Review of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988) by Gareth R — 11 Feb 2008
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is like a brilliantly executed joke: wonderful as it might be, it loses something the next time around. Michael Caine is at his usual sophisticated best and Steve Martin is suitably nauseating as his lowlife rival, while the supporting roles are excellent.
(Although Ian MacDiarmid doesn't get nearly as much to do as I remembered as Caine's acerbic butler.) It's a bit too slow-paced from time to time, but the best comedic moments (such as Prince Ruprecht and all of the twosome's lying to Glenne Headly) are horrifically sublime.
It's also got an immensely satisfying ending. Imperfect, but naughty and witty to survive those repeat viewings nicely. And the music is a lot less grating than the soundtrack from the musical version.
One of Frank Oz's better films, up there (for me) with Bowfinger.
This review of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988) was written by Gareth R on 11 Feb 2008.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels has generally received very positive reviews.
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