This is actually pretty good. There are many worthwhile acting performances. Chris Kattan, of course, as the brothers. Eleanor Threatt as Nurse Nancy starts out mean but really shows compassion for the patients in this place. Joshua Norman as one of the big orderlies is the same but on a lesser scale. Several actors playing patients also give distinctive performances and I'm sorry I don't remember any of their names. One in particular is Ted/Fred's roommate and is obsessed with books and movies. Another does a nearly perfect Rain Man. And then there is the brains behind the escape plan. And let's not forget Brooke Anna Leedy as the obviously sane Dolores, who shouldn't be where she is.
The actors playing Fred's family also do a good job. You really have to like all of them.
Jack Hays as Mr. Philbrook is a fine combination of mean and charming.
I especially liked the classical music playing in Fred's car.
One major disappointment for me was Jason Padgett as Mr. Greene. He is just mean with no redeeming qualities, and nothing more than a cartoon.
Sure, the situation is crazy. But once the premise is established, you can take it where you want to, and this movie does so admirably. What the movie accomplishes more than anything else is to drive home the importance of putting family ahead of other priorities. A secondary goal is to make it clear that family does not necessarily mean relatives.
I had a good time.
The actors playing Fred's family also do a good job. You really have to like all of them.
Jack Hays as Mr. Philbrook is a fine combination of mean and charming.
I especially liked the classical music playing in Fred's car.
One major disappointment for me was Jason Padgett as Mr. Greene. He is just mean with no redeeming qualities, and nothing more than a cartoon.
Sure, the situation is crazy. But once the premise is established, you can take it where you want to, and this movie does so admirably. What the movie accomplishes more than anything else is to drive home the importance of putting family ahead of other priorities. A secondary goal is to make it clear that family does not necessarily mean relatives.
I had a good time.