A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

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Kristopher K 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... Rated 1.5/5 Stars •  Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 07/19/25 Full Review CodyZamboni Z 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. Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 09/09/24 Full Review Nawt W 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. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 12/30/22 Full Review joel h 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. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review dave s 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. Rated 1.5/5 Stars •  Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review barbara h I have seen "Funny Thing/Forum" on stage many times, several in NYC, including the original stage production. I've always enjoyed it, especially the music but, then, I'm a big Sondheim fan. I was very disappointed in this film version. Two of my favorite songs -- "Free" and "Dirty Old Man" -- were cut. And there was just too much chasing and running around. It was meant to be bawdy, but I think the director got carried away. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Read all reviews

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

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