MovieChat Forums > The Impostors (1998) Discussion > Glorious but underrated

Glorious but underrated

posted 17 years ago by alkmenesankles
20 replies | jump to latest

I just don't understand it - 6/10? This film captures so perfectly that Marx Brothers mania without ever becoming a parody. It has a dream cast, from Tucci to Platt to Alfred Molina, Isabella Rosellini, Steve Buscemi, Tony Shalhoub, Billy Connolly, Lili Taylor and Campbell Scott whose creepy Nazi steals the whole show - not to mention a terrific cameo by Woody Allen. Even just the opening scene makes me laugh like a drain.

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I'm writing all this down in my memoirs so if I grow up twisted & warped, the world will know why.

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] Nospoon 17 years ago

This movie is flat out brilliant. Oddball, I envy you that you have a friend who shares your love for this movie and that the two of you have made it part of your lexicon. And while we're quoting (I love your "creampuff" one), I'll throw one that I quote to my wife all the time (despite the fact that every time I do, I get a look of complete befuddlement), "The danger of the chase has made you perspire. It has made me also...moist?" So FUNNY! Again, a brilliant film with an inCREDible cast. Tucci and Platt are awesome. I love Marco the gentle detective. Lily Allen is beautiful and sweet. I could go on. God bless all devotees to this film.

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] keywestling 17 years ago

I also envy you a friend who loves this movie as much as you do. It's absolutely in my top five favorite movies of all time. I am simply amazed at the number of people who have never even heard of it. I quote it all the time, but generally get weird looks in return. Such a shame, because this movie is incredible.

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] chriscreevy 17 years ago

You are so right. This is one very funny movie. We like it so much that we have bought the movie as a gift and given it away to friends and family. The cream puff gag is my favorite for all time. Steve Buscemi as a "Frank Sinatra" vocalist is superb comedy. This is a well crafted movie.

[–] ni_loco 16 years ago

It was an excellent movie to me too, specially considering the quality of some films of this times... I would give it a decent 9/10 (1 extra point just for the AMAZING cast)

[–] joel_godard 16 years ago

i can't believe this movie got 6/10!!!

[–] decroissance 13 years ago

I don't know when I've laughed so hard at a movie. From the very beginning I was laughing out loud and smiling in delight. Stanley Tucci is a freaking genius. I also loved Joe Gould's Secret -- not a comedy though!

It's weird that some of my fave comedies of all time don't get wide recognition --
this one, plus Bowfinger, Galaxy Quest, Bullets Over Broadway, and Nurse Betty.
Does anyone else like these movies?

[–] DACREEPER 11 years ago

I haven't yet (as my dad would say) seen the other two but I loved Bullets Over Broadway and Nurse Betty

[–] EdmundOG 14 years ago

If you like modern Marx brothers pastiches, I recommend "Brain Donors". It's a straight-up Marx adaptation, inspired by "A Night at the Opera". John Tuturro is the Groucho-type. My only criticism is that the Harpo-type talks.

[–] Clyburn 11 years ago

As is so often the case when someone questions a rating, the rating is fine and they just have dubious taste. This is a very weak movie with a lot of really obvious, ham-handed (attempted) humor which would only be appealing to the most unsophisticated viewer.

The cast is indeed quite talented and full of potential - but this is a dog that can't be saved.

In imdb terms, 6 represents a below average movie and the reason it has been voted that way is because that's what it is.

[–] DACREEPER 10 years ago

Wow. I've racking my pea-sized brain to think of a way that you could come across as any more pompous...but as the cut-down tree said "I'm Stumped" Hardy-har-har

Gotta run Zoolander is starting

"What is your occupation?" "I'm a drunkard"

[–] Swampfire 10 years ago

There is nothing at all pompous about Clyburn's post. Why do you say this? Is there another definition of pompous that I am not aware of? Perhaps if it also means "accurate" your note makes some sense. His seemed a clear-eyed take on the film, with a fair and reasonable response to the rating and the film's failed potential. I was astonished (more so after reading the many raves of "brilliant" and "hilarious") at the awkward flatness of every scenario presented. The only way I could tell that the scenes were intended to be comical was by the structure - certainly not by the execution.

[–] DACREEPER 10 years ago

I was mainly referring to the "unsophisticated viewer" comment. A hundred people, a hundred opinions is understood. But just because someone other than you likes it doesn't mean they are slack-jawed hick. It just sounded arrogant to me. I liked it and you didn't: no big deal.

I like every type of movie from silents and Hollywood glory days to foreign films to Adam Sandler. I LOVE movies of all types just depends on my mood.

[–] Katherina_Minola 9 years ago

Because it's pompous - and rude - to say that people have dubious taste or that someone is an unsophisticated viewer, just because basically they don't share your opinion. Cleburne's post was indeed patronising. If he doesn't like the film - that's fine. If you don't like it - fine. I personally love this film, but I don't think you're wrong for not liking it. Nor do I think Cleburne is wrong for not liking it. But I wouldn't dream of insulting your opinion just because it's different to mine.

[–] joolztoolz 9 years ago

I just saw it on Netflix and thought it was awesome. I loved the Nazi guy...he was perfect. I had to look up who did that part.

Lots of fun, a great laugh and so well done.

Thanks!

[–] jlprizm86 9 years ago

I'm really surprised at the rating as well. I can't believe I haven't found this movie before but I just saw it on Netflix and loved it. The bit at the bakery where Tucci's character ends up insulting the baker had me laughing out loud. "This man is a slave and an idiot!"

[–] louiseculmer 7 years ago

I think it's very funny, but a score in the 6s isn't that unusual for films I like.

[–] jdforyou1983 (1469) 3 years ago

It had a couple of funny scenes

my rating 6.2/10