A Fine Mess

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A Fine Mess

PG

Released Aug 8, 1986

1h 28m

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

25%

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8 Reviews

33%

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1,000+ Ratings

While at the racetrack, actor Spence (Ted Danson) overhears two mobsters plotting to fix a race by injecting a horse with steroids. When Spence and his friend Dennis (Howie Mandel) try to bet on the juiced horse, mob boss Tony Pazzo (Paul Sorvino) orders his goons to silence the duo forever. To make matters worse, Spence starts having an affair with Pazzo's wife, Claudia (Maria Conchita Alonso), and the police begin investigating recent events at the racetrack.

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Derek Malcolm

Guardian

It spins out of control like it was written by a latter-day Feydeau with hysterics. Here and there one can see authentic Edwards touches. But only with field glasses. The naked eye discerns nothing much at all.

Nov 3, 2021

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Paul Attanasio

Washington Post

... relies on shtick that ranges from the familiar ("Three Stooges"-style horseplay) to the prehistoric (as at an auction where Danson and Mandel sniff their armptis and unwittingly enter the bidding).

Jan 3, 2018

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Walter Goodman

New York Times

The acting, to use a quiet word, is broad, with everybody giving big reactions at the smallest incitement, but not broad enough to cover the lack of content.

May 21, 2003

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Ryan Murphy

Miami Herald

Unless you're a constipated horse or a lover of truly tasteless cinema, A Fine Mess is one you don't want to wander into.

Rated: 1.5/4

Aug 17, 2021

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Scott Weinberg

DVDTalk.com

Obviously inspired by the 1932 Laurel & Hardy short The Music Box, A Fine Mess represents director Blake Edwards at his most witless and desperate.

Rated: 1.5/5

Dec 22, 2005

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...a thoroughly ludicrous but strangely enjoyable piece of work.

Rated: 2.5/4

Nov 26, 2005

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matthias s

"A Fine Mess" (1986), directed by Blake Edwards, disappoints as a comedy. The film stars Ted Danson and Howie Mandel as friends caught up in a horse-racing scam. Despite a promising premise, the movie is bogged down by a weak script and disjointed plot, making it hard to stay focused. The humor, mostly slapstick, feels forced and rarely lands, resulting in a dull viewing experience. Danson and Mandel's chemistry can't compensate for the film's flaws, and the supporting cast adds little value. One bright spot is the great soundtrack, which provides some enjoyment amidst the chaos. A few chuckles here and there can't save "A Fine Mess" from being a largely forgettable film. Overall, it's aptly named—a messy, unengaging comedy that struggles to hold attention.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

07/02/24

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StephenPaul C

LOL, the funniest 01 hour: and 28 minutes starring Ted Danson and Howie Mandel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/16/23

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Audience Member

good drama with some slaps stick thrown in 4 good measure

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

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Audience Member

Funny Comedy And One Of The Best theme Song In Movie History.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/28/23

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Audience Member

haven't seen this flick in ages... they just don't make like these any more.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/12/23

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Audience Member

i felt lost watching this film .. i kept losing focus and drifting off. i will watch again sometime.. kind of a lackluster blake edwards film

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

02/02/23

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Blake Edwards

Director

Ted Danson

Spence Holden

Howie Mandel

Dennis Powell

Richard Mulligan

Wayne "Turnip" Parragella

Stuart Margolin

Maurice "Binky" Drundza

Maria Conchita Alonso

Claudia Pazzo

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Synopsis

While at the racetrack, actor Spence (Ted Danson) overhears two mobsters plotting to fix a race by injecting a horse with steroids. When Spence and his friend Dennis (Howie Mandel) try to bet on the juiced horse, mob boss Tony Pazzo (Paul Sorvino) orders his goons to silence the duo forever. To make matters worse, Spence starts having an affair with Pazzo's wife, Claudia (Maria Conchita Alonso), and the police begin investigating recent events at the racetrack.

Director: Blake Edwards
Producer: Tony Adams
Screenwriter: Blake Edwards
Production Co: Blake Edwards, Delphi V Productions, Columbia Pictures
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 8, 1986, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 18, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $5.0M
Runtime: 1h 28m

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