Night At The Movies

The Man Who Knew Too Little (1997) (Warner Brothers)

Synopsis:
    Wallace Ritchie, an employee of a Blockbuster video store in the US, has travelled to the United Kigdom to visit his brother.  The visit was a surprise, and having previous plans, Wallace's brother gets him involved in a play called the Theater of Life, in which the audience (Wallace) is a participant in the events.  But Wallace gets the wrong information, and gets involved in an espionage case, all the while believing it is all a part of the play.

Availability:
    VHS:  Pan and Scan
    DVD

Cast/Crew:
Bill Murray                        Wallace Ritchie
        Ghostbusters
        Ghostbusters 2
        Groundhog Day
        What About Bob?
        Mad Dog and Glory
        Quick Change
        The Razor's Edge
        Caddyshack
        Scrooged

Alfred Molina                    Boris
        Maverick
        Ladyhawk

Miscellaneous:
    According to the DVD, much of Murray's dialogue and actions were ad-libbed.  There was direction, and much thought put into what would happen, but it was left up to Murray to say what he wanted to say and do what he wanted to do (I'm starting to sound like a Hammer rap).

MPAA Rating:
    PG some language, spy violence, adult situations

My Rating:
    While "What About Bob?" still tops my list for favorite Bill Murray movie, this one has come awfully close.  Murray plays his part for likeability -- and gullibility.  Wallace Ritchie is so naieve about what he is doing, it's almost impossible to believe that he fully thinks this is all a play, but it works.
****
J-R                Night at the Movies 1