Based on the book by Spike Milligan, this silly comedy follows a wise-cracking big band trumpet player (Jim Dale) through basic training for World War II. The jokes are a bit old, but Dale’s energy and charm make even the most tired puns and pratfalls worth at least smiling at. What makes the film work, though, is the way director Norman Cohen guides the cast through the emotional moments where the harsh reality of war comes crashing in on all the frivolity. It’s not an easy balance to find, but they pull it off with style.
No comments:
Post a Comment