Review of Quick Change (1990) by Grant H — 05 Oct 2014

Bill Murray has made more than his fair share of bad movies, like most actors, but when he aligns himself with just the right project the results can be spectacular. "Quick Change" is one such film, a criminally overlooked comedy that combines a great cast, the perfect script and Murray himself in near-perfect form in the lead.

The clever heist comedy is the star's love letter to New York City, as it celebrates the city's unique style and the special sensibilities of its citizens. Only in New York would food vendors race to the scene of a bank robbery or applaud the release of hostages like they were watching a Broadway show.

Frankly, this is one of Murray's best performances, and the screenplay by Howard Franklin gives the actor some of his best lines. The supporting performances are good too, especially a radiant Geena Davis in the female lead. The movie is almost stolen, however, by Bob Elliott of the old Bob and Ray comedy team. He has very little screen time as the bank's security guard, but he is hilarious every single time he's on the screen.

It's also refreshing to see an adult comedy that is not afraid to use adult language but has enough restraint to not go overboard with it. That's the easiest way for a film to lose its effectiveness. The robbery itself is quite clever, and the sardonic tone of the picture is a perfect fit for its star actor. "Quick Change" is a forgotten movie that is greatly deserving of finding an audience, but that is becoming more and more unlikely with the passage of time. It's very funny and full of terrific comedic performances and a concrete grasp on what makes New York such a great city.