Review of Hopscotch (1980) by Rick N — 01 Sep 2011
A stylishly shot and hilarious satire of not just spy films but also of secret government agencies and Watergate-style politics and conspiracies, Hopscotch represents a masterpiece of both the spy and comedy genres with it deftly blends together thanks in no small part to the brilliantly deadpan yet hysterical performance of Walter Matthau in the lead role.
After letting a renowned Russian spy escape, the CIA tries to move Matthau's character from a field agent to a desk jockey. He promptly disappears and begins releasing chapters of a tell-all book that reveals not only the secrets of the CIA but also its blundering idiocy.
What unfolds is a global chase in which Matthau's renegade agent leads the CIA cronies through a series of hilarious mishaps, blunders, and near misses. A clever and funny satire of bureaucracy, nationalistic pride, and espionage, Hopscotch remains a classic spy comedy and one of Matthau's best performances.
This review of Hopscotch (1980) was written by Rick N on 01 Sep 2011.
Hopscotch has generally received positive reviews.
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