Hopscotch

Hopscotch (1980)

A lightweight, enjoyable entertainment about an aging spy who has fun going renegade in his final weeks.

I have to admit I liked the movie for the congeniality of Walter Matthau. While not as zany (and original) as the much earlier "Charade" (also with Matthau), "Hopscotch" shares a lot of the feel of that movie, with villains who aren't quite villainous, and a leading man who is part bumbling and part a step ahead of the game. The supporting cast is fun, though just barely--both of the key CIA guys after our hero are good actors at their best, but they are not at their best here, especially Sam Waterston in a wishy-washy role. Most peculiar of all, and almost scotch-taped into both the plot and the casting, is very British and very different actress Glenda Jackson, a former spy who chips in as needed, and plays a growing role as things proceed.

British director Ronald Neame (who directed "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" and "The Odessa File") is completely in charge here, making the most of a middling script that uses well worn or barely surprising twists and gags to keep a potentially violent espionage film from ever leaving light comedy. Because in fact the pace is consistent and the filming (under the eye of Arthur Ibbeteson, also British) is completely fine, if nothing to write home about. In fact, this feels like high budget British television, which is something different than pure Hollywood. Or it might feel like 1960 Hollywood widescreen with minor updates--not including the 1960s Hollywood star, Mr. Matthau.

But it is Matthau's movie, fortunately. He can be a convincing bumpkin and a warm hearted fellow, and he can be clever beneath his seeming simplicity. All of this is an advantage here, and you are completely on his side as he thwarts, with winks and tricks, the supposedly superior forces of a full press CIA assault. Expect some fun, and you won't be disappointed.

"Miles Kendig" (Walter Matthau) is a calm and experienced senior agent for the CIA in Europe who is liked and respected by everyone in the intelligence business. Everybody but his arrogant new boss in Washington D.C. named "G. P. Myerson" (Ned Beatty) that is. And because of this personal animosity Myerson has for him Miles is fired from his current position and reassigned to a menial desk job. Naturally, this doesn't sit well with Miles who quits his position and-to showcase the total incompetence of his boss-decides to write a tell-all book which discloses some of the failed and scandalous activities Myerson directed on his way up the ladder. Needless to say, this doesn't please Myerson at all who subsequently issues an order to kill Miles before he can do any further damage to his political career. The only problem is that Miles is much smarter that Myerson ever realized and knows how to game the system only too well. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this was a pretty good spy film which not only had bits and pieces of comedy here and there but also managed to keep my attention from start-to-finish due to the multitude of twists and turns throughout. Likewise, Walther Matthau put in a very fine performance in the process as well. In any case, I enjoyed this film and have rated it accordingly. Above average.

The most impressive thing about this movie is the way the director manages the tone of this film. The balance between comedy and drama is handled with great aplomb. This is best in encapsulated in the Myerson character. His ineptness is clearly the comic relief yet he also is trying to hunt down Kendig. I had seen other films where Matthau was in a supporting role like Mirage and Charade but here he is the star and he carries the film perfectly. The new Criterion Collection DVD has a very interesting interviews that add immensely to the appreciation of the film. 8/10.

I don't think a movie like this could get made today. Funny, clever and understated, it's exactly the kind of movie that does not lend itself well to Burger King merchandising or witty catch-phrases (although "I'd say he has you well and truly by the short hairs" comes close).

Instead, this is simply a funny, charming and romantic spy thriller that's all about Walter Matthau's great acting. As others have said, this is a movie I can see again and again for the great acting and hilarious moments. Thankfully, it's finally available on DVD.

Walter Matthau's Sense of Verbal Easiness and Physical Slouching is Showcased in this Breezy, Easy Going Spy Comedy. The Laughs are Subtle most of the Time Lending itself to Situations and Dry Displays of Visual and Verbal Offhandedness.

It's a Fun Film, especially if You Like Mattheau. The Supporting Cast all do Good work. Ned Beatty, Sam Waterston, Herbert Lom, and Glenda Jackson all Play Off of the Mattheau Schickt.

It Moves at a Fast Pace where there is No Time for Fancy Frills and Thrills, it gets its Energy from anything but the Spy Movies it is Satirizing. There is Virtually No Resemblance to a "Bond" Movie or even a "Flint". It's Style is more like a TV Show where Everything is Bright, Colorful, Staged, Minimal, and Unpretentious.

Overall, it is Witty Enough and Engaging Enough to be Entertaining for the Majority of Moviegoers. Although, it got Mediocre Reviews Initially, the Movie has Gained more Acceptance Over the Years.

The Globe Hopping Helps the Postcard Look and is Definitely Worth a Watch for Undiscriminating Fans of the Spy Genre, Fluffy Take-Offs, and those who just want to Fly through a Couple of Hours with very little to Tax the Viewer. It's almost Therapeutic in its Zen Like Naturalness.