A Murray Double Feature

Bill Murray's latest feature, Rock The Kasbah, isn't getting any love at the box office and looks like it's on it's way to being forgotten cinema. I thought I'd take a look back at two of his earlier works that have been forgotten over time, but are two of my favorites.

First up is 1990's Quick Change. Murray stars as Grimm, a man fed up with the rat race. With the help of his girlfriend Phyllis, Geena Davis, and best friend Loomis, Randy Quaid, the three decide to rob a bank. They hatch what I think is one of the greatest and smartest bank heists on film. Grimm, dressed as a clown, holds the place up while Phyllis and Loomis are in disguise as customers. I really don't want to give more than that away because it is pretty genius. As the three are making their getaway, roadwork causes them to get lost on their way to the airport. The three are greeted with plenty of mishaps as they try to stay one step ahead of the cops and make their flight.

This is the first, and only time, that Murray has stepped behind the camera as director. Co-directing with Howard Franklin, Murray has a real talent for calling the shots. He assembled a first rate cast too. Davis and Quaid are both very good as is Jason Robards as a retiring cop on their trail. There's also some funny bits with Tony Shalhoub, Phil Hartman, Stanley Tucci, and Phillip Bosco.

I think that Quick Cjange is one of Murray's funniest.

Next up is Murray in a bit of a darker role, 1993's Mad Dog And Glory.

Murray has more of a supporting role in this one. Robert DeNiro stars as Wayne Dobie, a mild mannered photographer for the police. His coworkers jokingly call him "Mad Dog" because of his meekness.One night while at a crime scene, Wayne walks into a convenience store, unknown that it is being held up and ends up saving a hostage. He has no idea that the man he saved is gangster Frank Milo, Murray. Milo wants to repay him and sends over Glory, Uma Thurman, for one week.

At first, Wayne wants nothing to do with this, but he finds out that Glory owes Milo a debt and if he sends her back then she will still be in his debt. The two begin to warm up to one another and fall for eachother, much to the displeasure of Milo.

What I really love about this movie is that DeNiro and Murray play the opposite roles of what they would normally be cast in. And both are terrific. This was one of the first times that Murray played it for more than laughs, and in some scenes he can be pretty terrifying. DeNiro does meek really well, but it's DeNiro. He can do just about everything. Thurman is good in her role too. David Caruso, as DeNiro's partner, and Mike Starr, as Murray's right hand man, are funny in their supporting parts.

Directed by the under appreciated John McNaughton, Mad Dog And Glory is a great film and a showcase for both male leads.