Hidden Movie Gem: “Spies Like Us”
Today’s Hidden Movie Gem guest post comes courtesy of Esmeralda Kendall:
Movie Title: Spies Like Us
Year: 1985
Written by: Dan Aykroyd (story and screenplay), Dave Thomas (story), Lowell Ganz (screenplay) and Babaloo Mandel (screenplay).
Starring: Dan Aykroyd as Austin Millbarge and Chevy Chase as Emmett Fitz-Hume.
Directed by: John Landis.
Plot Summary: Two bumbling government employees think they have been express promoted to U.S. spies, only to discover that they are actually decoys for a nuclear war with the Soviets.
Why I Think This Movie Is A Hidden Gem: Directed by the genius that is John Landis, this movie was met with a mixed to negative response at the time of its release and has never been globally recognised as the brilliant comedy it actually is. A shame, in my opinion, as the movie shows Dan Aykroyd and Chevy Chase at the top of their game. Chase as the low-level diplomat with a thing for beautiful women and Aykroyd as the intelligent code-breaker who has to keep Chase out of trouble. Together they make this comedy work as few others could have. Especially with a plot as thin as this. But their onscreen chemistry and comic timing have made this movie to what it is today: a true icon of the eighties. With absolutely hilarious costumes and disguises, ridiculous chases and over-the-top government action you can’t but laugh and laugh and laugh. And isn’t that exactly what you want from a comedy? It is for me. Combined with the fact that Spies Like Us contains some of the most intelligent, funny and well-written comedy dialogue, makes it even more of a gem. So take another look at this movie and I guarantee some serious stomach pains. No doctor needed. Doctor. Doctor.
My Favorite Moment In This Movie: When Chevy Chase tries to cheat at the exam in more ways imaginable and gets Dan Aykroyd to help him.
My Favorite Dialogue In This Movie: Of course, the many times copied Doctor dialogue. Less really is more in comedy.
Dr. Imhaus: Doctor.
Austin Millbarge: Doctor.
Dr. Imhaus: Doctor.
Emmett Fitz-Hume: Doctor.
[Imhaus exits]
Dr. Marston: Doctor.
Austin Millbarge: Doctor.
Dr. Marston: Doctor.
Emmett Fitz-Hume: Doctor.
[Marston exits]
Karen Boyer: Doctor.
Austin Millbarge: Doctor.
Karen Boyer: Doctor.
Emmett Fitz-Hume: [amorously] Doctor!
[Boyer exits]
Jerry Hadley: Doctor.
Austin Millbarge: Doctor.
Jerry Hadley: Doctor.
Emmett Fitz-Hume: Doctor.
[Hadley exits]
Austin Millbarge: We’re not doctors!
Key Things You Should Look For When Watching This Movie: Being an ode to the buddy movies of Bing Crosby and Bob Hope, there is a wonderful cameo appearance of the latter, where he suddenly enters the tent in the middle of the desert, with his golf club and outfit. And he isn’t the only cameo in the movie. Also, as I mentioned before, the dialogue is a wonderful example of how to write for comedy. The pace is excellent.
Movie Trailer:
Thanks, Esmeralda! To show our gratitude for your guest post, here’s a dash of creative juju for you. Whoosh!
Tomorrow: Another Hidden Movie Gem!
Note: At this point, we have 27 guest posts. We are shooting for 31. If you’d like to submit a post for one of your favorite Hidden Movie Gems, please use the above template and email to me.
Also I’m looking for a special horror gem to post on Halloween Day.
You’ve done a great job so far, folks. Let’s finish this series strong!
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