Review of Avanti (2012) by Morten A — 20 Mar 2008

My dad and I loved Jack Lemmon to bits. Matter of fact, so much so, that when my dad died back in 1995, I wrote Jack, and told him how many fond memories I had of us, sitting at home, or at the cinema, watching his work. Just a month later, I got a smashing, signed black & white photo, where Jack wished me all the best and thanked me for a lovely letter.

Jack's The Apartment is among my top 5, desert island films. It could just as easily be this one.

Avanti is one of those movies that can only be a Billy Wilder/Jack Lemmon production. Anyone else just wouldn't do. The plot is neither naff, nor ropey, and everyone does a splendid job. The vistas and views of Italy are smashing and spot on, even though the story has that stage feel to it.

As is often the case with Jack Lemmons work, the humour is gut busting at times, without being forced. I can think of no other american actor with such an understaded dry with as Jack, and that's one of the main reasons I love him. The other reason is easy to spot. He was such a loveable, everyman. Someone you would want as a friend, in part because you want to feel superior to someone, part because you want a friend you feel a need to take care of.

And, aside from anything else, for those of us who love that early 1970's look to movies, this really is a treat. The only other comedy I can think of that works as well as this, from the same period is Woody Allen's Play it again Sam.

I can only suggest that anyone who reads this treat themselves to this great gem!