Review of Safety Last! (1923) by Michael H — 13 Feb 2012

Safety Last! is more of a bittersweet experience. The brilliance and the faults lie in the origins of the film. The problem mostly delves in the originality of the story and the quality in it that does not quite reach timelessness.

It's a story that's been done countless times and as most moviegoers will have realized this, it detracts greatly from the experience. But, if this film is where the story was popularized then that sense of detraction may very well turn into respect.

As is the case with films of similar iconic status. Regardless of where the story originated, one couldn't help but think that a more masterfully done film may have been able to surpass this issue.

But it's something that bothered me throughout. Despite all of this, Safety Last! is still a great time. There are loads of very funny jokes and gags and Harold Lloyd is great. I was a tad disappointed because this is my first Lloyd film, and I was expecting him to be up to the caliber of "the other geniuses" in Chaplin and Keaton.

But unfortunately, I couldn't really feel any sort of distinction from himself and other physical comedians of the age. Both Keaton and Chaplin had their own unique brand of filmmaking, but I felt that Lloyd isn't as "unique" as the others.

He's still great, but I was a bit disappointed. Although, I would have to see more of his films to decide. Overall, the film is hilarious and you will have a good time. Some moviegoers may feel that the plot is tired and outdated, as is a handful of the comedy, but it doesn't necessarily ruin the experience.