Review of Sleeper (2005) by Kirk P — 08 Nov 2009
When Sleeper works - that is, when it focuses on being a Buster Keaton-inspired burst of lunacy and physical comedy - it's right up there with the funniest stuff Woody Allen has ever done. With brilliant bits ranging from a fight with pudding to the reveal of a leader's fate, from a series of jetpack experiments to a great running gag involving a rocket launcher, Sleeper definitely shows off Allen's love of physical comedy, and it's no surprise to read that he debated making it as a silent film at one point.
The film stumbles a little bit when it comes to the story - the revolution never quite makes entire sense, and the "relationship" with Keaton's character feels forced and arbitrary, only really coming to life in one long conversation as the two take time out from the movie and chat for a bit.
But this is still Allen coming into his own, before he managed to meld drama and comedy so perfectly in Annie Hall, and as a comedy, Sleeper is completely hilarious. And although I would never ruin it, the voice of the computer ranks up there with one of my all-time favorite surprise cameos.
Lots of fun, and a testament to Allen's physical skills.
This review of Sleeper (2005) was written by Kirk P on 08 Nov 2009.
Sleeper has generally received positive reviews.
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