Hopscotch

1980, Comedy/Drama, 1h 44m

30 Reviews 2,500+ Ratings

critics consensus

Boosted by a deftly underplayed performance from Walter Matthau, Hopscotch is a Cold War spy caper with comic bounce. Read critic reviews

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Hopscotch Photos

Hopscotch (1980)

Hopscotch (1980)

Hopscotch (1980)

Hopscotch (1980)

Hopscotch (1980)

Hopscotch (1980)

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Movie Info

When CIA operative Miles Kendig (Walter Matthau) deliberately lets KGB agent Yaskov (Herbert Lom) get away, his boss (Ned Beatty) threatens to retire him. Kendig beats him to it, however, destroying his own records and traveling to Austria where he begins work on a memoir that will expose all his former agency's covert practices. The CIA catches wind of the book and sends other agents after him, initiating a frenetic game of cat and mouse that spans the globe.

Rating:

R
Genre:

Comedy, Drama
Original Language:

English
Director:

Ronald Neame
Producer:

Ely Landau, Edie Landau
Release Date (Theaters):

Sep 26, 1980 limited
Release Date (Streaming):

Aug 20, 2002
Runtime:

1h 44m
Distributor:

AVCO Embassy Pictures

Cast & Crew

Walter Matthau
Miles Kendig, James Butler, Mr. Hannaway, Leonard Ross

Glenda Jackson
Isobel

Sam Waterston
Cutter

Ned Beatty
Myerson

Herbert Lom
Yaskov

David Matthau
Ross

Show all Cast & Crew

News & Interviews for Hopscotch

Now Streaming: The Theory of Everything,The Great Beauty, and More

Critic Reviews for Hopscotch

All Critics (30) | Top Critics (14) | Fresh (24) | Rotten (6)

Full Review… Gene Siskel Chicago Tribune

Full Review… Harper Barnes St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Full Review… Michael Blowen Boston Globe

Full Review… Joseph Gelmis Newsday

Full Review… Sumner Rand Orlando Sentinel

Full Review… Michael Maza Arizona Republic

Full Review… Matt Brunson Film Frenzy

Full Review… Malcolm Johnson Hartford Courant

Full Review… Michael Lasky Bay Area Reporter

Full Review… Jesús Fernández Santos El Pais (Spain)

Full Review… James Plath PopMatters

Full Review… Rich Cline Shadows on the Wall

View All Critic Reviews (30)

Audience Reviews for Hopscotch

May 23, 2021

The sum of implausible scenarios and humor that sometimes misfires makes this a disappointing viewing. Matthau and Jackson, though, are, as always, fun to watch.

Aldo G Super Reviewer
Oct 25, 2013

Though it's aged a bit awkwardly in an era where espionage films are expected to deliver thrills, Hopscotch remains an amusing comedy bolstered considerably by the presence of Walter Matthau.

Isaac H Super Reviewer
Sep 15, 2013

Its all very silly, but still entertaining. I can't help but enjoy something that makes our intelligence organizations look like a bunch of bumbling idiots. Matthau is great, as is the score which consists of random Mozart, Puccini, and Rossini selections.

Alec B Super Reviewer
Dec 09, 2012

Filmed in a straightforward yet whimsical style that bypasses action in favor of clever plotting, "Hopscotch" is one of the better films of its kind. There are chases, but they occur mainly off-screen. What we see are dialogues in offices instead of actual action (excluding a hilarious scene where a house is unwittingly shot up), which makes the film feel more professional. Walter Matthau is solid in his role and handles the comedic elements of his character quite well, and Sam Waterston, Ned Beatty and Glenda Jackson provide adequate support. "Hopscotch" is light on thrills, but it's delightful and easy to swallow.

Stephen E Super Reviewer

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