It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World
It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World

Movie spotlight

It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World

1987
Movie
100 min
Cantonese

Bill, a TV news reporter, tries to make ends meet to support himself, his wife and three daughters in urban Hong Kong. In the mist of the misadventures of Bill and his family, their luck and lives ultimately change when Bill's wife suddenly wins the lottery.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes78%
Metacritic61/100
Google Users84%
Director: Stanley KramerGenres: Comedy, Adventure, Family

Plot Summary

A group of strangers, after witnessing a car crash, learn from the dying driver about a hidden stash of money. They all race against each other, and the police, to find the treasure, leading to a series of chaotic and comedic events. The film culminates in an epic, slapstick chase involving almost everyone in the ensemble cast.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World' was a commercial success and received mixed to positive reviews. Critics praised its ambitious scope, star-studded cast, and its sheer comedic energy, though some found its length and slapstick elements overwhelming. Over time, it has been recognized as a landmark comedy and a quintessential example of the epic ensemble comedy genre.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its massive ensemble cast and ambitious comedic scale.

  • Acknowledged for its non-stop physical gags and chaotic energy.

  • Some critics found its length and repetitive humor to be a drawback.

Google audience: Audiences generally loved the film's hilarious antics and the sheer number of comedic stars crammed into one movie. Many appreciate its classic, over-the-top humor and the wild goose chase narrative.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for 6 Academy Awards, including Best Original Song, Best Sound, Best Film Editing, Best Art Direction, and Best Cinematography. It won for Best Sound Effects.

Fun Fact

The film's iconic 'Wacky Races'-style climax, featuring numerous vehicles converging on the beach, was filmed on location at Rustic Canyon Beach in Malibu, California, and took weeks to shoot due to the sheer number of vehicles and stunts involved.

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