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A Fine Mess

Play trailer Poster for A Fine Mess PG Released Aug 8, 1986 1h 28m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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25% Tomatometer 8 Reviews 33% Popcornmeter 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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A Fine Mess

Critics Reviews

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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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews ...a thoroughly ludicrous but strangely enjoyable piece of work. Rated: 2.5/4 Nov 26, 2005 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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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 Full Review Audience Member good drama with some slaps stick thrown in 4 good measure Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 01/21/23 Full Review Audience Member Funny Comedy And One Of The Best theme Song In Movie History. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/28/23 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Audience Member Blake Edwards has made a fine mess of a movie. Saying that is far too easy because it's confused, unappealingly frantic & void of laughs...& its soundtrax is one of the worse that I heard in a 80s movie. I can't believe someone got commissioned to write these songs. Actually I can't believe someone got paid for writing this script & that everyone collected a paycheck. @ least this bombed @ the show & everyone got their just deserts. I have never seen such mishandled slap stick & isn't funny but just headache inducing. As I type this Im watching the The 3 Stooges just to cleanse myself & to see some japing done right Rated 1 out of 5 stars 01/27/23 Full Review Read all reviews
A Fine Mess

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Cast & Crew

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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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A Fine Mess

A Fine Mess (1986) A Fine Mess (1986) View more photos

Movie Info

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
Columbia Pictures, Blake Edwards, Delphi V Productions
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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