A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

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Kristopher K @RT59549386 07/19/2025 This film is based on a fun Broadway musical. It worked better on the stage. They stupidly decided to embellish the simple story with tons of extenuating plots...and chariot races. Just all so much a mess. The leads Zero Mostel, Phil Silvers, Jack Gilford and more are wasted here with over the top filming. Too bad..as the material on stage is clever and witty... See more CodyZamboni Z @CodyZamboni 06/27/2023 This musical comedy is hit and miss, But mostly miss, Hyper slapstick, wild camera angles, crazy editing, non stop gags, and only one memorable song, Things get repetitive and tiresome real fast, I only perked up when 1960's styled attractive women were onscreen. See more Nawt W @RT94004908 12/30/2022 The age-old statement that all humor is subjective must be exercised here. This comedy musical banks on way too much on fast talking, absurdist situations, and misunderstandings. And I know for a fact that this cup of tea isn't just making me sick. Regardless, the music is magnificent. Especially the opening and closing numbers. The sets and costumes also appear authentic, and overall this movie shows a great representation of Roman middle- to lower-class domestic lives, which is rare. The delightfully staged chariot race should also be applauded, even if it's filled with oddball slapstick bits that really meddle with the pacing of said chase. See more joel h @786Joel 04/05/2022 While the humor in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum has definitely aged, the movie still has a certain charm. In fact, if you're in the right mood, you may find yourself laughing quite often at the madcap antics. I think I prefer the stage version of this story, but the film was enjoyable enough for a comedy tonight. See more dave s @RT68722908 03/26/2022 With the exception of a catchy tune or two and a couple of mild chuckles, there's not really much to see in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Set in ancient Rome, Pseudolis (Zero Mostel) tries to negotiate his way out of slavery by agreeing to help find a woman for his slaveowner's son Hero (Michael Crawford) in exchange for his freedom. The whole thing comes across as more theatrical than cinematic with a ton of over-acting, some of the blandest slapstick you'll ever see, and more cringe-worthy one-liners than you can imagine. Wasting the talents of Buster Keaton, Phil Silvers and Jack Gifford, it is a manic mess from start to finish, leaving the viewer more exhausted than entertained by the time it grinds its way to the finale. See more 01/25/2022 Zero Mostel. Buster Keaton. Phil Silvers. For this it was worth signing up for Latin. See more Read all reviews

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

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