A Fine Mess (1986)

User Rating:

4.0/10   

Director:

Blake Edwards

Writer:

Blake Edwards (written by)

Release Date:

8 August 1986 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Comedy | Romance

Plot:

Two friends an actor and a chef discover a plot to fix a horse race and try to capitalize on it. But...

Plot Keywords:

Actor | Horse Race | Curry | Nightgown | Stolen Car

Cast

Ted Danson	...	Spence Holden
Howie Mandel	...	Dennis Powell
Richard Mulligan	...	Wayne 'Turnip' Parragella
Stuart Margolin	...	Maurice 'Binky' Drundza
Maria Conchita Alonso	...	Claudia Pazzo
Jennifer Edwards	...	Ellen Frankenthaler
Paul Sorvino	...	Tony Pazzo
Rick Ducommun	...	Wardell
Keye Luke	...	Ishimine
Ed Herlihy	...	T.V. Reporter
Walter Charles	...	Auctioneer
Tawny Moyer	...	Leading Lady
Emma Walton	...	Extra #1
Carrie Leigh	...	Extra #2
Sharan Lea	...	Young Girl

Also Known As:

Blake Edwards' A Fine Mess (USA) (complete title)

Runtime:

90 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Iceland:L | West Germany:12 | Norway:12 | Australia:PG | Finland:K-8 | Sweden:11 | USA:PG

Company:

Blake Edwards

Trivia:

This movie was originally announced as both a starring vehicle for Richard Pryor and a remake of Laurel & Hardy's famous short subject The Music Box. The movie's title is a vague reference to Hardy's catchphrase, "Here's another nice mess you've gotten me into."

Quotes:

Dennis: We're gonna die, Spence! We're gonna die!
Spence: No we're not...
Dennis: I still have orders!!

Movie Connections:

References The Godfather (1972)

Soundtrack:

Can't Help Falling In Love

A fine....little distraction

A definite "check your brain at the door" comedy, one of the most plot less films ever, but manages some good characters and situations. Danson, pigeon-holed as his "Cheers" character Sam Malone, plays another womanizer here, this time an actor. While shooting a film at a racetrack, he overhears the doping of a philly, and though seen, decides to bet the horse the next day. Two movie-type hit men dingbats spend the next twenty minutes chasing him by foot and car all over the place. Along for the ride is Danson's buddy Mandel, who gets swept up in the madness. There's also an auctioneer, a Mob wife, her grumbling husband, two cops on the trail, and a disgruntled brother in law. Edwards attempt at an all-out comedy comes off here and there, but the film has no real direction. A bunch of gags are clustered along the business of Danson and Mandel avoiding a bullet from the two hitguys. But for whatever reason, I let it slide and just enjoyed what was given. Danson at about 40 and Mandel in his 20s, though never explained how they know each other, had a great chemistry. Seemed like they had been buddies a while, and clicked on-screen. Throw in some Mandel bits like voices or eating soap, and you can't help but laugh. Especially his moment in an Indian restaurant where he disregards the diners and lets loose after eating....something. Danson milks being slapped in the face and chasing women, and an odd boon to the film is the up-beat soundtrack. From the Temptations to Mr. Mister, it came off energetic. In fact, I don't recall any scenes of score used in the film. It all culminates in a chaotic finish involving a piano and another chase, so it may be worth a shot if you're into stretching your funnybone.