Hopscotch | | Cast : | Walter Matthau, Glenda Jackson | | Director : | Ronald Neame | | Studio : | Criterion Collection | | Format : | Color, Closed-captioned, Widescreen | | Released Date : | January 01, 1980 | | DVD Released Date : | August 20, 2002 | | Language : | English (Dubbed), English (Original Language), English (Subtitled) | | Audience Rating : | R (Restricted) | | | BUY THIS DVD FROM AMAZON |
Customer Reviews
| Rating |  | | Date | May 28, 2005 | | Summary | Matthau, Jackson and Mozart; What More Could You Want? | Content
 | Building on their chemistry in 1978's HOUSE CALLS, Walter Matthau and Glenda Jackson again were paired in HOPSCOTCH (1980), a melodious and gentle interpretation of Brian Garfield's novel of the same name (as is the basic story line, but with heart and humor; none of the novel characters were anywhere near as appealing).
It's that rarity in movies for the '80's: a truly intelligent but unassuming action comedy, strong on character and language and carrying little in the way of real violence. CATCH ME IF YOU CAN is one contemporary movie in much the same vein.
Garfield was the primary screenwriter, but it was Matthau who was a major influence in the story, down to suggesting music for the soundtrack (which was sadly never produced, though it could probably be reconstructed) and the casting. Ned Beatty is properly crude, Sam Waterson bemused, and Glenda Jackson her feisty self. But it is clearly Matthau's film -- mugging, hamming and thumbing his nose at authority. The movie is peppered with jokes about age, politics and relationships, and while it may not generate belly laughs, it sneaks up and grabs you, and doesn't let go.
Critics faulted the movie for Beatty's liberal use of the "F" word (well, it was 1980!), and this DVD edition offers two versions: the original as shown in theaters, and a sanitized version for television, or those faint of heart.
That being said, I prefer the original -- without the profanity, Beatty's character would have seemed toothless at times, and it was precisely his earnest crudeness that weighed so heavily in contrasting him with Matthau's urbane character.
I hope no one tries a "remake" of this gem. It wouldn't be anywhere near as much fun if it were produced today. In an era where toilet jokes pass as comedy and where "heroes" have to either be obnoxious or neurotic, this caliber of writing and acting would simply sail over most people's heads.
No, it's not "grand cinema," but it takes you on a warm and honest little romp that leaves you cheering and laughing all the way. If you're looking for intelligence in your humor and real professional actors at the top of their game, get this one! |
| Rating | | | Date | March 08, 2005 | | Summary | Hopscotch...Good Title | Content
| was suprised to see criterion release hopscotch, but glad they did. here matthau is repremanded for allowing a wanted KGB agent to walk. matthau's integrity is too precious to take guff from even the CIA. subsequently, he does not take the news of being reassigned to the job of file clerk very well so he begins to write his memoires, leaking secret information to the opposition. the ensuing chase is slapstick, a spy vs. spy comedy with great international locations. frankly, using the cold war as a catalyst for comedy was long overdue by 1980. |
| Rating | | | Date | October 30, 2004 | | Summary | A teriffic classic movie! | Content
| What more needs to be said? A farcical spy film...it's not a 'bust your gut laughing'comedy...and it's not spoofy like 'Airplane'or or Mel Brooks. It's a good humored spy vs. spies movie. Possibly for a more mature audience, or those who like Walter Matthau.(who doesn't?) The pictures and film seem a little 70's -ish, with mature characters that seem zany in their chase around the world. Sort of a respect your elders kind of film. A great cast, and many memorable lines. |
| Rating | | | Date | October 18, 2004 | | Summary | A great spy comedy. one of the best! | Content
| This review is for the Criterion Collection DVD edition of the film.
Hopscotch, starring Walter Matthau, is one of the better spy comedies I have seen. It is well presented on DVD here.
Mles Kendig, is an aging spy. When reassigned from the field to desk duty, he beomes furious and starts to expose top secret information to the intelligence agencies of several countries and announces intentions to publish it. There are some great comedic scenes in it including where Kendig hides out in his boss' s house and his boss watched in horror as the SWAT team shoots up the house.
The acting in the film is quite good and has some excellent scenes in it. Actress Glenda Jackson's slight resemblance to actress Jolene Blalock is apparent in this film, and being a Star Trek fan, I find this comical.
The Criterion DVD has some great special features including one which in very unique.
There is, of course, a theatrical trailer, and a teaser trailer. There is also an introduction to the film with interviews of Ronald Neame and Brian Garfield, the film's director and writer, respectively.
Also, there is a second audio track which was used for television airings of the film. This dubbed track replaces most of the profanity in the film with less objectionable words. Though it is listed for "family viewing" there is still violence in the film and would probably get a PG rating.
Fans of other spy comedies will love this one! |
| Rating | | | Date | October 06, 2004 | | Summary | Hopscotch | Content
| Without a doubt, we think this is one of the most enjoyable movies ever made, especially with Matthau and Jackson's perfomances. Perhaps this is appreciated more by the older generation (of which we are) but we do look at our copy at least once a year and always enjoy. Several friends, who have seen our copy, have requested copies of their own but you do not seem to have any. Might a re-issue be in order? |
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