Grumpy Old Men *** (1993, Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, Ann-Margret, Burgess Meredith, Daryl Hannah, Kevin Pollak, Buck Henry) – Classic Movie Review 1454

Director Donald Petrie’s 1993 romantic comedy is neither sharp nor witty, yet it’s appealing and often funny. It was exceedingly popular and spawned a sequel, Grumpier Old Men, in 1995.

In older age, Jack Lemmon (aged 68) and Walter Matthau (73) are still as engaging and funny as ever in their sixth star paring, playing warring long-time next-door neighbours in Wabasha, Minnesota ,who have been enjoying their lifelong feud for 50 years since childhood.

Lemmon plays retired school teacher and divorcee John Gustafson and Matthau plays former TV repairman and widower Max Goldman. The duo’s rivalry began decades earlier when John had apparently stolen Max’s high school sweetheart.  They lead similar dull, lonely lives, and share a mutual love of ice fishing, insulting, competing and arguing with each other, and staging practical jokes.

But all that changes and their lives finally alter when attractive if eccentric college professor Ariel Truax (Ann-Margret) moves in across the street. Before Matthau can say ‘holy moly’, Lemmon is in bed with the lovely young widow and the duo’s love-hate quarrel hots up big time.

The star support players include Burgess Meredith as Lemmon’s ancient dad (supposedly 94), Daryl Hannah as his daughter, Kevin Pollak as Matthau’s son, and Buck Henry as a field agent from the Internal Revenue Service harassing Lemon who owes thousands in back taxes in a routine sub-plot.

Mark Steven Johnson’s screenplay has some suitably grumpy wit and amusing one-liners, though the slapstick comedy is dreary and more effective plotting and better character development would help credibility.

Ann-Margret makes something charming out of her tricky-to-play love object role, the co-stars work hard and loyally to support  the stars and there are lots of laughs in the post-movie out-takes. There’s much 12 certificate swearing among the insults.

Matthau died on July 1 2000, aged 79,  and Lemmon died on June 27 2001, aged 76. They are very sorely missed.

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© Derek Winnert 2014 Classic Movie Review 1454

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