A Fish Called Wanda

Movie review by Elliot Panek, Common Sense Media
A Fish Called Wanda Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 16+

Crime caper has a wicked edge, lots of mature humor.

R 1988 108 minutes
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Parents say

age 16+

Based on 4 reviews

Kids say

age 13+

Based on 10 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this fast-paced heist comedy from some of the folks behind Monty Python's Flying Circus isn't intended to provide positive messages or role models -- just to be funny. Much of its humor is of the envelope-pushing variety: There's sadistic treatment of a stuttering character, dogs and fish are killed, guns are wielded, and characters are roughed up and targeted for murder. There's also a fair bit of strong language (including "f--k" and "s--t"), some simulated sex, infidelity, kissing, explicit sex talk, and a scene in which a man is shown naked from behind. Characters frequently betray and double-cross each other; they also get away with crimes without being punished. But it's all presented in a comic way, so as long as they're ready for edgy, British-flavored humor, mature teens should be able to handle it.

Community Reviews

Dylan1226
Dylan1226 Adult
March 27, 2020
age 14+

Hilarious, racy movie, most teens can handle it...

This was one of my favorite comedies growing up and I showed it to my sons, 14 and 12 recently... They both thought it was hilarious. It's racy at times, language is strong, but it's all done for humor and this is one of the funniest movies ever. Just a truly, truly hilarious movie.
sarge123
sarge123 Adult
October 23, 2015
age 18+

15+

See all 4 parent reviews

What's the Story?

After pulling off a daring daylight diamond heist, a team of theives -- including sexy Wanda (Jamie Lee Curtis), unpredicatable Otto (Kevin Kline), and mild-mannered Ken (Michael Palin) -- starts double-crossing one another in order to claim the loot for themselves. An unsuspecting barrister (John Cleese) gets pulled into the fray, and as lying begets more lying, it all turns into a delightfully loopy farce.

Is It Any Good?

A FISH CALLED WANDA is a British crime caper that features a comedic tour de force performance by Kline. Cleese's character is a distant cousin to the one he played in beloved Britcom Fawlty Towers, a brow-beaten husband whose efforts to hide an indiscretion result in hilarity. These familiar situations benefit immensely from Cleese's skill; he carries off such scenes with aplomb.

Kline, though, is the real star here -- his elevation of obnoxiousness to a high art won him a well-deserved Best Supporting Actor Oscar. His amalgamation of overconfidence and kinetic energy is so extreme, his shifts in manner from faux-Buddhist to faux-Italian so abrupt, that you can't help but laugh. Without him, the movie would be a bit plain, with the familiar twists and turns of the double-cross jewel-thief escapade. But with him, it's a comedy treat sure to entertain Monty Python fans and British humor enthusiasts alike.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the characters. Are any of them intended to be role models? If not, are they still sympathetic? Why? How do movies get us to root for "bad" guys?

  • What kind of consequences would these characters face in real life for their actions?

  • Do you find this movie funny or over the top? Why do you think different people find different things funny?

Movie Details

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