The Man Who Knew Too Little

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The Man Who Knew Too Little

PG

Released Nov 14, 1997

1h 34m

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

37%

Tomatometer

38 Reviews

69%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

In London to celebrate his birthday with James (Peter Gallagher), his rich younger brother, hapless American Wallace Ritchie (Bill Murray) gets signed up to participate in an elaborate role-playing theater performance. However, when Wallace accidentally receives a call intended for an actual hit man, he gets caught in a web of intrigue, completely unaware that the action unfolding around him is real. Luckily, the lovely Lori (Joanne Whalley) is around to help the clueless guy out of tight spots.

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Richard Williams

Guardian

An hour and a half of unsophisticated satire.

Feb 2, 2023

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Ryan Gilbey

Independent (UK)

A plain caper comedy which [Bill Murray] singlehandedly elevates into a goofy gem.

Feb 2, 2023

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David Gritten

Daily Telegraph (UK)

In this attempt to revive Bill Murray's dwindling career as a leading man, dumb humor is the order of the day.

Feb 2, 2023

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Mike Davies

Birmingham Post

Murray, not playing mean streak for once, is on his best comic form in years, but unfortunately this is a one joke movie and Too Little does not go a long way.

Feb 2, 2023

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

Aside from all the fitting silliness that embellishes the storyline, the conclusion is an absolute mess.

Rated: 4/10

Sep 14, 2020

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...a misguided and terminally unfunny disaster that's rarely as appealing or entertaining as star Bill Murray's typically charismatic performance.

Rated: 1.5/4

May 5, 2015

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Rachel H.

Somewhat violent so 4 stars

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/22/25

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Stephen C

Funny in 1 hour and 34 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $13,800,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/27/25

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Allison F

Underrated gem of a comedy that you can actually enjoy with your family. It is very silly, and that is the point. I am of the opinion that film critics can’t appreciate this kind of humor, hence the poor ratings. Things to keep in mind: this movie is a parody that pokes fun at “the Man who Knew too Much”, and Tropic Thunder borrowed the plot from this movie.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/04/25

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Jeff W

Some movies just never get old, and The Man Who Knew Too Little is definitely in my top 10-15 rewatchable favorites. Bill Murray is an absolute legend, and he brings this role to life with his signature charm and perfect comedic timing. It’s a fun, feel-good adventure that never fails to entertain. This is one of those cases where the Tomatometer definitely got it wrong

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/04/25

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Glen E

Lots of fun, lots of great laughs, and performances

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/16/25

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Jay W

"The Man Who Knew Too Little" is a hilarious movie with a great performance from comedic legend, Bill Murray. Yes, the film can be...a little silly. But, if you are in the mood for a lighthearted, slapstick heavy comedy, this is a fantastic film. The setup is so clever that it was reused to good effect in "Tropic Thunder" and "My Name is Bruce". The main character, played by Bill Murray, thinks he is in a staged production, when in actuality he is the middle of a real life and death situation. Just suspend your disbelief enough to allow that all this stuff could go on. Enjoy the film and don't overthink it.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/21/24

Full Review

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Jon Amiel

Director

Bill Murray

Wallace 'Wally' Ritchie

Peter Gallagher

James 'Jimmy' Ritchie

Joanne Whalley

Lorelei 'Lori'

Alfred Molina

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Richard Wilson

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Synopsis

In London to celebrate his birthday with James (Peter Gallagher), his rich younger brother, hapless American Wallace Ritchie (Bill Murray) gets signed up to participate in an elaborate role-playing theater performance. However, when Wallace accidentally receives a call intended for an actual hit man, he gets caught in a web of intrigue, completely unaware that the action unfolding around him is real. Luckily, the lovely Lori (Joanne Whalley) is around to help the clueless guy out of tight spots.

Director: Jon Amiel
Producer: Mark Tarlov, Michael G. Nathanson, Arnon Milchan
Screenwriter: Robert Farrar, Howard Franklin
Distributor: Warner Bros.
Production Co: Warner Brothers, Regency Enterprises, Polaris Productions
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 14, 1997, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 1, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $13.8M
Runtime: 1h 34m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby Digital, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1), 35mm

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