Grumpier Old Men *** (1995, Walter Matthau, Jack Lemmon, Ann-Margret, Sophia Loren, Daryl Hannah, Kevin Pollak, Burgess Meredith) – Classic Movie Review 3828

Director Howard Deutch’s 1995 comedy brings Jack Lemmon (aged 70) and Walter Matthau (75) back as the long-time feuding next-door neighbours in Wabasha, Minnesota in this bright and jolly sequel to their unexpected 1993 hit, Grumpy Old Men. Series newcomer Sophia Loren plays Maria Sophia Coletta Ragetti, who arrives in town to start an Italian restaurant.

Grumpier Old Men has enough wit, romance and bright performances to see it through the bumpier moments in original screen-writer Mark Steven Johnson’s old-style screenplay that will satisfy the many fans of the old stars. Lemmon are still priceless and peerless as retired school teacher and divorcee John Gustafson and Matthau as former TV repairman and widower Max Goldman.

It is perhaps not a great comedy, maybe, but it is certainly as good as the original. And Loren plus the returning cast of Meredith (as Lemmon’s lusty ancient father), Ann-Margret (as attractive if eccentric college professor Ariel Truax, now married to John), Daryl Hannah (as Lemmon’s daughter Melanie) and Kevin Pollak (as Matthau’s son Jacob) provide lots of fun.

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© Derek Winnert 2016 Classic Movie Review 3828

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