| Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) | Release Date: July 26, 1991 | CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION | ||
|
Positive:
8
Mixed:
8
Negative:
3
|
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Critic Reviews
Life Stinks will never stand with the classics -- it's basically a diversion -- but its plea for economic equality is well taken. And Brooks, after years of lousy movies, finally seems back on sure footing. [27 July 1991, p.C3]
The script may be a fantasy about late-19th-century American poverty, derived more from old movies than fresh observations. But at least Brooks doesn't sweep the subject under the rug, and just enough of his jokes sting. [26 July 1991, p.20]
Often annoyingly vulgar and crude, Life Stinks is partly redeemed by Brooks's good intentions. He and his associates have attempted, sometimes with great success, sometimes not, to illustrate the difference between decency and deceit as well as the painfully thin line that separates pleasure and happiness from degradation and despair.
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The film just has no edge, that's all. Brooks lets it go maudlin in the first half-hour or so, and for the balance we're left wondering what ever happened to the guy who made Blazing Saddles. [29 July 1991, p.C1]
Brooks has his moments. His facial expressions and body language are often funny and his delivery usually impeccable. But as a director, he doesn't keep the pace even or achieve any semblance of balance between humor and poignancy. [27 July 1991, p.5D]
Mel Brooks manages some richly funny scenes that are spoiled by excessive gags. [27 July 1991]
To be charitable, the film's point of view is consistent, and there's a clever bit (very late) involving construction equipment.
There isn't however, even a fourth-cousin to a laugh in this very strange public suicide. [29 July 1991, p.4D]
For the most part, Life Stinks is about as far from art - or even simple entertainment - as you can get. And if I may be forgiven a small joke that's as true as it is obvious, most of the time Life Stinks stinks. [30 July 1991, p.E1]
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