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Funny Farm (1988)
Rate:
6
Viewed:
6/04, 5/25
5/25:
I'm being generous when I give Funny Farm a '6'.
It's not that bad but is rarely funny for a Chevy Chase picture. There are plenty of memorable scenes such as
the movers being unable to find the house, the driver throwing mail on the ground because it's five miles off
his route, the dog running away after he's brought home, Andy Farmer breaking the record for the most lamb
fries eaten, and the boaters hitting each other during fishing. The only part I would cut out is the two boys
taking down road signs; it's disgusting.
A lot of the film reminds me of The Egg and I. Instead of running a chicken
farm, the Farmers decide to live in the country in order to publish a novel and relax in peace, but it doesn't
work out as expected. Funny Farm could've been a lowbrow 80's comedy picture, but the classic route is
taken to make it a respectable show, thanks to director George Roy Hill, which was shot on location in Vermont.
The performances are nothing to shout about. Chevy Chase takes everything in stride and reacts as
accordingly. Madolyn Smith is right there with him in each step of the way. If I were their characters, I
would up the offer for the house and then take it. They can do better by living somewhere else with less eccentric
people. The green car that Andy Farmer drives is a 1955 MG TF 1500 convertible.
All in all, despite the title not showing either, Funny Farm brings back good memories of the gentle tone
as felt in 40's films.