This was a great movie when I was a kid, and was happy to share it with my own kids when they were small some 35 years later. I think a film that can be shared from generation to generation like that qualifies it as a classic.
I never saw the original release but saw it as a kid on its re-release to theaters around 1975. I thought it was hilarious then. Yes, it looks a little dated now, but what film that is almost 50 years old doesn't. I think my favorite character was the dog, Charlie. He was just too cute, and the way he could perk his ears up on command. He had as much expression as any of the actors! The special effects for the time were quite good - and garnered a Oscar nomination for special effects. My favorite part as a kid was the flying car. AMP did this 7 years before "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" came out in 1968.
Fred McMurray is extremely adept as his portrayal of the clichéd absent-minded professor. It would have been easy for the part to come off as an almost cartoon caricature. But he makes it seem realistic and believable. I'm impressed at his range of acting talent - as in his classic film noir "Double Indemnity" to this lighthearted comedy. I also think Keenan Wynn is very good as loan shark Alonzo Hawk.
While my kids enjoyed this when they were small, they would probably consider it "lame" now as teenagers. But I still believe this is a great family film for the whole family.
I never saw the original release but saw it as a kid on its re-release to theaters around 1975. I thought it was hilarious then. Yes, it looks a little dated now, but what film that is almost 50 years old doesn't. I think my favorite character was the dog, Charlie. He was just too cute, and the way he could perk his ears up on command. He had as much expression as any of the actors! The special effects for the time were quite good - and garnered a Oscar nomination for special effects. My favorite part as a kid was the flying car. AMP did this 7 years before "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" came out in 1968.
Fred McMurray is extremely adept as his portrayal of the clichéd absent-minded professor. It would have been easy for the part to come off as an almost cartoon caricature. But he makes it seem realistic and believable. I'm impressed at his range of acting talent - as in his classic film noir "Double Indemnity" to this lighthearted comedy. I also think Keenan Wynn is very good as loan shark Alonzo Hawk.
While my kids enjoyed this when they were small, they would probably consider it "lame" now as teenagers. But I still believe this is a great family film for the whole family.