Noises Off... (1992)

Noises Off. . . is the film version of Michael Frayn's play, but before you write this movie off, hear me out. I know lots of plays are boring and wordy and absolutely painful to get through, if you can get through them at all. Noises Off. . . is not that type of play.Whether you see it onstage—with a good cast and timing—or rent the film, this is an absolutely hilarious show. Use the bathroom beforehand, because it's one of the most side-splittingly funny films ever. The key to a fantastic execution of this quick, witty script is an excellent cast and a director who can create impeccable timing. Peter Bogdanavich and his all-star case have made a flawless movie.Michael Caine stars as the proverbial shouting, hair-pulling, unreachable director of a play. His assistant is the nervous, mousy Julie Hagerty, who can never get a word in. The actors in his show are Carol Burnett, Denholm Elliot, Marilu Henner, Christopher Reeve, John Ritter, and Nicollette Sheridan. They all flesh out their archetypes beautifully, with Carol as the know-it-all, Marilu as the classic diva, Chris as the well-meaning idiot, and Nicollette as the bimbo who's only been cast because she looks good in her underwear.The first part of the film is the rehearsal for the show, and while there are many stops and starts, the audience can see that the cast is nowhere near ready for their performance. Then, the tables are turned —literally—and the audience is placed backstage. The same play is run through, but this time, we see the never-ending drama that occurs backstage in every production known to man. It's hilarious for non-theater people, but even more funny and true-to-life for those who have ever dabbled in the arts.I can't recommend this comedy highly enough; even if you don't normally like plays, give it a chance. It's so adorable and flawlessly executed. I guarantee it'll change the way you think of theater—unless you're in that world yourself. In that case, it'll remind you of every show you've ever been in.

This is one of the best comedies I have ever seen. I don't remember to laugh so hard at another movie (except Begnini's scene from Night on Earth). Luckily I saw it on DVD, because in the second half of the movie (especially the last two shows scenes) I laughed so hard that I had to stop the movie several times (laughing so hard that my tears were flowing). Highly recommended, there are no movies like that anymore (unfortunately).I don't know why they don't make anymore comedies who cam make you laugh :) . I personally don't remember to see anything like this one for at least ten years (maybe twenty).

I remember seeing a 'classic' British theatrical comedy as a teenager in London, 'No Sex Please We're British' in the late 1970's and my vague recollection was it was rather good fun and despite the farcical nature of the play; usually an anathema to a cynical 14 year old; I laughed. More than once. The live action added so much to the experience. 'Noises Off' is a film about the staging of a similar production but we get to see the farce behind the farce. Or at least that appears to be the intention. Unfortunately I did not laugh once. I smirked and appreciated the talents of the actors involved. The cast is on the whole pretty good (Carol Burnett, Michael Caine, Denholm Elliott, Julie Hagerty, Marilu Henner, Mark Linn-Baker, Christopher Reeve, John Ritter, Nicollette Sheridan, Kate Rich) and all involved do a more than passable job with the script. This comment may appear contradictory to the overall summary I have given, but I am truly baffled as to the "tears of laughter", "you'll laugh from beginning to end", "I could not stop laughing during the entire movie!", " Completely hysterical!" and other hyperbole used by many of the 'critics' on this site about this film.I can see how the original theatrical production would have worked as a live performance and the complexity of action would have been very funny on the stage. But as a film? While it is indeed a well written piece of theatre, as a comedy film, it looses so much in translation, it just isn't that good. So, worth seeing? Yes - but do not expect too much. If you buy this DVD, on a comedy scale, expect it to be amusing at best.

One of the best comedies of '92! I remember seeing this movie when I was nine years old and I still remember every part of it today. this movie has such a good cast that includes Michael Caine, Nicollete Sheridan, John Ritter, Christopher Reeves, and many others. This is Michael Cains, John Ritters, and Christopher Reeves best movie team up. Nicollete Sheridan is such a blonde in the movie, When everyone else is winging it she is the only one who is sticking to the script. You will laugh as soon as the movie begins until it ends. So many funny parts! Doors and Sardines. Its a movie that you'll just love to watch over and over! There is so much that happens on stage and offstage you'll be surprised if they even make it through opening night. I recommend seeing this movie if you have a theater concentration in college.