Classic , but I like more sophisticated movies

Rating: 8/10 (26 May 2013)

When I think of 80's comedies I usually think about movies like " Police academy" , "Trading places" , "Back to school " , " National lampoons vacation" , "Beverly Hills cop" or "Ghostbusters" . Somehow I didn't got to see "Caddyshack" until last year. This movie has been called on of the greatest comedy movies of 80's and beyond. To be honest I think the movie is a little bit overrated ( probably because of the cult status it has). I didn't enjoyed it as much as I expected . I would rather watch one more time one of the movies I've mentioned above.
It doesn't mean I don't like the movie at all. The problem for me is that a lot of the jokes fall flat. There is plenty of "low" humor , over-the-top humor and at times also quite vulgar humor. I think I like a little bit more sophisticated humor. On the other hand I like the fact that this movie is not politically correct . I laughed hard at some of the jokes that will be probably offensive to other people ( For example – Rodney Dangerfield tells his Asian friend " This is a rather exclusive club , so don't tell anyone that you're a Jew" ) . The parody of "Jaws " is priceless. Gunga Allunga. Overall , I had good time , but it's not necessarily my type of comedy.
There is also a little problem with the screenplay. Danny Noonan (Michael O'Keefe) is supposed to be the main hero of the movie , yet he ends as a supporting character. He isn't even on the movie poster ! There is a love story between him and Maggie (Sarah Holcomb) that I've found rather boring and unnecessary . One could wonder wouldn't it be better for the movie to get rid of his character . Most of the jokes are otherwise provided by the so-called supporting characters that obviously and easily steal the whole show. I like the fact that the movie feels improvised , but the writers should make the story a little bit more focused.
Acting is definitively a strong side of "Caddyshack" . Chevy Chase , Bill Murray , Rodney Dangerfield and Ted Knight – each one of these actors fits his role PERFECTLY. All those characters are very charismatic and memorable. Chase plays Ty Webb - a rich and lazy guy with a Zen philosophy of life. Dangerfield plays Al Czervik – obnoxious , rich businessman from Czech Republic who's got no taste whatsoever. Murray plays Carl Spackler – retarded gardener who's trying to kill pesky ( but cute) gopher . Oh , by the way the obviously mechanic gopher was created by George Lucas. Last but not least Knight plays Judge Smails – hysterical and arrogant owner of the golf club. Other actors also give fine performances. It was also good to see Cindy Morgan (Lacey Underall) naked.
The soundtrack is great . Kenny Loggins songs are catchy , especially the main song – " I'm alright " . Other artists are : Eddie Cochran "Summertime blues" ,Earth Wind and Fire" Boogie Wonderland" , Hilly Michaels "Something on your mind" , Journey "Any way you want it ", The Paul Collins Beat "There she goes" , Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky "Waltz of the Flowers - Nutcracker Ballet" and Bill Murray (!)"Ballad of the Green Berets". All those songs are great as well. The original music made by Johnny Mandel is very jazzy and nice. The musical scenes are beautifully choreographed and the music is excellent.
This movie is better than any movie mad by Adam Sandler or Farrelly brothers , but I like other 80's comedies better. Still , if you like this type of humor you will probably enjoy yourself. I give it 8/10.