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Title: Young Frankenstein (Special Edition) (1998) |
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Review of Young Frankenstein (Special Edition)
- If you were to argue that Mel Brooks's Young Frankenstein ranks among the top-ten funniest movies of all time, nobody could reasonably dispute the claim. Spoofing classic horror in the way that Brooks's previous film Blazing Saddles sent up classic Westerns, the movie is both a loving tribute and a raucous, irreverent parody of Universal's classic horror films Frankenstein (1931) and Bride of Frankenstein (1935). Filming in glorious black and white, Brooks re-created the Frankenstein laboratory using the same equipment from the original Frankenstein (courtesy of designer Kenneth Strickfaden), and this loving attention to physical and stylistic detail creates a solid foundation for nonstop comedy. The story, of course, involves Frederick Frankenstein (Gene Wilder) and his effort to resume experiments in re-animation pioneered by his late father. (He's got some help, since dad left behind a book titled How I Did It.) Assisting him is the hapless hunchback Igor (Marty Feldman) and the buxom but none-too-bright maiden Inga (Teri Garr), and when Frankenstein succeeds in creating his monster (Peter Boyle), the stage is set for an outrageous revision of the Frankenstein legend. With comedy highlights too numerous to mention, Brooks guides his brilliant cast (also including Cloris Leachman, Madeline Kahn, Kenneth Mars, and Gene Hackman in a classic cameo role) through scene after scene of inspired hilarity. Indeed, Young Frankenstein is a charmed film, nothing less than a comedy classic, representing the finest work from everyone involved. Not one joke has lost its payoff, and none of the countless gags have lost their zany appeal. From a career that includes some of the best comedies ever made, this is the film for which Mel Brooks will be most fondly remembered. Befitting a classic, the Special Edition DVD includes audio commentary by Mel Brooks, a "making of" documentary, interviews with the cast, hilarious bloopers and outtakes, and the original theatrical trailers. No video library should be without a copy of Young Frankenstein. And just remember--that's Fronkensteen. --Jeff Shannon
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Comments for Young Frankenstein (Special Edition)
- Posted on 2008-06-19
Most Overrated Film Ever
Please go out and watch this film as it is a curious enigma. It may in fact be the most overrated movie ever.
The jokes are as obvious and slow as a wet week, and the script is as vapid as the performances.
If you love it, that's great, but I challenge you to show it to anyone under 30 and see if they laugh.
I didn't, and I love Gene Wilder immensly.
The humour in this film is as basic as you can get. Let's face it, if you really love this movie you probably think "Friends" is high comedy and that Ben Affleck can act.
It's not, he can't and I'm sorry, but your humour synapses are as underdeveloped as George Bush's speaking ability.
I'm so sorry to all you people out there who love this waste of celluloid, but it is simply not great. It's not even good.
The fact is: it blows.
Score: 1
- Posted on 2008-06-19
Puttin' on the Ritz
Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein are cheerfully sent up in this witty, wacky parody. Fans of the originals will smile in recognition as their favorite scenes are played for laughs. Mel Brooks used many of the same set pieces from the original Frankenstein and filmed in black and white to add to the fun. A great deal of effort went into recreating the sets to give it authenticity. Wilder and Brooks clearly admired and enjoyed the original movies.
Wilder, Peter Boyle, Marty Feldman, Teri Garr and Madeline Kahn and Cloris Leachman had a great time with all the double entendres and silly gags and their enthusiasm shows in their wonderful, inspired performances. Many of the funnier lines were ad-libbed and funnier sight gags thought up on the spur of the moment. Gene Hackman has a neat little scene as a blindman and the dramatic actor does a surprisingly good job with the humor.
I'd strongly recommend seeing the Frankenstein movies before watching this. Young Frankenstein stands alone as a funny movie but framing it against the originals reveals its brilliance. In any case, you have to see this movie. It's more fun than a roll in ze hay.
Score: 5
- Posted on 2008-06-14
Great Entertainment!
This just might be the funniest movie ever made. Brook's, Wilder's and the entire crew's efforts created scene after scene of flawless timing, great characterizations, and 'classic' comedy.
The 'extras' on this DVD version have deleted scenes which serve to confirm that some of Brook's best work on this film was in the editing room -- the finished product is much better without the scenes he chose to leave out.
It's great fun that can be watched and enjoyed over and over again.
Score: 5 - Posted on 2008-06-09
Quite possibly the greatest comedy of all time; and I'm not lying...
Quite honestly one of the greatest comedies ever filmed, `Young Frankenstein' is a marvel of cinema and a treasure for every film library. The film sports some hilarious performances, iconic at that, not to mention a tightly woven script with jokes that actually land; all of which come together beautifully to create an extremely memorable comedic experience. It's rare for me to find a comedy that covers every base. As much as I enjoy a good comedy I often refer to dramatic films when speaking of `the best of film' but I would be a liar if I said that `Young Frankenstein' isn't one of the greatest `movies' ever made, let alone comedies.
The film follows the grandson of Dr. Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein, as he inherits his grandfather's castle. Frankenstein has spent his entire life trying to live down the reputation of his experimental grandfather but he soon finds himself falling into his granddads footsteps. Equipped with a hunchbacked sidekick Igor, the beautiful Inga and the mysterious Frau Blucher, Frankenstein makes his own attempt at creating life from death, with some disastrous (not to mention hilarious) consequences.
Gene Wilder was one hilarious actor. I love his character creations, Frederick Frankenstein resting right up there with Willy Wonka for me. He truly shines here, it's no wonder he considered this his favorite of all the films he made. Marty Feldman steals this film though as Igor. His performance is comedic genius. The way he always manages to steal the limelight in the scene, becoming the focal point of our attention due to his marvelous comedic timing. Teri Garr is also right on point and effortlessly captivating, but she can't hold a candle to Cloris Leachman or Madeline Kahn who are both uproarious here; especially Leachman (that whole violin scene leaves me in stitches every time).
We cannot leave out the late, great, Peter Boyle who dominates this film as the monster. He makes him human, yes, but more importantly he makes him funny. That whole `Puttin on the Ritz' scene (arguably the best scene in the film) is precisely the reason why this film is a `must see-must own' staple for any lover of film.
Mel Brooks was known for his comedies, many of which are considered classics and are adored by many. In my humble opinion, this is his finest film. It gets everything right, and that is a rare treat indeed. There is not a dry spot found here, each and every gag landing right where it is supposed to (word is that for every joke that landed there were two or three that fell flat so there was a massive editing procedure done to save the film and deliver this finely polished finished product).
There are plenty of spoofs out there today, films that take something classic and tear it to shreds in an effort to elicit some laughs. Sadly many of them fall flat. `Young Frankenstein' is the film that they should all aspire to be because it is the one film that actually manages to deliver a unique and memorable experience without tarnishing the good name of the original. Yes, `Young Frankenstein' draws all of its humor from cracking fun at Mary Shelley's classic, but this film manages to become its own film, separate from its inspiration and thus earning its very own place in our hearts.
There are few films that I could sit and watch time and time again. This is right at the top of that very short list.
Score: 5 - Posted on 2008-06-02
"Fire good!"
Hollywood just doesn't make them this funny anymore. Laugh out loud with Young Frankenstein.
Score: 5