Review of What's Up, Doc? (1972) by Ben L — 31 Jul 2012

Some comedies are funny because the script is loaded with great jokes. Others are funny because the characters are faced with silly situations. Still others are funny because of the physical gags they throw at you. What's Up, Doc? is one of the few comedies I've seen that checks all 3 of those boxes. It is reminiscent of the old screwball comedies from the 1940s, and does a superb job of honoring a genre that regrettably seems to have been forgotten. The mix-up of the identical bags leads to a number of ridiculous situations that are simultaneously far-fetched and hilarious. Now, while the 4 identical bags are presented as the primary plotline, it is the strange love story between Judy and Howard that keeps me coming back for more. There's just something so enchanting about the way Judy works her way into Howard's (or should I say Steve's) heart.

The characters are all over-the-top, even when they are just in minor roles. Amazingly all these crazy personalities work together, from the accident-prone Judy all the way to the two-faced Fritz. Each actor and actress is excellent in their role, but the 3 leads absolutely take the cake. I've never been a huge Barbra Streisand fan, but I must admit her comic timing here is impeccable. Ryan O'Neal does a superb job of playing the conflict between his utter frustration with Judy and his slowly increasing affection for her. "But wait, you said 3 leads, Ben!" That's right, because I swear this movie would only be half as good without the remarkable Madeline Kahn. Her performance as Eunice is so perfectly annoying that it adds just the right contrast to Judy. I could go on and on talking about everyone from Kenneth Mars to John Hillerman, but I'll simply say that there is no performance in this film that I don't like.

As you can tell this is one of my favorite films. I just love the comedy, and even though I've seen it dozens of times I still laugh throughout. Sometimes it's the playful banter of the characters that makes me chuckle, other times it is the mix-up of identities that I find humorous, and sometimes it's just the ridiculousness of a man tripping a woman again and again in order to stall her that splits my sides with laughter. That's why I heartily endorse this movie, because no matter which is your preffered brand of comedy you will find it here. Oh yeah, plus there's a little romance sprinkled in there too. And perhaps I forgot to mention one of the craziest car chases since It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World inserted as a climax. My one and only complaint for this movie is that it's too short. I actually find myself wishing the humor could keep rolling a little longer. If you like crazy comedy, then What's Up, Doc? is most definitely for you.