A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Willesden
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Willesden

Movie spotlight

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Willesden

2007
Movie
70 min
English

The funny side of a veteran nightclub comedy team with a long list of females conquests is poisoned during a live performance.

Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes71%
Google Users76%
Director: Richard LesterGenres: Comedy, Musical, Romance

Plot Summary

In ancient Rome, a cunning slave named Pseudolus dreams of buying his freedom. He devises a series of increasingly outlandish schemes to acquire the funds, often involving tricking his naive master, Hero, and dealing with a cast of eccentric characters including a retired gladiator, a corrupt legionary, and a domineering wife. The plot is a chaotic romp filled with mistaken identities, elaborate deceptions, and musical numbers as Pseudolus races against time to achieve his ultimate goal.

Critical Reception

The film adaptation of the Broadway musical 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum' received a mixed to positive reception. While its bawdy humor and energetic performances were often praised, some critics found the film to be less successful than its stage counterpart, citing pacing issues and a dated comedic style. Audience reception was generally favorable, appreciating its slapstick comedy and musical numbers.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its energetic performances and often chaotic humor.

  • The musical numbers are generally considered a highlight.

  • Some critics found the humor to be a bit too broad or the pacing uneven.

Google audience: Google users generally enjoyed the film, appreciating its comedic performances and musical elements. Some found the humor to be a bit dated, but overall it was viewed as an entertaining romp.

Fun Fact

The film was shot on location in Yugoslavia, standing in for ancient Rome.

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