"Unfortunately, Not One of My Favorites." (Not a Spoiler)

Rating: Null/10 (2 August 2004)

I have a great deal of respect for Robert Altman, who directed this
piece; I'm a big fan of most of his work. Therefore it's difficult for
me to submit an unfavorable comment in reference to this particular
film, which is thought of by most as one of his finest. Unfortunately, I
find myself in the minority.
I saw it for the first time about midway through the exceptionally long
run of the television series, of which I am a huge fan. I've been told
more than once that my intense dislike of the film stems from having
seen and grown accustomed to the TV show first. This is simply not true,
I've forced myself to watch the movie a number of times and I am still
not impressed.
The most distinct feature that bothers me about the movie is the
casting, which is a bizarre phenomenon considering the fact that I'm a
fan of nearly every single primary cast member. It just seemed as though
most of the principal characters were taken out of their element in
terms of the strengths of their talents.
Take for instance Robert Duvall in the role of Frank Burns. How often,
before or sense has he tried to play a no holds barred nincompoop? I
don't know, but in my opinion this wasn't a successful attempt, in my
opinion he's simply too intelligent. I had the same problem with Sally
Kellerman. I just don't see her as a comedic nymphomaniac nitwit nurse.
Her portrayal of "Hot lips" actually seemed to come across more like
what I perceive to be her true self, sexy and serious.
On the other side of the coin, the remainder of the surgeons from the
Swamp, Donald Sutherland (Hawkeye) in particular, came across as
complete idiots. This I attribute as much to bad writing as improper
casting. Looking back on it, history proves that Sutherland has a gift
for playing eccentric characters. With this in mind he might have been
wonderful in the role of Frank Burns.
Thank goodness they didn't try to make the TV series with Gary Burghoff,
(Radar), talking in anticipation over everything that was being said to
him. I'll say this; if I'd seen the movie first that might have been a
little less irritating, it certainly couldn't have been worse.
If you haven't already seen this movie then certainly don't avoid it
based on a my lack of enthusiasm. There are still enough diehard fans
out there to keep *MASH* on the list as very significant cult classic
movie. For me, that's says enough when deciding