Very different, very funny
Brent Butler | North Carolina | 06/30/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you're up for a break from the uneven and unending strain of romantic comedies that seem to carry the torch of movie comedies nowadays, then "Noises Off" will give you that opportunity.
I found this movie completely by accident on cable one day. It followed something else I had just watched and I hadn't yet turned away to anything else. And, boy, I'm glad I didn't. This movie about a troubled cast trying to get a troubled play off the ground kept me smiling, chuckling, and outright laughing all the way thru.
I immediately bought it and got the whole family together for a viewing, and they all enjoyed it just as much.
I'm sure this was a good change of pace for Christopher Reeve from his Superman days. He was a very versatile actor and this comedic role is a good proof of that.
John Ritter was well know for his verbal and physical comedic skills. All are used to good and entertaining purpose here.
What can you say about Carol Burnett. Since her early days on stage and TV, she has always delivered. This is no exception.
You'll also find good performances by Michael Caine, Denholm Elliot, Nicolette Sheridan, and others.
What was amazing to me is that I've greatly enjoyed every member of this cast in other films (and TV shows), yet I had never heard of this movie, despite being a movie buff.
Now, it is conceivable that someone who doesn't enjoy some farce and slapstick with their comedy won't get into this film. Otherwise, if you haven't seen "Noises Off", you are in for quite a treat when you finally do. :-)"
When Carol Burnett goes onstage in Cleveland...
Jeff Pearlman | Lakeland, FL USA | 05/16/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"...I lose my mind with laughter. Most of the lucky minority of comedy fans who have discovered "Noises Off" probably have other favorite scenes. One bored Friday in the late '80's I scanned the movie reviews and was amazed that this movie, with its flawless cast, was playing. I hadn't seen one TV ad or movie trailer.
The film shows the insanity and eccentricities of the cast, crew, and director of a farce on its way to Broadway. The first half shows the dress rehearsal, which also shows us how the play is supposed to go. Next we see a feuding cast during a Miami Beach matineee, this time from backstage. By Cleveland all hell has broken loose. Will they pull themselves together by the Broadway opening? I'm not saying.
Watching this now (2008-2010), it's hard not to feel sad about the early losses of John Ritter and Christopher Reeve, with Denholm Elliott gone as well. Reeve, Ritter, and Burnett are the most spectacular of one of the best ensembles I've ever seen. Caine is the sardonic director, Marilu Henner is the upbeat cast cheerleader, Nicolette Sheridan the cast ditz (though she gets her lines right). Special mention to Julie Hagerty and Mark Linn-Baker as crew members running themselves ragged trying in vain to keep things together.
This is extra swell if you've ever been involved with theater at any level. It aspires to take everything that usually goes wrong with almost any production and shifts it into super-overdrive. I hope the cast and crew of this film had as much fun making this as I had watching it!"