The Man Who Knew Too Little (1997)

Very Cool!!!

Very interesting film. Was caught on the premise when seeing the trailer but unsure as to what the outcome would be for the showing. As it turns out, it was a very good film.

This is a must-see and one of the best documentaries - and films - of this year.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

This is a very enjoyable and funny movie that is what I call an "easy watcher" that you don't have to invest too much into, you just have to kick back and get ready to laugh. It's a simple story but Bill Murray is brilliant as pretty much always he is, and this movie is a gem of a film that I think is one of the most underrated comedies of its era.Bill Murray in "The Man Who Knew Too Little" gives us that perfect no-brainer movie everyone in the family should love. Murray stars as a bumbling, clueless American who visits his brother in London on his birthday - unfortunately he's such a buffoon who embarrasses his brother in front of his associates that he is gotten rid of by the brother who "treats" him to a live gaming/theatre event where he will be playing a spy. He's teamed up with an obviously stereo-typically gorgeous female co-spy he hits the town and gets to work, playing it up as a super-spy. Soon he's killing enemy agents left and right.This is a very physical comedy and Murray shines, and it's really just a very silly and completely predictable script but it never fails to deliver laughs which is what this kind of movie is all about. Along with Quick Change this is a Bill Murray comedy masterpiece that deserves much more credit.

The Man Who Knew Too Little (1997): Dir: Jon Amiel / Cast: Bill Murray, Joanne Whalley, Peter Gallagher, Alfred Molina, Richard Wilson: Disappointing spoof of spy movies featuring a man totally unaware of the happenings around him. Bill Murray arrives in London to visit his brother but is introduced to a rare theatre experience. The participants will step into a phone booth where they will receive a call then he literally becomes involved in an act. He believes that he is to play a detective and that those around him are actors. Interesting concept falls into formula until arriving at a nonsense conclusion. Story is just a series of happenings in consistency. Odd choice for director Jon Amiel whose previous film was the dark thriller Copycat. Murray is often hilarious as the guy not quite in on the joke, and he is the one element in the film that holds strong. Supporting roles are not so interesting and often come off as buffoonish. Joanne Whalley as the mysterious woman is a waste because we are never really sure what her mission is to begin with. Frankly, she is nothing more than a potential romantic tease here. Peter Gallagher as Murray's brother overacts. He is basically there to entertain dinner guests and remain out of the picture. Other characters are about as useless as the screenwriter who failed to followup a worthy concept with something worthwhile. It is a satires of spy films that misses by much. Score: 5 ½ / 10

Maybe this was not one of the best movies, or best loved movies(I noticed it lost quite a bit at the box office), but I laughed almost all the way through this. Laughing, I found out early on is somewhat prohibitive in movie theaters, and of course the person next to you wants to hear what's going on. A lot is going on in this comedy, and I happened to like Joanna Whaley a lot in her French Maid. But, if you did not think the flick was all that hot itself, or anyone, an idea might be to watch the movie again and try to notice only Bill Murray. Think about it, he is acting in a movie where he assumes that he is in a contrived situation. The SNL actor is so completely believable, and his character and everybody else's character is supported by a pretty involved script. The whole comedy is worthwhile if you can watch in an unprotracted manner. I have a habit of seeing some highly acclaimed movies in parts. Yet I watched this all the way through without a break. The plot is not anything new by itself, that is the the plot the criminals have in the heart of London. But then the idea of this sort of thick but spontaneous movie rental employee being involved in there makes the picture unique.

Bill Murray has made a lot of brilliant art, from Caddyshack to Rushmore to Lost in Translation. This, I think, is his funniest work. He plays an idiot savant who is fearless, who plays games of life and death because he thinks it's a game. What makes this whole movie seem like a high-wire act is whether Murray will discover that his life really is in danger. If he makes this discovery, his confidence will be shattered and he will fall to pieces. It's a hysterical and brilliant riff on male confidence and male delusion. It's an ode to the power of innocence. He is oblivious to all the bad in the world. He's unaware of his own vulnerability. Compare the sweaty James Bond to the cool and nonchalant Bill Murray. It's like zen for morons. It's hysterical when you watch it and brilliant when you think about it.Taylor Carmichael