The Odd Couple (1968) directed by Gene Saks
Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau make the perfect comedic duo. They have this wonderful chemistry where they play off of each other's personalities so well. In The Odd Couple, like Grumpy Old Men decades later, they play two diametrically opposed figures that are stuck together for better or worse. Each character has his own quirk that makes him appealing, but it is when they are together that they are truly special. We watch them bicker and banter throughout the film followed by the inevitable realization they actually need each other.
Jack Lemmon plays Felix who is in the process of getting a divorce and is depressed out of his mind. When we first see him, he would like to commit suicide except that he throws out his back trying to open the window to jump out of. His friends fear for Felix's sanity. He is taken in by his friend Oscar, played by Walter Matthau, who allows Felix to stay with him until he gets back on his feet. As it turns out Felix is a little more than Oscar bargained for. I am reminded of that Friends episode where Ross needs a place to stay and Joey and Chandler take him in, only to find out they can't stand living with him.
The Odd Couple is a fun light hearted comedy about a difficult but worthwhile friendship. For as much as they annoy and bother each other, where would they be without each other? I thought the film was quite funny and well acted with the memorable paring of Lemmon and Matthau, who rank right up there with peanut butter and jelly.
Grade: A-
Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau make the perfect comedic duo. They have this wonderful chemistry where they play off of each other's personalities so well. In The Odd Couple, like Grumpy Old Men decades later, they play two diametrically opposed figures that are stuck together for better or worse. Each character has his own quirk that makes him appealing, but it is when they are together that they are truly special. We watch them bicker and banter throughout the film followed by the inevitable realization they actually need each other.
Jack Lemmon plays Felix who is in the process of getting a divorce and is depressed out of his mind. When we first see him, he would like to commit suicide except that he throws out his back trying to open the window to jump out of. His friends fear for Felix's sanity. He is taken in by his friend Oscar, played by Walter Matthau, who allows Felix to stay with him until he gets back on his feet. As it turns out Felix is a little more than Oscar bargained for. I am reminded of that Friends episode where Ross needs a place to stay and Joey and Chandler take him in, only to find out they can't stand living with him.
The Odd Couple is a fun light hearted comedy about a difficult but worthwhile friendship. For as much as they annoy and bother each other, where would they be without each other? I thought the film was quite funny and well acted with the memorable paring of Lemmon and Matthau, who rank right up there with peanut butter and jelly.
Grade: A-
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