LIFE STINKS (1991)

 

Directed By: Mel Brooks 

Written By: Mel Brooks, Rudy DeLuca And Steve Haberman

Story By: Mel Brooks, Ron Clark, Rudy DeLuca and Steve Haberman 

Cinematography: Steven Poster 

Editor: Michael Mulconery, David Rawlins and Anthony Redman 

Cast: Mel Brooks, Lesley Ann Warren, Jeffrey Tambor, Stuart Pankin, Howard Morris, Rudy DeLuca, Teddy Wilson, Billy Barty, Brian Thompson, Raymond O’Connor, Mike Pniewski 

A filthy-rich businessman bets a corporate rival that he can live on the streets of L.A. without the comforts of home or money, but it proves to be tougher than he thought.

It took me a while to finally get around to watching this. After this film, I still only have two Mel Brooks-directed films before I officially finish the collection of all his movies. as over the years are just so enjoyable and re-watchable

I still need to see 12 CHAIRS and DRACULA, DEAD AND LOVING IT.

This film has all the qualities and insight of an original Mel Brooks comedy, yet it doesn’t feel like it plays now or even when it was released the rhythm just feels off even though the jokes and social commentary are there

It might be because he’s not working with many or any of his past collaborators as much here so he’s working pretty much with an all-new cast and crew.

Here again, he is at the center of the film as the main character and while they’re plenty of quirky and wacky side characters, none of them is that memorable or strong enough to steal the show or make an impact. This is usually what happens with films and so this film is mostly on his shoulders, especially as this isn’t really a spoof, but more of a general comedy.

This film seems to be in the realm of outlandish, laugh out loud, comedy, but maybe as it is somewhat in reality, it comes across more as cute and chuckle-worthy more than anything else

Everyone tries and is OK for the most part, but this feels like one of his least inspired films even as he has gone on record to say he believes this is one of his best acting roles.

One really wants to like it, but it reminded me why you took so long to finally watch it in full.

One can see why he immediately went back to spoofs for his next and last films.

This film is more for completists only as it’s the film that’s not the best but good enough for fans and will appeal to their sensibilities

Grade: C