Live Life Team
‘Grumpy Old Men’ is a 1993 US comedy film directed by Donald Petrie. It centres on a dollop of crude, raunchy humour and features skilled actors in the lead roles. John Gustafson (played by Jack Lemmon), is a Minnesota native who, for decades, has constantly been having fights with his former best friend and neighbour, Max Goldman (Walter Matthau).The battle between Max and John involves practical jokes and name calling. Max has no idea that John faces serious problems: an IRS agent (Buck Henry) is about to confiscate his house; and Melanie (Daryl Hannah), his daughter, suffers from marital difficulties. Just when it seems that Max and John have settled their childish feud, a new sexy neighbour, Ariel (Ann-Margret), comes into the picture and begins dating both of them. This starts more fighting between them. Regardless of their mutual disgust, John’s problems, a friend’s death, and a developing relationship between Melanie and Max’s son, Jacob (Kevin Pollak), leads to the reconciliation of the two old comrades.
Two masterful actors performed the lead roles with well-worn comfort in this simple but cheerful comedy film. Having performers like Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon, who have won their field’s top honours, star in a gross-out, sex-obsessed comedy is enough to get some viewers grumpy themselves, but Matthau and Lemmon shine even during the dull subplots. ‘Grumpy Old Men’ surely is not an award-winning film. However, it is worth watching this film for the entertainment value and the strength of the actors.
