Review of Funeral in Berlin (1966) by Jon-James H — 06 Oct 2012
So-so sequel to the superb Ipcress File.
The Ipcress File is a masterpiece of British cinema, with excellent characters, a strong plot, and some truly original directing - WTH happened to Sidney J. Furie?
Funeral in Berlin, by comparison, is a terribly dull affair.
Out go the interesting angles and original shots, and in come the television friendly, training wheels, point and shoot perspectives. Goodbye charismatic, unpredictable Harry Palmer, and hello blokey stereotype of both men and spies alike.
The film underperforms in all areas, but it did have some very large shoes to fill. As such, it isn't so much a failure as it is a disappointment. Caine is always watchable, even when he's fighting sharks with inflatable helicopters to pay the bills, and the film's basic premise of criss-cross double cross could have been very intriguing.
All in all not a lost cause and good Sunday afternoon fodder. Anything beats a bit of Bully.
This review of Funeral in Berlin (1966) was written by Jon-James H on 06 Oct 2012.
Funeral in Berlin has generally received positive reviews.
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