dougdoepke Matthau and Lemmon have a natural comedic chemistry that's hard to beat. I thought the first part where the two crusty old rivals try to one-up each other was about the funniest thing I've seen in a long time. Not only are they genuinely aging, Mat-73, Lem-68, without need for make-up, but the snowy Minnesota terrain gives the movie a different look. Filming in Minnesota was an inspiration. I don't think I've ever seen so much real snow in a movie. Note too, that the production goes to some lengths to indicate racial and religious diversity (the Goldman's are clearly Jewish) in America's heartland. Overall, however, the movie's an unspoken message against what's now called "ageism". But the movie's core amounts to the unspoken bond between the two geezers even as they trade verbal barbs. This is where the actors' unusual chemistry comes into play.But then, I think, the movie makes a serious misstep in behalf of ageism that affects the movie's remainder. Ann-Margaret may look good on screen and on marquee, but pairing her glamor romantically with our two aged heroes is a serious bit of miscasting. I know her Ariel is supposed to be a free-spirited bohemian from Berkeley, but visually the contrasts are too strong to be convincing. Besides, much of the initial humor is replaced by a more serious atmosphere that undercuts this second part, including relentless references to the male organ and impotency. Had the producers gone with a less glamorous leading lady, the inventive early humor might have carried through, making this an all-time classic. Nonetheless, much remains to guarantee a lot of good laughs. So catch two of our premier comedic actors still in top form..

Hollywood_Yoda It has been twenty years since the original release of "Grumpy Old Men" and it is still as good now as it was back then. Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau and Burgess Meredith were great.A story about two men who have been friends and neighbors for over fifty years; their trials and tribulations through that time. One is a widow, the other divorced. One day, a younger woman played by Ann-Margret moves in across the street. Both men have their hearts set on her and will fight one another to win her.A very funny and lovable film about friendship, love and family. A few years afterward, a sequel was released, "Grumpier Old Men."

Spikeopath Grumpy Old Men is directed by Donald Petrie and written by Mark Steven Johnson. It stars Walter Matthau, Jack Lemmon, Ann-Margret, Kevin Pollack, Burgess Meredith, Ossie Davis, Daryl Hannah and Buck Henry. Music is by Alan Silvestri and cinematography by Johnny E. Jensen.A lifelong feud between two neighbours has been continuing since for ever. Now in the twilight of their lives, things get worse when a new female neighbour moves across the street.A perennially fun viewing experience, one that boasts a wonderfully mature cast having a good time in the process. It would be easy to decry the formula, the trajectory of where it will go, and maybe stand tall and proclaim the writing isn't up to the standard of a Wilder or Simon movie, but that's kind of missing the point. It's a new era of film and the makers of Grumpy Old Men have tailored it to suit impressively the twin talents of Matthau and Lemmon. Both of whom are wonderful, their chemistry set in cement, their timing and reactions to scripting an utter joy. It's not without problems, anyone can see that, especially when the film veers onto the drama path, but the comedy over rides it all to leave a adult friendly holiday movie full of warmth and chuckles. 7/10

Jonathan Addis I just watched this film again after many years (I think 1994-95) I was charmed. So many titles today can't offer basic principles in comedy, drama and just plain fun. I don't think this is a spoiler but this film doesn't have any blood, psychological pressure or disturbing family secrets. What it does offer is a dosage of wholesome, well rounded goodness that will have anyone longing for purity watching this for their fix years to come. I probably would not have given such a high mark in the 90's (who knows) but today its a crystal clear breath of fresh air.. I loved this film and the actors all seem to be having a great time on the set.. In short this is a movie that can be picked up and put down with a good feeling afterwords.