Gene and Gilda together again
Movie Mania | Southern Calfornia | 01/02/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Hanky Panky is the third and last in a series of Hitchcock inspired comedies. Silver Streak was inspired on The Lady Vanishes. Foul Play was inspired by The Man Who Knew Too Much (the remake). Hanky Panky is inspired by North by North West. Each film is funny but as they use more prominent films they are more easily compared and do not fare as well. North by Northwest is one of Hitchcock's most famous films with some of his most famous scenes - the crop dusting scene and Mt. Rushmore. Therefore, this film starts in a hole and unfortunately never quite comes out of it.
Now that's the bad news. The good news is as a stand alone film, it is rather funny. Its stars are husband and wife team Gene Wilder and Gilda Radner. Both have a great background in slapstick comedy. Gene from his Mel Brooks films and Gilda from her stint on SNL. They get the most from every gag and situation. And director Sidney Poitier gets to stay behind the camera this time but uses what he learned directing the trio of comedies he made with Bill Cosby.
Wilder is Michael Jordan, a man who accidentally gets involved in espionage. Gilda is Kate Hellman, a woman who is trying find her brother's killer. At first they think the other is the bad guy but once they realize the other is not, they team up to solve the mystery. If you have seen North by Northwest, you will compare it unfavorably. If you have not seen NNW, then you might not understand some of the sight gags. But remember this is a comedy and is not to be taken too seriously. Just enjoy.
DVD EXTRAS: None
"
Radner and Wilder Rule!! Delightful Mystery Spoof!!
06/04/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The beautiful and reknowned late Gilda Radner with Gene Wilder rule in this delightful mystery spoof about a mistaken murder.Check it out!!Gilda, we all love and miss you dearly!!"