Oscar

Hi. My name is Steven, and I'm a Sylvester Stallone fan. There, I said it. I know that he is known for his pure machismo, but the guy is an Academy Award winner and almost method in his performances. You can't tell me that Copland wasn't a method performance. He also seems like he has a sense of humor. There's kind of a wink and smirk to his performances in some of his more, testosterone laden films. But, when it comes to comedies, Sly hasn't had much luck. Be it the so bad it's entertaining Rhinestone, or just the plain awful Stop, Or Mom Will Shoot, Stallone has had a hard time finding the right comedy vehicle. There is one exception though, his 1991 film Oscar.

On the death bed of his father, Kirk Douglas, gangster "Snaps" Provolone, Stallone, promises his dad that he will give up the criminal life and go straight. "Snaps" has every intention of doing this and trie to become a bank trustee. But the morning he invites the trustee's over to persuade them everything that can go wrong does. There's a missing bag filled with cash that he was going to use as a donation. His accountant, Vincent Spano, confesses his love for "Snaps'" daughter, Marissa Tomei, a spoiled brat who may be pregnant. There's a speech therapist, Tim Curry, whose trying to give "Snaps" a lesson on how to speak properly with the upperclass. Some Feds, lead by Kurtwood Smith, across the street, waiting for "Snaps" to go back to his old life so they can bust him. And this is just the beginning.

Like an old school, screwball comedy from the 40's and 50's, Oscar has a very frantic, fast pace with lots of running from room to room and quck banter. This is all handled in the capable hands of legendary comedy director John Landis. One thing I like about Landis' approach is that he could have easily handed the starring role over to someone like Chevy Chase or Steve Martin, but he took a chance with Stallone, who handles it beautifully. Sly has a nice balance of toughness and being frazzled. Landis did surround Stallone with some very funny actor's, especially Curry, who could have easily fit into a screwball farce from the golden days.

Oscar is a very funny film that really highlights Stallone's funny side. Definately not one that should be forgotten.