Review of Hudson Hawk (1991) by Patti B — 31 Mar 2008

So completely over the edge that I think it just gave up on the idea of edges altogether. This film throws out every idea in the comic kitchen sink - farce, black comedy, slapstick, you name it - and yet somehow it all works. Infinitely quotable. Reminds me of a live "Lupin the III.".

The final act veers heavily into black comedy, using death by bow and arrorw, explosion, decapitation, electrocution, falling, immolation, and tennis ball launcher for laughs.

I know exactly why Bruce and Co (the others really do a fine job as well) chose to do this movie - who doesn't want to go on vacation in Italy, crack jokes, blow things up, and generally have a blast, and then get paid for it? They're all clearly having fun, and it shows.

My usual "watch for" list would be as long as your arm, but I'll give it a shot: The Pope watching "Mr. Ed." Hawk's first trip through Rome, which according to the shots and time elapsed in the conversation, means they crossed the entire city about three times in as many minutes. Virtually everything else.

The only quote that I can verify easily (but there's bucketloads of them): "The vanity in this man Hudson Hawk! The Vatican has foiled the advances of pirates and terrorists. We will not lie down for some schmuck from New Jersey.".