Common Sense Media Review
By Brian Costello
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
So-so remake of '60s caper has slapstick, brief nudity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Gambit
What's the Story?
Harry Deane (Colin Firth) is an art curator for media mogul Lord Lionel Shabandar (Alan Rickman). Tired of being bullied and belittled by the caustic Shabandar, Deane concocts a scheme to swindle him out of millions. Deane convinces Shabandar that a lost Monet painting has been discovered hanging in the living room of a double-wide trailer in Texas and that the owner of the trailer, a rodeo queen named PJ Puznowski (Cameron Diaz), must be flown to London and convinced to sell the fake painting. But when the original plan falls apart through a series of comic disasters and misunderstandings, Deane and Puznowski must come up with a new plan, even as their partnership is becoming increasingly at odds, and it seems the egocentric Shabandar will emerge victorious yet again.
Is It Any Good?
Despite having a screenplay written by the Coen Brothers, this remake of a 1966 slapstick farce tends to fall flat more often than it succeeds. The moments of slapstick might work better if any of the characters was especially likable and worthy of sympathy, but it all really boils down to which character one dislikes the least. Furthermore, Cameron Diaz's over-the-top Texas accent -- whether intentional or not -- gets very old, very quick.
Although the acting and the writing talent are certainly there, the parts don't quite add up to an entertaining whole. Whether it's a case of it being better to leave the original movie alone or whether there's simply not enough comedic material in the premise -- no matter how many pratfalls are thrown in -- the bottom line is that this movie probably should have been a lot more fun than it actually is.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about remakes. Why do you think this movie was remade? Do you think it works in a more modern setting, as compared to when it was originally made in 1966?
How is slapstick comedy employed throughout the movie? Is it funny?
What other styles of comedy are used in the movie?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 21, 2013
- On DVD or streaming : May 27, 2014
- Cast : Colin Firth , Cameron Diaz , Alan Rickman
- Director : Michael Hoffman
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Sony Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 89 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : Some suggestive content, partial nudity and a rude gesture.
- Last updated : July 26, 2022
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