Do Not Watch This Movie

Why do I say that? Two reasons. This is a caper movie, and it's a remake.

By caper movie, I mean this is the sort of movie with a really interesting plot, and it's fun to watch it unfold. It surprises you. You start out knowing what impossible thing the characters are trying to do, but not knowing how they are going to do it. It's fun to watch it come together. And even after that, there are plenty of surprises in store for you.

It's not a remake of a crappy movie that needed to be remade. The original stars Alec Guiness, Herbert Lom and Peter Sellers. These are some funny guys, and the original is both charming and hilarious. Yes, it's dated, but it is in color, and nothing about it requires a major knowledge of history of the viewer.

I have watched the original more than once. Nothing can compare to seeing it the first time, when you don't know what's coming next. It's that kind of plot. In fact, the best thing about seeing it again is showing it to someone who hasn't seen it, and watching their reaction to the surprises. So, you might think, so it's a remake, so what? I can always see the original later. But if you already know where it's going, it makes a difference.

I have talked to, and read comments by, people who have seen both versions. It's easy to tell which one they saw first, even if they don't say. Those who see this version first generally think both versions are pretty good. That should be a clue, because as I said, watching the plot unfold is a huge part of the fun. And sure enough--those who see the original version first think that one is a truly great movie, and this one sucks bad.

Now, maybe you're one of those people who can't watch an old movie for whatever reason. Maybe you get too distracted by seeing things that are out of date. Maybe you're still in that adolescent denial, and don't want to believe there was life before you were born. Or maybe you're a Coen fan, or a Hanks fan. Whatever. I knew before I started typing that someone would flame me for this. Flame away.

All I know is, those who see this first merely like it, while those who see the original first love it. You have been warned. I tried to do you a favor.