Stir Crazy

I was nervous about seeing this movie again for the first time in over 10 years cause it used to be one of my favorite comedies as a teen. Would it stand the test of time? Would I still laugh at some of the funnies that I did back in the day of my peachfuzz mustache?

Well, I’m happy to report that YES, the movie does stand the test of time and I was really happy to see that at least one of my faves from the 80s still did. Gene Wilder is hilariously funny in this movie as the happy-go-lucky guy who never really comes to grips with the reality of his dire situation. Richard Pryor is also good, but I only noticed this time around, that he actually only plays “second fiddle” to Wilder’s funnier character.

The story is also pretty interesting, with one of the most elaborate jail break sequences set to film topping of the whole thing. I did think that the film went a little too long and that the “rodeo” angle was a little far-fetched, but overall this movie had me cracking up for most of its way.

Check it out if you want to see a funny “prison” movie with Wilder and Pryor in their prime. Also, see Craig T. Nelson in a small role as prison guard.

(c) 2021 Berge Garabedian