Hopscotch

CIA agent, deemed an over-the-hill insubordinate by his new boss, quits and threatens to write his memoirs, exposing the department's dirty tricks to all the nations. Callow screenplay by Brian Garfield and Bryan Forbes (adapted from Garfield's book) was criticized at the time for turning the original, darker spy material into a lightweight affair retooled for its stars, Walter Matthau and Glenda Jackson (reteamed from 1978's "House Calls"); but if the critics were implying that the film was a comedy, they were way off the mark. Matthau and Jackson once again show a nice rapport, but the sharp-tongued dialogue is sniggering and pushy instead of funny, particularly a 'fag' joke that was de rigueur for the early '80s. The film looks terrible in dull browns and olive greens, moves sluggishly, and is filled with characters one would otherwise avoid. *1/2 from ****

I think many of us were really surprised to see Criterion release Hopscotch, but glad, were all glad they did. Here Walter Matthau is reprimanded for allowing a wanted KGB agent to walk. Matthau's integrity is too precious to take guff from even the CIA. Subsequently, he does not take the news of being reassigned to the job of file clerk very well so he begins to write his memories, leaking secret information to the opposition. The ensuing chase is slapstick, a Spy vs. Spy comedy with great international locations. Frankly, using the cold war as a catalyst for comedy was long overdue by 1980. A great travel piece.

I saw this movie when it was released twenty-four years ago and I am happy to say that it has not aged at all. It is just as funny and delightful today as it was then. "Hopscotch" is a diamond in the rough and a real gem. Walter Matthau plays an experienced CIA agent, Miles Kendig, who is sentence to a desk job by his idiot boss, for disciplinary reasons. If you are a Walter Matthau fan then this is a must see movie. If you are not familiar with Matthau then `Hopscotch' will be a great introduction to one of the most talented actors in Hollywood history. Even though `Hopscotch' is based from a novel the role of Miles Kendig must have been written for Walter Matthau. He was brilliant! I certainly don't want to over shadow the terrific supporting cast. Ned Beatty and Glanda Jackson were superb. You will also get to see a very young Sam Waterston. Pay special attention to CIA agent `Ross' played my Matthau's son David.

I remember watching Hopscotch all those years ago and it had its funny moments for sure. Ned Beatty, who gained famed in Deliverance in the early 70s, almost stole the movie for sure. Walter Matthau was impressive for sure outwitting the authorities.

As I was sitting and watching this film I couldn't help but think how lucky we were to be able to enjoy so many films starring Walter Matthau. He was an original, and how fortunate he evolved beyond a supporting actor to a full-fledged movie star. Some actors ACT funny. Mattau WAS funny. And it is watching Matthau that makes this film enjoyable. It's a mildly clever spy plot, with Matthau playing the fed-up CIA agent that decides to write a tell-all book and then disappear. Along the way he reignites what was an apparently long-standing love affair with Glenda Jackson. Although Jackson definitely plays second-fiddle here to Matthau, I was reminded how much I once enjoyed that fine British actress. Sam Waterston, Ned Beatty, and Herbert Lom each do their part in supporting roles. And the film comes together nicely...not totally unpredictably...but it's pleasing. Perhaps not one for the DVD shelf, but one to savor...at least once.

I think many of us were really surprised to see Criterion release Hopscotch, but glad, were all glad they did. Here Walter Matthau is reprimanded for allowing a wanted KGB agent to walk. Matthau's integrity is too precious to take guff from even the CIA. Subsequently, he does not take the news of being reassigned to the job of file clerk very well so he begins to write his memories, leaking secret information to the opposition. The ensuing chase is slapstick, a Spy vs. Spy comedy with great international locations. Frankly, using the cold war as a catalyst for comedy was long overdue by 1980. A great travel piece.

I saw this movie when it was released twenty-four years ago and I am happy to say that it has not aged at all. It is just as funny and delightful today as it was then. "Hopscotch" is a diamond in the rough and a real gem. Walter Matthau plays an experienced CIA agent, Miles Kendig, who is sentence to a desk job by his idiot boss, for disciplinary reasons. If you are a Walter Matthau fan then this is a must see movie. If you are not familiar with Matthau then `Hopscotch' will be a great introduction to one of the most talented actors in Hollywood history. Even though `Hopscotch' is based from a novel the role of Miles Kendig must have been written for Walter Matthau. He was brilliant! I certainly don't want to over shadow the terrific supporting cast. Ned Beatty and Glanda Jackson were superb. You will also get to see a very young Sam Waterston. Pay special attention to CIA agent `Ross' played my Matthau's son David.