Young Frankenstein 1974

Thought it’d be a good time to revisit this, following the sad news of Gene Wilder’s death.

On the face of it, Young Frankenstein is a simple parody of big old studio horror films, but as soon as the film starts rolling it immediately becomes clear that it’s more homage than satire.

The set design, the music and even the film stock used have all been carefully pored over by Brooks and Wilder, with the end result being a loving tribute to old Hollywood rather than a scathing mockery. There are no cheap shots here, and this is probably what makes this film a timeless classic compared to some of its peers.

Aside from the film-stealing cabaret sequence, the humour is surprisingly low-key. The biggest laughs come from the simplest of glances, the quick one-liners and the subtle detail. It’s all about actors reacting to each other, rather than hamming it up.

Brooks once again displays his flair for directing comedy. I particularly love the way he handles bawdy jokes, like an uncle telling you stuff you shouldn’t be hearing. Even the most ardent PC Nazis can’t help but laugh.

A one-of-a-kind masterpiece to be enjoyed for many years to come.

http://benoliver999.com/film/2016/09/01/youngfrankenstein/

"My grandfather's work was doo-doo!"

Quite possibly the most overrated comedy film in existence. I don't understand why the masses are so enamored with it. I almost gave it one less heart. I know I hardly laugh at comedy films, to begin with, but I can still grasp if I thought it/something was funny. This film didn't even accomplish that except with one scene: when Igor went feral on Elizabeth. I also let out a little chuckle on that scene. I remember seeing the blooper (possibly bloopers) for that scene; Gene Wilder was cracking up, and it was even funnier. I'd imagine that one took the most takes to do. Two other instances were good: the one where Frederick is having a nightmare (I've seen the blooper or bloopers for that, too) and the one where he's getting tossed around.

Besides that, this film was (dare I say) boring, especially when the focus was on The Monster by himself; that was mind-numbingly boring. It seems to have aged and deteriorated alarmingly quickly, to the point of defying any and every scientific basis and belief. And the crowd gasped, never having heard such blasphemy, nor had such blasphemy dared to enter what's considered most sacred of all: the organs named ears which were possessed by all.

Seriously, though. I didn't find this film engaging. I suppose, with comedy films, there isn't a need for that, a need to make it engaging: because the comedy should distract from that, keeping you entertained instead. But what about when the comedy fails to do that?

After Blazing Saddles, you'd think Mel Brooks is capable. You'd think that he could do no wrong, that every film of his would be similar. Wrong. You fell for the illusion. I'm baffled this film came out at the end of the same year Blazing Saddles did. It didn't seem Mel Brooks-esque at all. It's like someone tried cloning him but had a dunce like Igor help with the process, resulting in a colossal failure. At least there was Robin Hood: Men in Tights years later.

And despite there only being that one scene I thought was funny (and even chuckled at) and two others that were similar, Gene Wilder (who reminds me of Ryan Gosling, or rather the other way around) elevated the viewing experience tremendously. His performance added some flavor to a bland dish. It was not only good acting but also enjoyable and entertaining to watch. I suppose Madeline Kahn accomplished that, too. She should've had more screen time. Teri Garr, Marty Feldman, Peter Boyle, Cloris Leachman, and Kenneth Mars were all fine, although Frau and Inspector Kemp were borderline annoying because of the equally borderline-annoying accents.

So, my opinion of this film is that it's overrated. Naturally, there were some things to give credit to, but it's one of the weakest films I've watched. I'm not angry; I'm just disappointed.