Through it all, Murray smiles and forges ahead, but his big riffs have been edited down to frantic bursts of mugging.
Meatballs (1979)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:28
Fresh:20
Rotten:8
Average Rating:6.2/10
Runtime: 1 hr 34 mins
Genre: Comedies
Synopsis: Bill Murray stars as Tripper, the nutty leader (and trainer) of a motley crew of camp counselors. But Tripper proves to be more than just a wild and wacky leader, as he takes a special interest in... Bill Murray stars as Tripper, the nutty leader (and trainer) of a motley crew of camp counselors. But Tripper proves to be more than just a wild and wacky leader, as he takes a special interest in Rudy, an insecure camper. Thought for the day: "It Just Doesn't Matter!" Directed by Ivan Reitman, who went on to helm such hits as TWINS and GHOSTBUSTERS. [More]
Starring: Bill Murray, Harvey Atkin, Kate Lynch, Russ Banham
Starring: Bill Murray, Harvey Atkin, Kate Lynch, Russ Banham, Kristine DeBell
Director: Ivan Reitman
Director: Ivan Reitman
Screenwriter: Janis Allen, Len Blum
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Reviews for Meatballs
Bill Murray is the only reason to see this film. His high energy and sensitive acting abilities take this cliche film out of the ordinary and give it the style that did not appear in the script or the direction.
It's difficult to come up with a more cliche situation for a summer pic than a summer camp, where all the characters and plot turns are readily imaginable. That makes director Ivan Reitman's accomplishment all the more noteworthy.
...ultimately just not able to live up to its inexplicable reputation as a minor cult classic.
Murray has been funnier and far more authoritative during his career, but he was never this joyfully floppy again. Meatballs is the crowning of his doofus glory and a great testament to his once improvisational appeal.
you don't mind the lack of structure, especially since it's delivered by a good-natured and good-humored young cast
Camp counsellor Tripper (Murray) is a John Belushi clone whose 'charisma' dominates the film's standard wackiness and sentimental story (of a kid who doesn't fit).
Meatballs works because Bill Murray's talents as an actor and comedian.
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April 28, 2006:
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The Hollywood Reporter informs us that likable lug Luke Wilson ("The Wendell Baker Story") is in final negotiations to star in Ivan Reitman's "Super Ex."... More...
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