Pub.lished Movie Reviews
Arthur (1981)
"John Gielgud can steal a scene by simply wearing a hat; it's so crisply angled that you can't take your eyes off him-you want to applaud that perfect hat." - Pauline Kael
While a film about a perpetually drunk alcoholic billionaire might seem unappealing, "Arthur" isn't your normal drunk, and he isn't your normal billionaire.
Dudley Moore plays Arthur, a fun-loving, alcohol-imbibing millionaire, who must marry someone he detests in order to inherit $750 million, which would be $3 billion in today's money.
When Arthur refuses to marry, his family cuts him off, so he needs to learn to survive on the streets. Luckily, Liza Minnelli steps in to save the day.
This is a feel-good comedy, filled with witty one-liners and hilarious banter. Arthur is a funny drunk. He is genuinely funny. He is funny in the way that all drunks think they are when they are drunk. Except Arthur actually is funny. Arthur is looked after by his butler, who has a dry and scathing wit, which is mostly targeted towards Arthur's antics. Yet, the butler uses his sharp and sardonic humor in the most loving way possible.
It's hard to imagine anyone with a shred of empathy not being charmed by Arthur Bach, a lovable lush, whose sole goal seems to be to brighten the day of anyone who might stumble into his life in need of a quick chuckle. In fact, this movie distinguishes itself by presenting its protagonist as more entertaining, witty, and fundamentally human in a few minutes than most of us achieve in a lifetime, capturing not only the illusory qualities that alcoholics mistakenly believe alcohol brings out in them, but also the fundamentally flawed problems of alcohol in the most charming of lights.
"Arthur" is a movie about genuine people, and good people genuinely laughing. It's also a movie about finding love in the most unexpected places. The money and the alcohol are simply the path to get there. Yet, some viewers may have ambivalent feelings about a fairy tale that pretends it is possible to be a funny and charming drunk, and that money doesn't completely corrupt.
"I race cars, play tennis, and fondle women, BUT! I have weekends off, and I am my own boss."
- You are under the age of 13. The movie has some adult themes and language that may not be appropriate for younger viewers.
- You dislike movies that mix drama and comedy. Arthur is a dramedy that balances both elements.
- You prefer action or high-intensity films. Arthur is more of a character study and does not have many high-octane scenes.
- You do not enjoy movies that focus on character flaws and personal grown. The protagonist, Arthur, is far from perfect and the story revolves around his redemption.
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:
What's the deal with Arthur (1981)? I mean, here's a guy who's a millionaire, whose biggest problem is he's expected to marry a woman he doesn't love.
You know, most people's biggest problem is they're expected to work a job they don't love! And this guy's job? Being rich!
And get this, he's a drunk! I mean, most of us need a drink after a hard day's work. But Arthur, he needs a drink after a hard days drinking.
Trading Places (1983)
As you enjoy the comedic elements in Arthur (1981), it would be worth your time to check out Trading Places. The film is an amusing exploration of the nature vs nurture debate, starring Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy. Set during the New York Stock Exchange's frenzy before Christmas, it involves swapping the lives of a street hustler and an investment executive. The witty screenplay and strong performances make for a delightful movie experience.
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)Arthur (1981) and "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" (1971) are masterpieces of their time that combine humor, heart, and a touch of fantasy. Arthur is loved for its charming, eccentric protagonist and the comedic yet touching exploration of his life, which mirrors Willy Wonka's intriguing and whimsical character. Both films share a similar balance of light-hearted comedy and deeper emotional themes, providing a heartwarming journey through the life of an unconventional character. Additionally, both movies are filled with memorable quotes and performances that have stood the test of time.
Groundhog Day (1993)Groundhog Day, featuring Bill Murray, is a wonder of a film that perfectly blends elements of romantic comedy and magical realism. The storyline involves a weatherman trapped in time, forced to live the same day over and over again. Given the witty humor and peculiar circumstances in Arthur, Groundhog Day might be appealing to you.
Caddyshack (1980)Arthur (1981) and "Caddyshack" (1980) are both iconic comedies from the early 80s that incorporate a similar sense of humor, featuring eccentric characters and hilarious, unpredictable antics. Both films have a strong undercurrent of satire aimed at the lives and attitudes of the wealthy, with Arthur being a wealthy drunk and "Caddyshack" focusing on the snobbish members of a golf club. Fans of Arthur will appreciate the clever one-liners, slapstick humor, and socially awkward situations that also characterize "Caddyshack," making it a must-watch for any fan of classic comedy cinema.
