Review of See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989) by Stuart G — 04 Oct 2008
A great film with a pretty original plot which is a pairing up of Pryor and Wilder as a Loud Mouthed Blind Man and Mild Mannered Deaf Guy. They bounce off very well with the gags and humor. The film does lose some of its steam near the end as it takes more of a turn from a comedy into a drama rather than being a true Hybrid of Comedy and Drama. Also the screenplay was written by several collaborators so the film really lacked true direction. Plus it was also directed by Arthur Hiller who hasn't been brilliant in later years.
To avoid nit-picking this film is pretty funny but changes tone and direction at the final third or quarter of the film.
People debate that Pryors earlier symptoms of MS was slightly evident in this film, but that doesn't hold him back at all. He is still the best comedian and comic actor of all time.
Gene Wilder is great and funny as always and the two are priceless in their dialogues.
The plot does deserve a re-make or a modern day re-vamp and I'd be interested to see one but this film needs to be heavily acknowledged.
Alan North is good as the burned out police officer even though he plays it straight he is completely funny in his role.
Overall the film is the last decent one with both Pryor and Wilder on form. It's not at the high standards like Stir Crazy but its great in its own context. It's worth being watched.
This review of See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989) was written by Stuart G on 04 Oct 2008.
See No Evil, Hear No Evil has generally received positive reviews.
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