MovieChat Forums > Catch-22 (1970) Discussion > I just don't know

I just don't know

posted 18 years ago by JPWindsor1
3 replies | jump to latest

I'm a huge fan of the book, so when I found out that they made a movie I searched non-stop for like two weeks and finally found a copy on DVD. I was really excited because I'm a big Alan Arkin fan and the rest of the cast seemed perfect. So I started watching it and there was just something weird about it. I mean, I guess it was ok, but there was just something weird about it. The actors seemed to be overexaggerating every one of their lines when they didn't even need to be. It wasn't acted the way it was written and it really sort of destroyed the movie. Arkin was a good Yossarian, but even he could have done better. They only character I really liked was Major Danby... and even he could have been better. I wouldn't go as far as saying that the movie was bad, but I was definitely dissappointed. I think it's about time they do a remake. Bottom line, I give it a B-.

[–] crazyj89 18 years ago

I don't think you could do the book justice unless you did a really long mini-series like the one they did with Pride and Prejudice a while ago. There's just so much you can put into two hours, and you can't fit everything in the book in. You should re-watch it; the first time I didn't like it, but the second time, I enjoyed it.

[–] budt3 17 years ago

Yes Crazyj
There is way too much stuff in the book to try to get it into a movie.
That is oftimes the problem with taking a good book and trying to make a good movie. what do you include and what do you not include?
Yes indeed, rewatch it. It is one of those movies that show you something new each time.

Be yourself, everyone else is taken

[–] nationalazkaban2 17 years ago

I agree. the movie is much funnier after you've watched it for the first time. It really is halarious, though...just give it another chance!