Stripes (1981)Arthur and "Stripes" are classic comedies released in 1981 and they both feature lovable, unlikely heroes navigating hilarious predicaments. Arthur, with Dudley Moore playing a drunken millionaire, and "Stripes," featuring Bill Murray as a taxi driver who joins the army, offer a blend of slapstick humor and witty dialogue that defined the era's comedic style. If you love the irreverent humor, quirky characters, and feel-good spirit of Arthur, you'll find the same elements to enjoy in Stripes.
An Officer and a Gentleman (1982)Fans of the 1981 film "Arthur" will love "An Officer and a Gentleman" released in 1982 as both films share a similar theme of personal growth and transformation. Both stories depict a wealthy, privileged protagonist who, through a series of life challenges, romantic entanglements, and encounters with more grounded individuals, matures into a more responsible and compassionate person. The romantic elements, comedic moments, and dramatic tension in both films provide an engaging and emotional viewing experience.
Tootsie (1982)Arthur (1981) and "Tootsie" (1982) are iconic comedies from the early 80s that brilliantly blend humor with heartfelt storytelling. They share thematic similarities, focusing on flawed but endearing protagonists who must navigate through their personal struggles in unconventional ways, Arthur with his alcoholism and forced marriage, and "Tootsie" with his cross-dressing endeavor to succeed in his acting career. The films are brimming with memorable dialogues, quirky characters, and clever situational comedy, making both a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted, character-driven comedy-drama.
Romancing the Stone (1984)Arthur (1981) and "Romancing the Stone" (1984) are romantic comedies that effortlessly blend humor, adventure, and romance, featuring quirky yet lovable protagonists. These films both have a unique charm and wit, with Arthur being a playboy who must choose between love and a hefty inheritance, and "Romancing the Stone" focusing on a romance novelist who gets involved in a wild adventure. The mix of eccentric characters, engaging plot twists, and clever dialogue in both movies makes them appealing for those who appreciate the blend of comedy and romance with an adventurous twist.
Rain Man (1988)Arthur (1981) and "Rain Man" (1988) are emotionally rich films that blend comedy and drama in a way that touches the heart. They both revolve around the theme of an unexpected friendship that transforms the protagonists' lives. In Arthur, a wealthy alcoholic finds his life changed by a woman he comes to love, while in "Rain Man," a selfish hustler learns to care for his autistic brother. These films are underpinned by remarkable lead performances - Dudley Moore in Arthur and Dustin Hoffman in "Rain Man," which earned them both Academy Awards. Therefore, those who appreciate the deep character development, emotional resonance and blend of humor and drama in Arthur will find the same pleasures in Rain Man.
Ghost (1990)Fanciers of the 1981 film Arthur will likely also enjoy "Ghost" (1990) due to both films' successful blend of comedy, romance, and drama. Both feature charismatic main characters who undergo significant personal growth throughout the film, charming love stories that are central to the plot, and a mix of humor and heart that keeps viewers invested. Moreover, both films balance lighter moments with more serious, emotional scenes, providing a well-rounded cinematic experience.
Jerry Maguire (1996)Buffs of the 1981 film "Arthur" will also appreciate "Jerry Maguire" for its similar blend of humor, drama, and romance. Both movies revolve around wealthy but flawed protagonists who find redemption and genuine happiness through love. The characters Arthur Bach and "Jerry Maguire" are both forced to reassess their lives and priorities, leading to engaging narratives filled with emotional growth, memorable quotes, and compelling performances. So, viewers who enjoyed the mix of comedy and heart in "Arthur" will likely find the same appeal in "Jerry Maguire".
A Fish Called Wanda (1988):A film with comedy at its heart, A Fish Called Wanda is a British-American heist film that features a quarrelling gang of robbers. Their scheming, bickering, and double-crossing each other after a successful jewelry heist moves the plot forward. If you appreciate the humor found in Arthur, you might enjoy this movie, with John Cleese and Jamie Lee Curtis delivering standout performances.
When Harry Met Sally (1989):If character interaction drives your movie selection, When Harry Met Sally is a stellar choice. The film revolves around two best friends questioning if their relationship could ever be strictly platonic. The onscreen chemistry between Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan captures a range of emotions that make this film a must-watch.
Almost Famous (2000):For a slight change of pace, Almost Famous, while still comedic, offers a more dramatic storyline. The film is a semi-autobiographical account of Cameron Crowe's early career as a teenage rock journalist for Rolling Stone magazine. Though it is a coming-of-age narrative, it still has plenty of humor, especially Philip Seymour Hoffman's performance as legendary music critic Lester Bangs.
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