The Birdcage

Starring: Robin Williams, Gene Hackman, Nathan Lane, Calista Flockhart, Diane Wiest, Hank Azaria, Christine Baranski, Dan Futterman
Directed by: Mike Nichols
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy
Box Office: $124,060,553
1996

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: This updated version of the French comedy, La Cage Aux Folles, tells the story of a gay drag club owner (Robin Williams) and his partner and star of the drag queen show (Nathan Lane). When their straight son (Dan Futterman) comes home to announce his planned marriage, it throws the family into chaoas (he's only 20). To make matters worse, his fiance's (Calista Flockhart) father is a respectable Senator (Gene Hackman) who founded an organization based on moral values. When the future in-laws plan to pay a visit, the son begs his father (Williams) to play it straight, enlist the help of his mother (Christine Baranski), and get rid of his partner (Lane) for a day or two. The ultimate cover-up obviously comences with hilarious results.

Review:

Tim: Ok, up front I'm going to admit I had serious reservations going into this film. Why? Well, I'll admit a story about drag queens and middle age gay couple is not my idea of a funfilled afternoon. However, I'll also be the first to admit I thought this movie was great. Robin Williams and Nathan Lane are hilarious together, although by the end of the film, Lane gets on your nerves, and you want to punch him in the face. Gene Hackman gives a good performance. The first half of the him, he doesn't have much to do, but in the latter scenes, he is great. The rest of the supporting cast does an excellent job- I particularly liked Dan Futterman's work here. Another special mention has to go to Hank Azaria, who plays, "Agador Sparticus"- this guy will crack your shit up, trust me.

For many people out there, I'd imagine they have the same reservations about this film that I do. However, I really do recommend taking a chance on this film, and making it a point to sit all the way through it. The film starts off strangely and not very good, and I honestly almost got up to and left. However, as often is the case, preservence pays off, and the film gets much better as it goes along.

Another good aspect of this film is that it's not your conventional comedy. Movie fans, and especially comedy fans can easily get bored and tired with the same old material. It's refreshing on occasion to view a film unlike what you are used to. Despite the "controversial" subject matter, this film is way above decent, and you'll enjoy it if you give it a chance and keep an open mind.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Mrs. Doubtfire, The Wedding Singer, Crimson Tide