Once Upon a Crime...

I love this movie. I'm very good at spotting the flaws in a plot and this one had none. As a mystery, it works very well and makes sense. It is also very funny. Richard Lewis and Sean Young are quite goofy but I enjoyed them. I also loved the way George Hamilton says, "It's what I do." The locations are very beautiful, especially outside the Monte Carlo casino at night.

You take a pleasant location, a decent premise, hire a comedy stud to direct and cast a bunch of popular late 80s/early 90s comedic talent to star in it. Bingo. You got yourself a fun, funny movie. Sure, John Candy, Richard Lewis and James Belushi are all mostly doing their own shtick, but if you're an 80s college kid these guys are gold. And they all get decent lines. As for being able to see Sean Young and Cybil Shepherd in the same movie, well, it's almost like the casting director was fulfilling my dreams. If you can watch that scene with Cybil on the hotel bed in her black negligee and still feel like you didn't get your money's worth, you are made of stone. George Hamilton was a nice touch. As was Giancarlo Giannini. No swearing or nudity, either. Which is a nice surprise every once in a while.

Of course I would have to give this film 10 out of 10 as my uncle was the main screenplay writer of Once upon a Crime. Rodolfo Sonego wrote screenplays for over 50 years living in Italy. He was a great story teller and someone suggested that he put his stories into writing. So Rodolfo Sonego did. If you check out his biography, you can see the number of movies that have been made in Italy. Alberto Sordie was the main actor that starred in his stories. My uncle visited Australia and my town, in 1968 to check out locations for "A girl in Australia" and created a great movie about a proxy bride after the second world war. You can see his humor in all his movies. I found a copy of this movie on DVD recently. GREAT

I love Monte Carlo and thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I thought everyone was very good. I was not familiar with Richard Lewis, I thought he made his character (Julian Peters) very personable, funny and attractive. Sean Young was very good as the befuddled rejected girl with a heart of gold. George Hamilton was charming and the perfect Italian gigolo. John Candy has a field day as the bon vivant. James Belushi is hysterical as a total jerk. Cybill Shepard gave a very sweet performance as a nice vulnerable ignored housewife. Delightful ensemble cast. Lots of talent, clever script, lots going on and beautiful locations. Just a nice pick me up for a dreary day. Especially in the winter when a trip to Europe is not anywhere on your horizon.

John Candy's Performance in Once Upon A Crime is possibly his best ever. It's been My Favourite Movie since it came out. I Spent 5 Years searching for it. That's How Good It Is. If You Disagree, well, that's your opinion. Enjoy The Movie.

This movie has an all star cast, John Candy, Richard Lewis, Ornella Mutti, Cybill Shepard, and Jim Belushi to name a few, run amuck in Monte Carlo, as well as some other beautiful European locations, and is very funny. The trouble that everyone gets in when they lie to protect themselves is great, and I highly recommend that you see this movie, it is well worth it! John Candy is in top form in Once Upon A Crime, as is everyone else! If you and your family are looking for a great family film, this is your ticket. Everyone gives stellar performances, great acting, great comedy, and great timing, which is rare in movies these days. Great plot, great mystery, (which I love anyways) and overall, well worth the money you spend on it. So get the kids, grab some popcorn, juice, or tea, or sodas, and enjoy the show!!!!