniel Boorstin, former librarian of Congress, discusses his new book, The Seekers, the third installment in a trilogy on the history of Western thought. Then, Stanley Tucci discusses his new movie, the 1930's-style comedy, The Impostors, which he wrote and directed. In addition, three of its stars, Lili Taylor, Steve Buscemi, and Campbell Scott talk about the movie. Finally, Paul Anka discusses his new album, A Body of Work, in addition to the details of his very long and prolific career.

Charlie Rose with Peter Mandelson; Oliver Platt (October 12, 1998)

Average customer rating:

Charlie Rose with Peter Mandelson; Oliver Platt (October 12, 1998)

Manufacturer: Charlie Rose
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Description

First, Peter Mandelson, the British Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, discusses his influential role in Tony Blair's New Labor Party and the current economic and political state of the world. Finally, Oliver Platt discusses his latest role in the movie The Impostors with Stanley Tucci in addition to his work in films from the same year including Bulworth and Simon Birch.

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